Big Apple Film Festival & Screenplay Competition (23)

Festival start: 11 May 2026      Festival end: 14 May 2026

BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL & SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

Celebrating 23 Years of Independent Film in the Heart of New York City

Big Apple Film Festival (BAFF) is a long-running NYC-based festival dedicated to showcasing innovative films and discovering bold new voices in screenwriting. Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s "Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals" and "Top 25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee," BAFF brings independent storytellers into direct connection with industry professionals.

WHY SUBMIT?

● Live NYC Theatrical Screenings with filmmaker Q&As

● Long list of critically acclaimed alumni films, including Academy-Award-Winning Alumni Projects including I'm Not a Robot and If Anything Happens I Love You, Academy-Award nominated projects such as Edith+Eddie and Feeling Through.
● Year-Round Virtual Networking and Mentorship — complimentary access for all submitters
● Alumni with Projects on Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Hulu, Disney+, and more
● Pitch and Network directly with agents, managers, producers and other industry reps through optional "Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum" registration
● Industry jurors include producers, directors and writers who have developed projects released by major studios, productions companies and streamers, including: Netflix, Paramount, Warner Bros, Lionsgate, HBO, Starz, Fox, ABC, Amazon, Apple TV, Starz, Hulu and many more...


AGENTS, MANAGERS & PRODUCERS PITCH FORUM (VIRTUAL EVENT)

Add-On: All Access Pass – Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum
Regular Price: $200 | Your Price: $130 with Film or Script Submission (35% discount)

Upgrade your festival experience with exclusive access to the Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum— a premium industry networking and pitching event that runs VIRTUALLY alongside the festival. This event gives you direct access to top-tier Hollywood agents, managers, producers and industry decision-makers.

WHAT THE ALL-ACCESS PASS INCLUDES:

Access to All live industry info sessions and Q&As with Hollywood agents, managers & producers at no additional cost. These sessions include Insider discussions on representation, packaging, and selling your work, as well as networking opportunities with reps, producers and fellow creatives.

PITCH SESSIONS: All Access Pass holders will receive priority access to register for small group pitch sessions with agents, managers & producers (NOTE: at this time, pitch session registration will ONLY be available to All Access Pass Holders). Registration will open in the spring.

⏳ 95% of pitch slots sold out last season — early access is key

Pitch your project. Build industry connections. Learn what reps are looking for.

✅ Submitters who choose this option will receive a code approximately two weeks before the event to redeem their prepaid All Access Pass.

✅ NOTE: All submitters who register for the Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum will automatically receive their All-Access Pass, even if their project is not selected for the festival.

Reserve your All Access Pass now — spots are limited, and pitch sessions fill up fast

PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE REPS FROM:

● The Gersh Agency
● Zero Gravity Management
● Innovative Artists
● Magnolia Entertainment
● WGA East
As well as producers, development executives, writers and industry professionals who have developed projects for:
● Netflix
●Universal
● Marvel
● 20th Television
● MarVista Entertainment
● Lionsgate
● AMC Networks
● Amazon MGM Studios
and more...

Last season approximately 14% of pitch session participants received script requests from participating agents and managers!

“Two of the agents I pitched requested my script. One called to discuss representation.” – Nate Bynum, screenwriter

PRODUCER'S NOTES
Submitters have the option to upgrade their film or script submission to include Producer's Notes. If this option is selected, the submitter will receive one page of notes from one professional accredited producer.

Participating producers include:

● Krushan Naik (producer of Oscar®-nominated film "Anuja")

● Emmy Award winning producer Ryan Cunningham (Paramount+, Hulu, Disney+, HBOmax)

● Crystal Holt (former Vice President of Series at 20th Television/Disney, previous Director of Scripted Programming at AMC Networks)

● Wade Sheeler (Netflix, CBS, Bravo)

● Devan Renea (Hulu, CW, OWN)

● Tim Curcio (CBS)

● Melinda Li (Warner Bros. Drama Development, Creative Executive JuVee Productions - Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s production company)

● Aeryn Michelle Willams (Netflix, Marvel, Disney, Prime Video)

● Samantha Sharma (former Original Scripted Content Coordinator at Disney+, former Creative Executive at Marvel Studios, Franchise Asset Coordinator at LucasFilm Ltd.).

FILM SCREENINGS

Selected films are screened in New York City state of the art cinemas, with live post-screening Q&As. BAFF is committed to providing a platform for high-quality, independent cinema from NYC and around the world.

