18th EDITION OF NFFTY In-person in Seattle, April 3 - April 6 Virtually April 3 - April 13

Seattle-based NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth) is excited for their 18th edition with 29 screenings showcasing over 240 short films from the next generation of filmmakers. 

The 2025 hybrid festival kicks off with a weekend of in-person events at SIFF Cinema Uptown in Seattle April 3 through April 6 and continues online through April 13 with on-demand shorts packages. This year's diverse lineup features filmmakers from 29 states and 31 countries with 60% of films directed by women and non-binary identifying filmmakers and over 52% of films helmed by filmmakers of color. 

Film screenings and events will be accessible with the purchase of a festival pass. Attendees can choose from an All-Access Pass which includes all in-person events happening April 3 - 6 in Seattle WA in addition to the entire virtual festival catalog from April 3 - April 13; or opt for a Virtual Pass with online access to screening blocks and more. 

Opening Night will be on Thursday April 3 at SIFF Cinema Uptown featuring a gala red carpet screening with an after party at MoPOP immediately following. The event continues through the weekend at the Uptown with a Key Note from NFFTY alumni Sav Rodgers (CHASING CHASING AMY) plus an editing masterclass hosted by Celia Beasley (Editor of the Netflix series PENELOPE) and back-to-back screenings of shorts packages all day Friday Saturday and Sunday.

The Closing Night Celebration will also be held at SIFF Cinema Uptown pulling together a collection of films that will stick with you long after you leave the theater. An Awards Ceremony will immediately follow the screening.

More news about events and this year's special guests will be coming to your inbox soon!

OPENING NIGHT

In Person Thursday April 3 6:30 PM at SIFF Uptown

Streaming Thursday April 3 7 PM through Sunday April 13 11:45 PM PST

NFFTY is back for our 18th year! Join us in celebrating an inspirational program that fuels our fervor for the fruitful future of film. An introduction to the breadth of talent and stories you'll find at NFFTY this collection of shorts is guaranteed to get you creatively calibrated for a worthwhile weekend.

CENTERPIECE SHOWCASE

In Person Saturday April 5 7:45 PM at SIFF Uptown

Streaming Thursday April 5 7:45PM through Sunday April 13 11:45 PM PST

We're marking the penultimate day of the festival with a collection of filmmaking feats that quintessentially embody the NFFTY spirit. Join us for a screening of distinct and affecting stories that showcase the steady hands of the next generation of filmmakers.

CLOSING NIGHT

In Person Sunday April 6 5:30 PM at SIFF Uptown

Streaming Thursday April 6 5:30PM through Sunday April 13 11:45 PM PST

While the weekend is coming to a close the future of film holds endless possibilities. To cap off the 18th festival join us for one final film program filled with seminal stories to creatively propel you on your journey through your next project and beyond.

NFFTY has grown into the world’s largest film festival for emerging directors. Each year the festival showcases films by directors 24 and under.

Host or Publisher Smarthouse Creative