Northampton Youth Cinema Festival
Schedule
Sun, 26 Apr, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
33 Hawley St, Northampton, MA 01060-1302, United States | Northampton, MA
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The Northampton Youth Cinema Festival (NYCF) is officially inviting filmmakers aged 21 and younger to submit their work for its upcoming 2026 showcase. Now in its third year since a successful student-led relaunch, the festival continues a nearly two-decade legacy of spotlighting young cinematic talent in the Pioneer Valley.Originally established as a 17-year tradition before a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was revitalized by student filmmakers from Northampton High School. The event is produced in collaboration with the Northampton Arts Council and Northampton Open Media, with generous sponsorship from Lathrop Communities.
"This festival is more than just a screening; it’s a platform for the next generation of visual storytellers to see their work on the big screen," said Brian Foote, Director of Arts and Culture. "By partnering with local students, we are ensuring that the city’s rich history of independent cinema continues to evolve with new, diverse voices."
The 2026 festival will be held on Sunday, April 26th, at 6:00 p.m. in The Workroom at 33 Hawley Street.
Submission Details
Filmmakers are encouraged to submit original works across all genres, including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental film. Submissions are managed via FilmFreeway at filmfreeway.com/NYCF.
Key Deadlines
Earlybird Deadline: March 1, 2026
Regular Deadline: April 1, 2026
Final Deadline: April 21, 2026
Notification Date: April 24, 2026
Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify, the principal creator (Director, Cinematographer, or Editor) must be 21 years of age or younger. Films must be under 30 minutes in length, though works under 20 minutes are highly encouraged due to programming constraints. Projects created for educational assignments are fully eligible for submission.
About the Northampton Arts Council
The Northampton Arts Council works to support and foster the arts in the City of Northampton. It provides funding, advocacy, and programming to ensure that the arts remain a central part of the community's identity.
About Lathrop Communities - Headline Sponsor
A proud sponsor of the 2026 festival, Lathrop Communities provides vibrant, intergenerational support for local arts and culture initiatives throughout the region.
About the City of Northampton - Organization Partner
Northampton is a vibrant center for the arts, known for its historic downtown, diverse cultural offerings, and commitment to creative expression. Through the Mayor’s office and the Department of Arts and Culture, the City works to foster an environment where artists of all ages can thrive and contribute to the community’s unique identity.
About the Mass Cultural Council - Organization Partner
The Mass Cultural Council is a state agency that promotes excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to foster a rich cultural life for all Massachusetts residents. Through grants and advocacy, the Council supports organizations and individuals that drive the Commonwealth's creative economy.
About Greenfield Savings Bank - Organization Partner
Greenfield Savings Bank is a local, full-service community bank dedicated to supporting the people and organizations of the Pioneer Valley. Through its community giving programs, the Bank invests in local education, the arts, and economic development to help the region flourish.
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Where is it happening?
33 Hawley St, Northampton, MA 01060-1302, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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