Previous official selections and alumni films have included:

● I'm Not a Robot – Academy Award Winner, Best Live Action Short
● Feeling Through - Academy Award Nominee, Live Action Short
​● Until - directed by and starring Golden Globe Award winners Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick
● Sweetwater – Released by Universal Pictures, starring Golden Globe Award winner Jeremy Piven and Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss
● The Living Wake – Starring Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg and Emmy Award winner Jim Gaffigan
● Killing Mary Sue - distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, starring SAG Award nominee Dermot Mulroney
● Last Ride - Executive Produced by Oscar® winner SPIKE LEE, distributed by Quiver Distribution
● Taste the Revolution - starring Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Green Book, House of Cards, The Hunger Games, True Detective)
● ​Thirsty - (Apple TV, Prime Video), starring Jamie Neumann (HBO's The Deuce), Image Award nominee Tyler Lepley (Harlem, Tyler Perry's Duplicity), Golden Globe Award winner Kyra Sedgwick, Golden Globe Award nominee Thora Birch
● The One Note Man - Shortlisted for Best Live Action at the 96th Academy Awards, Narrated by Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe Award winner Ian McKellen.
● The Herricanes – SXSW Audience Award Winner
● Amerikatsi – Armenian Oscar submission, NYC and LA theatrical release
● The Shepherd – Academy Award Shortlist, distributed by Disney+, produced by Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón, starring Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe Award winner John Travolta
● "Bad Survivor" (Oscars Shortlist, Short Film Live Action Category)
● "Deadly Vows", starring Shiva Negar, SAG Award nominee Billy Zane (Titanic), Shane West (A Walk to Remember), Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, distributed by Quiver Distribution, streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV
● And many more...

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

The BAFF Screenplay Competition is open to feature-length scripts, shorts, pilots, and series. Finalists are read by our team of experienced industry professionals.

BAFF Screenplay Competition has received submissions from both emerging talent and established professionals. Participants have included:

● Douglas Raine (Line Producer "Reigns of Fire" starring Academy Award winners Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale)
● Amy Kolquist (Writer of "Border Run" starring Academy Award nominee Sharon Stone and Billy Zane, distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment and Paramount Pictures)
● Stephanie Drapeau (Writer and Producer of Wish Wizard starring Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman)
● Maia Henkin – signed with A3 Artists Agency; held meetings with Lionsgate, Starz, Anonymous Content
● Shia LaBeouf (Critics Choice Award and People's Choice Award nominee)
● Ron Friedman - Emmy nominee and WGA Award winner
● Elizabeth Reichelt - writers’ assistant for Bridgerton (NETFLIX), Inventing Anna (NETFLIX), and Physical(APPLE TV, AMAZON). Co-wrote/co-produced Full Picture, executive produced by Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Rachel Bloom. Writer for the CBS Diversity Showcase.
● Caytha Jentis - written/directed/produced projects for HBO, Warner Bros., Amazon
● Kent Moran - Feature films have been released by Warner Brothers, Netflix, Showtime, Paramount+, Starz, Apple, Hulu, Amazon, Hallmark, Lifetime, LMN, Regal Cinemas
● Elizabeth Page - Six time Emmy Award and three time WGA Award winning writer and playwright (ABC, CBS, TBS)
● Matt Giacheri - produced projects for NETFLIX and Amazon
● Janet J. Lawler – finalist recognition helped place her on Coverfly’s Red List; later signed by a literary manager
● Stuart Feldman (BAFF Screenplay Competition winner) - WGA writer, has written for the NBC drama LAW & ORDER, the USA series ROYAL PAINS, and his teleplay for LAW & ORDER: SVU ("Justice Denied") ranked #21 on the TV Guide list of "Best Episodes".

"Since being a finalist with Big Apple, I was signed by A3 and have taken meetings with major studios..."
— Maia Henkin

YEAR-ROUND INDUSTRY ACCESS

ALL submitters receive complimentary access to select virtual mentorship and networking sessions throughout the year.

Past mentors and guests have developed or produced work for:
Netflix, Warner Bros., Hulu, Disney, Showtime, HBO, Amazon, CBS, FilmRise, and more.

