The Winter Film Awards showcase films by emerging filmmakers from around the world across all genres, with a particular focus on showcasing the work of women and underrepresented filmmakers.
The Winter Film Awards International Film Festival, which was one of New York’s last live events of 2020, returns bigger than ever for 2021 to celebrate its 10th year. The Festival runs from September 23 to October 2 in New York City, with a lineup including 91 standout films, a diverse mix of 13 animated films, 15 documentaries, 6 feature films, 16 horror films, 10 music videos, 22 narrative shorts and 5 web series. These include 18 student films and 19 fledgling filmmakers. The filmmakers come from 28 countries; half of the films were created by women, 53% were created by or about people of color.
Tickets go on sale August 15 at https://wfa2021.eventcombo.com/. Tickets are $12.50/advance, $16.50/gate, $5/gate with ID.
OPENING NIGHT KICK-OFF – September 23 from 7 to 11 p.m. – Filmmaker’s reception, industry networking and launch party. Location to be determined.
SCREENINGS – September 24-30 at Cinema Village, 22 East 12th Street. Screening blocks last between 1.5 and 2.5 hours and include a mix of short films and feature films. All screening blocks include a 20-minute Q&A with the filmmakers.
- FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24 – the Festival opens with screenings of the gonzo animated musical feature film death of a rock star and the funky brazilian mystical cowboy movie Baby Jesus
- SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25 / DOCUMENTARY DAY – a full day showcasing documentary shorts and feature films covering a wide variety of topics including Last callthe story of the impact of COVID-19 on the New York hospitality industry, A Wicked Eden which focuses on women creating fetish porn online, I am an electric lampshadeand quirky, heartwarming portrait of the world’s least likely rock star, More than Miyagia painfully revealing biography of Pat Morita and This beautiful tripa rustic and personal journey through India.
- SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26 / BLOODY SUNDAY HORROR DAY – a full day showcasing the scariest independent films from around the world, including films from Canada, Germany, Greece, Nepal, Netherlands, Philippines, Spain, Sweden and the United States.
- MONDAY SEPTEMBER 27 – Screening of 11 mixed short films and feature films spiritual questthe story of two friends on a magic mushroom trip
- TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – Screening of 10 mixed short films and feature films To toucha romantic love story between a married Caucasian woman living in China and a blind masseur.
- WEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER – Screening of 8 mixed short films and feature film Since Augustthe story of a drug addict recovering from her demons, told in American Sign Language.
- THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER – Screening of 9 mixed short films and feature film sir sira truly New York story of a drag MC learning courage from the caring LGBTQ community and chasing their dreams.
TRAINING SESSIONS – Evening sessions September 27-30 from 7-8:15 p.m. at Cinema Village, 22 East 12th Street and all day October 1. Sessions cover topics of interest to emerging filmmakers and are free and open to everyone. Sessions include workshops on legal issues for filmmakers, Producing 101, Set Design, Location Scouting and more!
RED CARPET GALA + AWARDS October 2 at The Empire Room at Club230Fifth, 230 Fifth Avenue. Red carpet 7 p.m., Prize-giving 9 p.m.-10 p.m., After-Party from 9 p.m. Featuring live performances and appearances from local New York filmmakers and industry veterans.
The official WFA2021 artwork was designed by Cherise Lava.
The Winter Film Awards is an all-volunteer, minority-owned, women-owned, 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2011 in New York City by a group of filmmakers and enthusiasts. This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the NYC & Company Foundation and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
