2027 SUBMISSIONS OPEN
Approved by
Categories
Film Categories
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Feature Film
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Foreign Film
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Documentary Film
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Short Films
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Student Films
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Music Films
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Animation Films
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Web Films/Series
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Drone Films
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Mobile Films
Genre-Specific Short Films
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Comedy Short
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Horror Short
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Thriller Short
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Sci-Fi Short
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Drama Short
Screenplay Categories
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Feature Screenplay
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Short Screenplay
Performance & Directing Awards
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Best Actor (Male)
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Best Actor/Actress (Female)
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Best Female Director
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Best Male Director
Craft & Technical Awards
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Best Production Design
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Best Editing
Special Categories
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First-Time Filmmaker
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Best Trailer
Welcome to the Manhattanhenge Film Festival
Where Independent Vision Meets Global Recognition
The Manhattanhenge Film Festival (MHFF) celebrates independent cinema and empowers creative voices from around the globe. We provide an elevated platform for filmmakers, writers, and artists to showcase their work, gain industry exposure, and join an international creative community.
Our Philosophy: Storytelling Over Budget
We believe that true cinema lives in the passion, spirit, and vision of the storyteller. High-end camera equipment and massive budgets are never required to excel at MHFF.
Our jury evaluates every entry on narrative power, creative vision, original voice, and artistic execution. Whether your project was shot on a cinema camera or a smartphone, if your story moves us, your work deserves recognition.
Festival Experience & Event Structure
Panel & Jury Review: Submissions undergo a comprehensive private judging process led by producers, academics, and seasoned industry professionals.
Award Ceremony Night: Festival winners and honorees will be officially revealed and celebrated during our designated Award Ceremony Night program.
Trailers & Highlights Showcase: Category winners, film excerpts, winning trailers, and director spotlights are featured as part of our official annual festival program and promotional showcases.
Official Announcements & Distribution: Results are published on our official website, across social media channels, and sent directly via email to all submitters following the ceremony.
Trophies & Honors: Category winners receive physical crystal trophies shipped directly to them, alongside official laurels and digital certificates.
IMDb-Qualifying Status: MHFF is an officially listed event on IMDb, ensuring your achievements and project credits are recognized within the industry index.
At the Manhattanhenge Film Festival, we value your creativity, your courage, and your unique perspective.
Show us your story.
Awards & Prizes
AWARDS
Crystal Trophies for
- Winners
-IMDB Credits
-Certificate of Participation
-Laurels
-Social Media Promotion during year
AWARDS
Crystal Trophies for
- Winners
-IMDB Credits
-Certificate of Participation
-Laurels
-Social Media Promotion during year
Approved by
RULES
RULES & TERMS
Foreign Language Submissions
All foreign-language entries MUST include embedded English subtitles to be considered.
Submission Eligibility
All works must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
There is no premiere status requirement; previously screened or distributed projects are fully eligible.
File Format Requirements
If selected for inclusion in our official presentation, trailers or film excerpts must be submitted as high-quality H.264 MP4 or QuickTime (.MOV) files.
Screening Policy & Media Usage Rights
To protect filmmakers' distribution rights and premiere status, MHFF does not stream or screen full-length feature or short films publicly.
By submitting your project, you grant MHFF the non-exclusive right to use short clips, film excerpts, winning trailers, poster artwork, and director spotlights to showcase your work during our official Award Ceremony Night, on our official website, and across our promotional channels.
Award Ceremony & Ticket Policy
Winners, nominees, and honorees will be officially revealed and celebrated during our designated Award Ceremony Night program.
Ticket Notice: Attendance at the live/in-person Award Ceremony Night requires ticket registration/purchase.
Notifications & Communication
Official notifications regarding selections, nominations, and awards will be sent directly to the submitter’s registered email address.
AWARDS & PRIZES
The Manhattanhenge Film Festival presents official awards, certificates, laurels, and trophies to recognize outstanding cinematic achievement across all categories:
Category Winners: Receive an official $100-value Crystal Trophy, official Winner Laurels, and an Official Winner Certificate.
Finalists, Semi-Finalists, Quarter-Finalists & Official Selections: Receive high-resolution Official Laurels and an Official Digital Certificate of Achievement. All digital assets (certificates, laurels, and IMDb credit updates) are 100% free for all selected filmmakers.
IMDb Credentials: All category winners are eligible for verified IMDb credit additions under our officially listed event profile.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
Language Requirement: All non-English entries must include clear, embedded English subtitles.
Completion Date: Entries must have been completed within the last two years.
Copyright & Rights: Filmmakers are solely responsible for securing all necessary music, image, talent, and copyright permissions for their submitted works.
Media & Promotional Usage: By submitting, you grant MHFF permission to use your film's trailer, short clips, stills, and press kit materials for the Award Ceremony presentation, official website highlights, and social media promotions.
Premiere Status: There are no premiere requirements or restrictions on prior online availability.
Technical Quality & File Review: Submitters are responsible for providing working video screeners with proper English subtitles. Submissions with unplayable files or missing subtitles may be disqualified without refund.
Refund Policy: All submission fees are non-refundable.
Award Ceremony Access: While ticket purchase/registration is required to attend the official Award Ceremony Night, official winner listings, certificate downloads, and digital announcements will be published online following the event.
Privacy & Communication: By submitting, you agree to receive official festival updates and announcements via email. Your personal information will never be sold or shared with third parties.
Terms Updates: MHFF reserves the right to update guidelines, schedule dates, or terms as necessary, with notifications posted on our official channels