See upcoming events:
https://bigapplefilmfestivalindustrynetworkingevents.eventive.org/schedule

NOTABLE GUESTS & HONOREES

Over the years, BAFF has welcomed acclaimed actors, filmmakers, screenwriters and industry leaders, including:

● Jesse Eisenberg (Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award nominee)
● Kevin Bacon (Golden Globe and SAG award winner)
● Kyra Sedgwick (Golden Globe and SAG award winner)
● Cuba Gooding Jr. (Academy Award winner)
● Sawyer Spielberg
● James Sunshine (producer, FOX's "Hell's Kitchen" CBS' "Big Brother", "Project Runway", NETFLIX/HULU)
● Morgan Spurlock (Academy Award nominee, WGA Award winner)
● Olympia Dukakis (Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winner)
● Jeremy Piven (Emmy Award and Golden Globe Winner)
● Krushan Naik (Oscar-nominated producer)
● Bill Plympton (Oscar-nominated animator)
● Alan Cumming (Tony Award and Independent Spirit Award winner)
● Kwame Parker (Academy Award nominated producer)
…and many more.

INDUSTRY JURORS
Big Apple Film Festival industry jurors include writers, producers and industry professionals with credits at NETFLIX, AMAZON STUDIOS, DISNEY, MARVEL, HULU, CBS, 20th TELEVISION, AMC NETWORKS and more. (visit bigapplefilmfestival.com for the complete list of jurors).

???? ABOUT BAFF

Now in its 23rd year, Big Apple Film Festival remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of independent filmmakers and screenwriters. From live screenings and pitch opportunities to year-round virtual access, BAFF offers a unique platform to showcase your work and grow your career.

Whether you're an up-and-coming writer, an independent filmmaker, or a seasoned creative looking for new connections, BAFF provides opportunities to get your work seen — and to be taken seriously.

SUBMIT NOW

Join the next wave of acclaimed BAFF alumni.
Submit your film or screenplay today

1. Big Apple Film Festival accepts submissions for feature films, short films, feature documentaries, short documentaries, animation, episodic, music videos, student films, feature length screenplays, series/episodic pilot scripts and short screenplays.

2. All films submitted must have been completed on or after January 1, 2023.

3. All films must be submitted with an online screener

4. All feature narrative and feature documentary submissions must be over 60 minutes in length.

5. All short film narrative and short documentary submissions must be under 60 minutes in length.

6. Animation, episodic, and student film submissions of all lengths will be considered.

7. Music Videos must be under 10 minutes

8. BAFF will present selected films as a live in person event.

9. Submission fees are non-refundable

10. SUBMITTER MUST HOLD ALL NECESSARY RIGHTS AND CLEARANCES TO ALL MATERIAL SUBMITTED TO BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL, LLC

11. The organizers of the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition wish to make it clear that while we welcome and appreciate all submissions to our festival, we are unable to provide individualized feedback on entries. Furthermore, the selection process for our festival is subjective and may involve various factors related to overall programming considerations. BAFF is under no obligation to provide feedback or comments regarding submitted films or scripts to any applicant. As such, Big Apple Film Festival is not obligated to explain why a particular film or script was not selected for inclusion in the festival, or why a particular script did not advance in our screenplay competition. Our decisions are final and not open to negotiation or appeal.

12. Big Apple Film Festival reserves the right to withdraw any project from our festival program or entry pool at any time for any reason we deem necessary.

13. Entrants hereby acknowledge and agree that the identities, business affiliations, and contact information of film screeners and script readers shall remain strictly confidential and will not be disclosed under any circumstances to the submitter.

14. All submitters who register for a prepaid All-Access Pass to the Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum at the time of entry will automatically receive their pass in the spring of 2026, regardless of whether or not their project is selected for inclusion in the festival.

15. All information provided on this page may be subject to change. This includes but not limited to: event dates, event details, industry conferences, networking events, event format, guest speakers, jurors, awards, venue, etc.

16. All selected films will be screened on DCP. All selected films must either provide a DCP, or have a DCP created. DCP's may be created through our partner organization, SimpleDCP. All selected films must be delivered by the deadline stated in the official selection notice. Films that are not delivered by the final delivery deadline will not be permitted to screen.

17. Submitter confirms that they have read all rules and regulations prior to submitting their project.

18. DISCLAIMER: By submitting to the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition (“BAFF”), you agree to release and hold harmless BAFF, its affiliates, staff, and partners from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising from your submission or participation. BAFF is not responsible for loss, damage, or unauthorized use of submitted materials.

