Sundance Film Festival
Park City, United States
100
Tier AOscarScreenings
Festival dossier
The New York First-Time Filmmaker Showcase
New York, United States · Est. 2009 · Established legitimate festival with meaningful track record
Tier BTrusted
New York, United States
63
Legitimacy ScoreShould I submit?
Solid signals — do normal diligence
Tier B looks established enough for many filmmakers. Check fees, programming fit, and recent editions before submitting.
- No physical screenings
- 17 years of verifiable history
- 2 verified pro signals
Overview
Launch Your First Film or Screenplay The New York First-Time Filmmaker Showcase helps emerging filmmakers and screenwriters develop their work, receive constructive feedback, build creative connections and discover their next professional opportunity. Selected participants join a monthly online focus group where films and screenplay projects are introduced to filmmakers and writers from across the Lift-Off Global Network. The showcase welcomes first-time filmmakers and screenwriters from every country. Projects do not need large budgets, industry representation or an established audience. We are looking for original voices, compelling ideas and clear creative potential. Projects may also be considered for Lift-Off's Filmmakers in the Spotlight programme, Film Market Representation and Lift-Off Season Award nominations. The monthly showcase and focus group take place online, allowing filmmakers and screenwriters worldwide to participate. Selected participants are also invited to Lift-Off's annual nomination screenings and filmmaker-development activities at Pinewood Studios in the UK. How the Showcase Works Monthly Online Focus Group Selected filmmakers and screenwriters meet online with fellow participants from across the Lift-Off Global Network. Private Project Presentation Selected films are viewed privately by the group. Screenwriters introduce their projects through the Lift-Off Writer's Room. Feedback and Creative Connections Participants discuss the selected work, exchange constructive feedback and connect with filmmakers, screenwriters and potential collaborators. Further Lift-Off Opportunities Projects may be considered for Lift-Off Season Award nominations, Filmmakers in the Spotlight, Film Market Representation and further development opportunities across the Lift-Off Global Network. Previous Lift-Off Success Stories Boiling Point by Philip Barantini was taken to Cannes' Marché du Film through Lift-Off's Film Market Representation initiative and subsequently secured a deal with Netflix. The project was later developed into an award-winning feature film and BBC television series. Teenage Love Bomb by Mads Erichsen was distributed by California Pictures through Lift-Off's Film Market Representation. The Trade by Matt Burns reached Amazon Prime through Indie Rights following Lift-Off's Film Market Representation. Ken Foster by Josh Laner was represented by Devilworks through Lift-Off's Film Market Representation. Previous Lift-Off Season Award winners include Academy Award winners Rachel Shenton and Chris Overton for The Silent Child, alongside Brian Jordan Alvarez, Stephanie Koenig and Charlotte Le Bon.
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Legitimacy Analysis
Positive Indicators (+28 pts)
- 17 years of verifiable history
- 2 verified pro signals
- Verified trusted status
- Legitimacy signals outweigh concerns (3 vs 1)
Red Flags (-15 pts)
- No physical screenings
Trust Signals
Positive Signals
- FilmFreeway Gold festival
- Documented history with archived programs
Festival Details
Founded
2009
FilmFreeway communityGold festival
Synced 4 days ago
Rating synced from FilmFreeway; individual review text not pulled yet for this festival.
View on FilmFreewayFilmFreeway reviews are filmmaker opinions, not our score. Cross-check red flags before paying fees.
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