SCREENINGS-PANELS-WORKSHOPS-CASTINGS-CELEBRITY TALKS-
SCREENINGS-PANELS-WORKSHOPS-CASTINGS-CELEBRITY TALKS-
11 years of niff
LATEST NEWS
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Get Ready
Start planning your trip to Newark, New Jersey for the film festival of the summer!
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Vault x Newarkiff
In 2021, the Newark International Film Festival partnered with the streaming network, Vault Access, on an exclusive deal to stream the event worldwide. This year, Newarkiff is happening during the first annual Vault Week, which is a week long event packed with live music performances, award shows, workshops, and more. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming events.
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2022 Recap
Our 2022 recap photo gallery is up now. Check it out for a glimpse of the Newarkiff experience.
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Newarkiff Partners With Cannes Lions
Three local filmmakers from Newark have been selected and sponsored by Cannes Lions to be part of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France. This festival has been coined the international Oscars of the advertising world.
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Accepting Submissions
Submit your content on or before April 21st, 2023
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North to Shore
North2Shore is a three-city, three-weekend festival celebrating all the talent, diversity, and creativity this great state has to offer. North2Shore will bring together 50+ venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey-wide excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s vision for a celebration worthy of the Garden State’s legacy in the arts and innovation.
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Welcome the Gicc
Welcome to the Collective
We are proud to officially welcome the Global Independent Creative Collective (GICC) to the NewarkIFF family. This powerful alliance marks a bold step forward in our shared mission to uplift, empower, and equip independent creatives from all walks of life.
Upcoming events
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Power of the Podcast
🎙️✨ Podcast Panel at NIFF 2026 ✨🎙️
We’re excited to dive into the world of podcasting at this year’s Newark International Film Festival! Join us for an exclusive panel where industry experts break down how to take your podcast idea from concept to creation — and most importantly, how to monetize your platform.
Whether you’re a beginner with a brilliant idea or a creator looking to expand your reach, this panel will give you the insight, tools, and strategies to turn your voice into impact.
🎬 At NIFF, we’re all about empowering creatives — and podcasts are one of today’s most powerful storytelling platforms. Don’t miss your chance to learn, connect, and get inspired.
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think it, plan it, pitch it
1🎬💡 Pitch Session at NIFF 2026 💡🎬
Do you have the next big idea? The Newark International Film Festival is giving you the chance to bring it to life! Join our exclusive Pitch Session, where creatives can present their vision for a film, podcast, audiobook, or TV seriesdirectly to industry professionals.
This is your moment to:
✨ Share your story with decision-makers and mentors
✨ Gain valuable feedback from experts in the field
✨ Compete for financing, resources, and industry support
✨ Take the first step toward turning your dream project into realityAt NIFF, we believe in investing in bold ideas and diverse voices. If you’ve been waiting for your shot — this is it.
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NEWARK AT THE MUSEUM
The Newark Museum Block is one of the most anticipated highlights of the Newark International Film Festival, bringing three days of powerful films, conversations, and culture to the iconic Newark Museum of Art. This special block celebrates independent storytelling while showcasing the creativity and diversity of voices from Newark and beyond.
From short films and features to documentaries and panels, the Newark Museum Block is designed to inform, inspire, and entertain.
This year’s lineup includes thought-provoking narratives, community-driven projects, and a star-powered panel with Hollywood casting director Tracey Moore. Audiences will also get to experience works directed by Newark native Naturi Naughton, as well as powerful performances from acclaimed actors like Will Catlet and Tobias Truvillion.
✨ The Newark Museum Block isn’t just a screening — it’s a celebration of Newark’s place in the world of film, culture, and storytelling.
LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR
LOOK WHATS GOING ON NIFF YEAR 11
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LOOK WHATS GOING ON NIFF YEAR 11 〰️
Executive Producers & Finance Panel – Newark International Film Festival The Executive Producers & Finance Panel brings together some of the sharpest minds in entertainment and business to uncover what it really takes to finance and produce successful projects. 🎬 Joseph Ingrassia – Founder of Capstone and Co-Founder of Romulus Entertainment, Joseph has overseen more than $9 billion in financial transactions and financed 12 feature films distributed across platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV, Showtime, and Amazon Prime. His expertise bridges the worlds of finance and entertainment, offering unmatched insight into funding and producing original content. 💼 Alvin Hartley – Senior Partner at TMI & Partners, LTD, Alvin brings over 25 years of strategic planning, marketing, and business leadership. With deep experience in helping organizations develop customer service, leadership training, and marketing strategies, Alvin provides the essential perspective of building sustainable business models behind creative projects. 🎭 Moderated by Actor Eric Payne, this engaging conversation will blend practical business advice with real-world entertainment insight, helping attendees understand how to take their ideas from concept to screen. Topics include: How to pitch and secure financing for films, podcasts, and TV projects The role of executive producers in turning vision into reality Building partnerships between creatives, producers, and investors Key strategies for monetizing and sustaining creative ventures This is a must-attend session for filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and creatives ready to learn how money meets vision in the entertainment industry.
OPENING NIGHT FILM
Rahmell, a struggling Philadelphia painter facing eviction, meets Yannie, a vintage clothing seller preserving her late mother's legacy, at a job fair neither wants to attend. They ditch the fair and spend one perfect day exploring the city—record stores, art galleries, soul food restaurants —falling in love through vinyl, art, and presence in a world obsessed with screens.
But at a party that night, Rahmell's toxic ex Keisha weaponizes his insecurities, sparking a devastating fight. Rahmell leaves and is robbed, losing his phone and all contact with Yannie. She thinks he ghosted her. He can't find her.
With family pushing them to take the first step despite fear, both search Philadelphia for each other, choosing to try for love even when the outcome is uncertain.
SEPTEMBER 10th, 2026 | RED CARPET PREMIERE EVENT | 6 PM
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
SEPTEMBER 12th, 2026 | RED CARPET PREMIERE EVENT | CITYPLEX THEATER | 8PM
experience THE fastest growing film festival in the northeast
