Animation Festivals Directory

Submission deadline:
1 September 2025

Entry fee:
(US Dollar) $10-40

Categories:

• Audience Award(s)
• Best Animated Short
• Best Animated Short (Student / Graduation Film)
• Best Experimental Animation
• Best Stop Motion
• Best 2D Animation
• Best 3D Animation
• Best AI Animation
• Best Director
• Best Animation
• Best Experimental Animation
• Best Character Design
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Student Director
• Best Student Animation
• Best Individual Student Animation
• Best Student Narrative Animation
• Best Student Experimental Animation
• Best Student Character Design
• Best Student Visual Effects
• Audience Choice Award
• Best Creativity Award
• Best Stop Motion of the year
• Best 2D Animation of the year
• Best 3D Animation of the year
• Best AI Animation of the year

Submission methods:

• FilmFreeway

Requirements:
By submitting to the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF), you agree to the following rules and guidelines. Please read them carefully to ensure that your submission is made to the appropriate category; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

1. Film Length:
All animations must have a total runtime of no more than 15 minutes, including credits.

2. Eligibility for Student Films:
Student filmmakers must provide proof of student status at the time of production, either through a valid student ID or relevant documentation.
Student films must be submitted within one year of the filmmaker’s graduation date.

3. Submission Format:
All submissions must be provided in a digital format, with a minimum resolution of 1080p HD. Physical copies will not be accepted.

4. Original Content:
All submitted films must be the original work of the participant(s). By submitting, the entrant guarantees that they hold all necessary rights to the content, including music, sound, and footage. Films containing unlicensed or copyrighted material without permission will be disqualified.

5. Language:
Films not in English must include English subtitles.

6. Entry Fees:
All entry fees are non-refundable, even in the event of a submission withdrawal.

7. Categories:
Filmmakers can submit their work to the appropriate category based on the medium and team structure (e.g., Individual or Group). Films can be submitted to multiple categories if relevant, but each submission requires a separate entry fee.

8. Rights & Usage:
By submitting your film, you grant NYSAF the rights to screen your film in the online festival and, if applicable, in-person during the festival event.
NYSAF reserves the right to use clips or stills from selected films for promotional purposes (e.g., trailers, website, social media).

9. Selection Process:
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals. The decisions of the jury are final.
Selected films will be notified via the contact details provided during submission. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to ensure accurate contact information.

10. Disqualification:
NYSAF reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not comply with the rules and regulations, including failure to provide proof of student status (if applicable) or submission of incomplete work.

11. Notification of Winners:
Winners will be announced on our official website and contacted directly via email.

12. Festival Participation:
If your film is selected, you agree to provide any additional materials required for the screening or promotional purposes in a timely manner.

Link to Submit