19. At Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition, the integrity of our evaluation process and the protection of your intellectual property are our highest priorities. We require all of our screeners and readers to sign an agreement that explicitly mandates that every submission receive a thorough evaluation conducted solely by a human. The use of any generative AI tool in the review, analysis, or feedback process is strictly prohibited under this contract. We reserve the right to audit feedback to uphold this standard and maintain the commitment outlined in our agreement with them. Our Agreement also includes a strict Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Clause. Screeners and Readers are contractually obligated to not share, distribute, or discuss any copyrighted material or intellectual property they review outside of the secured film festival and screenplay competition platform and judging process. This agreement also states that all materials provided to the screeners and readers must be thoroughly deleted upon completion of review.

By submitting to the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition, you can trust that we have taken robust, contractual steps to ensure your work is handled professionally and ethically by a committed team of human film screeners and script readers.

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR FEATURE LENGTH SCREENPLAYS, SHORT SCRIPTS AND TV/EPISODIC PILOT SCRIPTS:

1. Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition accepts feature length screenplays, short scripts and series/episodic pilot scripts. Feature length scripts must be a minimum of 60 pages and no longer than 150 pages. Series/episodic and short scripts must under 60 pages.

2. Submitted screenplays can not have been optioned, purchased, or otherwise produced at the time of submission.

3. Writers may submit as many screenplays as they’d like to the competition, however each script requires a separate application and payment.

4.All entries must be submitted in English.

5. Submissions must include the title, author(s) and any relevant registration or copyright information.

6. Screenplays must be submitted in PDF or MS WORD.

7.All screenplays are considered complete once they are received by the Big Apple Film Festival. No revisions or updated copies will be accepted.

8. Submission fees are non-refundable.

9. Submitter confirms that they have read all rules and regulations prior to submitting your project.

10. SUBMITTER MUST HOLD ALL NECESSARY RIGHTS AND CLEARANCES TO ALL MATERIAL SUBMITTED TO BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL, LLC

11. The organizers of the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition wish to make it clear that while we welcome and appreciate all submissions to our festival, we are unable to provide individualized feedback on entries. Furthermore, the selection process for our festival is subjective and may involve various factors related to overall programming considerations. BAFF is under no obligation to provide feedback or comments regarding submitted films or scripts to any applicant. As such, Big Apple Film Festival is not obligated to explain why a particular film or script was not selected for inclusion in the festival, or why a particular script did not advance in our screenplay competition. Our decisions are final and not open to negotiation or appeal.

12. Big Apple Film Festival reserves the right to withdraw any project from our festival program or entry pool at any time for any reason we deem necessary.

13. Entrants agree and acknowledge that the identities, business affiliations, and contact information of film screeners and script readers shall remain strictly confidential and will not be disclosed under any circumstances to the submitter.

14. All submitters who register for a prepaid All-Access Pass to the Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum at the time of entry will automatically receive their pass in the spring of 2026, regardless of whether or not their project is selected for inclusion in the festival.

15. All information provided on this page may be subject to change. This includes, but is not limited to, event dates, event details, industry conferences, networking events, event format, guest speakers, jurors, awards, venue, and other relevant information.

16. DISCLAIMER: By submitting to the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition (“BAFF”), you agree to release and hold harmless BAFF, its affiliates, staff, and partners from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising from your submission or participation. BAFF is not responsible for loss, damage, or unauthorized use of submitted materials.

17. At Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition, the integrity of our evaluation process and the protection of your intellectual property are our highest priorities. We require all of our screeners and readers to sign an agreement that explicitly mandates that every submission receive a thorough evaluation conducted solely by a human. The use of any generative AI tool in the review, analysis, or feedback process is strictly prohibited under this contract. We reserve the right to audit feedback to uphold this standard and maintain the commitment outlined in our agreement with them. Our Agreement also includes a strict Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Clause. Screeners and Readers are contractually obligated to not share, distribute, or discuss any copyrighted material or intellectual property they review outside of the secured film festival and screenplay competition platform and judging process. This agreement also states that all materials provided to the screeners and readers must be thoroughly deleted upon completion of review.

By submitting to the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition, you can trust that we have taken robust, contractual steps to ensure your work is handled professionally and ethically by a committed team of human film screeners and script readers.