Nepal America International Film Festival (9)

Festival start: 25 June 2026      Festival end: 28 June 2026

ABOUT FILM FESTIVAL:

An annual event to celebrate diverse cultures through cinema

Maryland – The Nepal America Film Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Maryland, is excited to announce the dates for the 2026 Nepal America International Film Festival (NAIFF). The festival will take place in Maryland from Thursday, June 25 to Sunday, June 28, 2026.

We are now accepting film submissions from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, animations, experimental works, and shorts. The festival will feature a diverse selection of films from Nepal, South Asia, the USA, and beyond. Special sections will include screenings from the Global Peace Film Festival in Florida, as well as a spotlight on films from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in the DMV Close-up Section.

NAIFF’s mission is to unite people from diverse cultures through the power of cinema. Since its inception in 2017, the festival has become a vital platform for global filmmakers, including those of Nepali origin, as well as for filmmakers from the USA and the broader international diaspora.

NAIFF warmly invites filmmakers from around the world to submit their films.

The film festival's jury committee, consisting of national and international film experts, will be responsible for selecting award recipients among the screened films. The committee announces various awards during the Closing and Award ceremony of the festival. Each participating film will be acknowledged and recognized by the film festival.

RULES & REGULATIONS:

1. Submitted films should have been made after January 2024.

2. Films in languages other than English must have subtitles in the English language.

3. Films that have previously been formally screened in theaters within the Washington, D.C. metro area or at festivals in the broader D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region will not be considered. Additionally, films that have been streamed on online platforms are not eligible.

4. Films of any length and genre are welcome, including features, documentaries, shorts, student films, series, and experimental films. We are especially keen on showcasing U.S. and World Premieres.

5. Films should be submitted along with a short introduction and a signed cover letter that encloses posters, synopses, bios, film stills, and other relevant materials.

6. All submitted films must be free from any legal disputes, and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for theatrical and virtual exhibitions. Films including unauthorized copyrighted material are ineligible.

7. If selected, NAIFF requests DCP (Digital Cinema Package) formats for theatrical screening based on the film festival venues.

8. NAIFF asks all filmmakers to commit to both live/in-person and digital/online screening of all films accepted into the Festival. Closed captions are encouraged for virtual screenings.

9. NAIFF will not cover expenses to and from the festival for the DCP or other incurred expenses. Submissions are accepted via Festhome only.

10. The Film Festival will not return entries or refund entry fees. Fees are waived for submissions from Nepal and the DMV Close-Up section.

11. NAIFF reserves the right to change any information contained in this document, including festival dates, programs, events, and venues, without further notice.

FILM SELECTION

1. The selection committee formed by NAIFF will choose the films.

2. Decisions on film selection made by the committee will be final.

3. Cinematic value and creativity will receive high consideration.

4. Selected films may be requested to provide publicity materials for the festival. NAIFF reserves the right to copy and use any publicity materials (photographs, film stills, trailers) for non-commercial promotional purposes and archival material.

5. NAIFF will not disclose the reason for a film not being selected.

6. Films submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Any submissions received after the deadline will not be reviewed for 2026 but may be forwarded to the selection pool for 2027.

Dates & Deadlines

Opening Date: November 15, 2025
Early Bird Deadline: December 31, 2025
Regular Deadline: February 15, 2026
Late Deadline: March 15, 2026
Extended Deadline: April 15, 2026
Notification Date: May 15, 2026

Submission Fees

Narrative/ Documentary feature: (over 40 min.)
Early Bird: $15.00
Regular Deadline: $25.00,
Late Deadline: $35.00
Extended Deadline: $55.00

Shorts: (under 40 min.)
Early Bird: $9.00,
Regular Deadline: $15.00,
Late Deadline: $25.00
Extended Deadline: $35.00