SUBMISSIONS

Submit your film to Jersey City Indie Film Fest

JCIFF Theme: Identity - What Shapes You, Moves You, and Defines Your Story

At the Jersey City Indie Film Fest (JCIFF), we believe that identity is not a single moment or a fixed idea it is a living, evolving narrative. It’s the collection of experiences, cultures, memories, and transformations that shape who we are. For our inaugural festival, filmmakers are invited to explore Identity in all its complexity: the truths we inherit, the personas we choose, the masks we wear, and the versions of ourselves the world isn’t always ready to see.

Identity can be bold or subtle. Loud or quiet. Personal or universal.

Your film can examine the self, a community, a relationship, a culture, or a moment in time that defines what identity means. There is no wrong interpretation only authentic storytelling.

What We Accept
JCIFF welcomes all genres and creative expressions.

Submissions may include:

Narrative short films
Documentaries
Music video shorts
Experimental films
Animation
Hybrid forms that mix formats, mediums, or storytelling styles

If your project speaks to the theme of Identity, it belongs here.

JCIFF Theme: Identity — What Shapes You, Moves You, and Defines Your Story

At the Jersey City Indie Film Fest (JCIFF), we believe that identity is not a single moment or a fixed idea — it is a living, evolving narrative. It’s the collection of experiences, cultures, memories, and transformations that shape who we are. For our inaugural festival, filmmakers are invited to explore Identity in all its complexity: the truths we inherit, the personas we choose, the masks we wear, and the versions of ourselves the world isn’t always ready to see.

Identity can be bold or subtle. Loud or quiet. Personal or universal.

Your film can examine the self, a community, a relationship, a culture, or a moment in time that defines what identity means. There is no wrong interpretation — only authentic storytelling.

What We Accept
JCIFF welcomes all genres and creative expressions.
Submissions may include:

Narrative short films
Documentaries
Music video shorts
Experimental films
Animation
Hybrid forms that mix formats, mediums, or storytelling styles

If your project speaks to the theme of Identity, it belongs here.

Submission Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in submitting to the Jersey City Indie Film Fest. We’re excited to showcase bold voices, fresh perspectives, and creative storytelling from filmmakers across all backgrounds. Please review the guidelines below before submitting your film.

Film Requirements

Runtime: Films must be 5–10 minutes in total length.

Genres: All genres are welcome — narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, music videos, and more.

Original Work: Submissions must be original content owned by the filmmaker or production team.

Trailer Requirements

Every submission must include a trailer.

Trailers must be 15–60 seconds long.

Trailers should clearly represent the tone, aesthetic, or narrative of the film.

Submission Materials

Please prepare the following:

Film Summary: A brief 150–300 word description of your film, its theme, and what inspired it.

Director & Cast Bio: A short bio to help us spotlight the creators behind the work.

Film File or Link: A downloadable link or password-protected screener.

Trailer Link/File: Must meet the above time requirements.

Contact Information: Include the best email for festival updates.

Technical Specifications

Films must be submitted in MP4 or MOV formats.

Minimum resolution: 1080p (4K accepted but not required).

Clean audio and clear visuals are strongly encouraged.

Eligibility

International submissions are welcome.

There is no restriction on prior festival screenings.

Films created within the last 3 years are preferred but not required.

Deadlines & Notifications

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis from December 1st, 2025 – December 26th, 2025.

Filmmakers selected for screening will be notified by email.

Agreement

By submitting, you grant the Jersey City Indie Film Fest permission to use your trailer or stills for promotional purposes.