Join scores of filmmakers and screenwriters from all over the world and have your work showcased in Harlem, Manhattan – in the heart of New York City!
As always, we do not shy away from passionate or even controversial work. In fact we encourage it.
The marriage of Little Africa to El Barrio, Jazz to Dance, History to Art, and cinema to one of the world's most vibrant communities signifies the 16th Annual Harlem International Film Festival (Hi XVI). Home to New York City's richest cultural and academic institutions, landmarks, boutiques, parks and restaurants, Harlem is an experience that satisfies the five senses. As the epicenter of New York's current arts movement, Upper Manhattan and Harlem Int'l embody the New Harlem Renaissance.
The Festival has premiered works from today's most promising international filmmakers. Subject matter is varied and compelling: An IRA leader hiding out in a British-Jamaican neighborhood; A mother's life dedicated to her two sons,one with down-syndrome; A musician's journey through War ravaged Iraq; a Harlem Man's struggle with loss of love. Hi is a festival that truly embraces the beauty of diversity and is committed to representing it on our screens.
Keeping in line with its mission, Hi offers discounted admission to young filmmakers and work produced in Harlem or Upper Manhattan & the Bronx, about the area and its history or featuring key cast or crew members from Uptown NY. We award the best local work and hope you will join us for the magic in May 2020.
In September 2005 the Festival opened in historic Harlem at Columbia University with the Renaissance Awards by honoring Oscar winning actress Susan Sarandon; Harlem's own Emmy Award-winning actor, Keith David; and Mira Nair, the Oscar-nominated Harlem based director of SALAAM BOMBAY and VANITY FAIR.
Hi has since become known as the festival that "brings the world to Harlem and Harlem to the world". Filmmakers and attendees have journeyed from across the globe to experience this four day event consisting of film screenings in state of the art facilities, celebrity-filled awards ceremonies, networking events and Harlem's unsurpassed night-life and history.
NEW YORK SHOWCASE
New York, known for its array of world class directors such as Martin Scorcese, Spike Lee, Jim Jarmusch and Mira Nair, is also a mecca for aspiring auteurs. We offer audiences the opportunity to experience stories by New York's finest filmmakers featuring the City and its Burroughs in a uniquely artistic way.
HARLEM/ UPPER MANHATTAN/ BRONX (HUB)
All submission fees are discounted for this category. Furthering our efforts to encourage continued recognition of the Harlem, Upper Manhattan and Bronx communities and the contribution of the numerous artists that reside within, Hi spotlights films produced or directed by local residents; films where at least 50% of the production has taken place in ; or films about Harlem, Upper Manhattan or the Bronx and their incredible history.
HARLEM360, VIRTUAL REALITY and VIDEO-ART INSTALLATION SPACE
In line with the Harlem Renaissance - the home of the foremost comprehensive art movement in US history ranging from poetry, literature, performance and painting to sculpture, music and cinema, Hi has established the Video-Art Space. With an abundance of contemporary art galleries and open spaces, Harlem serves as an ideal location to experience modern video art installations and Harlem360/ Virtual Reality.
THE RENAISSANCE AWARDS AND Hi HONORS
The excitement and anticipation of the entire festival culminates during this final awards celebration crowning the leading international films and hosting directors from around the world. The place where magic happens!
AWARD CATEGORIES
Best Film, Best World Film, the Mira Nair Award for Rising Female Filmmaker, Best Documentary, Best World Documentary, Best Director, Best Documentary Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Animation, Best Experimental Film, Best Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Youth Film, Best Music Video, Best Webisode, Audience Award, the New York Vision Award, the Harlem Spotlight Award and several Screenplay Awards.