April 27th – May 7th
Yes yes, the greater Seattle area has more than its share of film festivals, but there’s something special about the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (a.k.a. NFFTY), whose 16th edition will run in-person April 27-30th at the SIFF Cinema Uptown and virtually until May 7th.
It’s “the premier destination for young filmmakers to celebrate a more inclusive film industry!” NFFTY said in a joint statement from Managing Director Ryan Saunders, Program Director Leomary Rodriguez, and Marketing Director Krupa Kanaiya. “Each year, NFFTY puts our filmmakers at the forefront of cinema. While known for our 24-and-under filmmakers, these films represent the next generation of storytellers. Made for audiences of all ages, whether you are looking to stay young at heart or dive into the types of stories and social issues that matter to our rising voices, the festival is a place for community and innovation.”
The festival is a truly unique local experience for those interested in the mindset of emerging filmmakers. “Audiences should be excited to see a very different type of cinema than what you can find at the multiplex,” NFFTY said, “full of life, personality, and commitment to social justice. Additionally, filmmakers from around the world will be in attendance to talk about their films and their experiences making art.”
NFFTY’s true success as a festival is its focus on collaboration and network-building. “At most major festivals,” the trio said, “the attending filmmakers often have their own networks and established relationships. At NFFTY, young filmmakers come together to build creative partnerships that last a lifetime! The energy and passion is unrivaled.”
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