Filmmakers From Across The Globe Gather In Albany Next Weekend

Despite not being a filmmaking hotspot like New York City, Los Angeles, or Atlanta, Albany has a deep connection to the silver screen. From filming locations to exclusive screenings, the Capital Region offers a haven for up-and-coming filmmakers.

Now, dozens of the best young casts and crews will be converging on Albany for a tradition nearly a decade old that grows larger every year.

New York State International Film Festival

Coming back in the first week of October, the New York State International Film Festival is a celebration of the medium. The festival started in 2016, and has been running annually since, giving a voice to hundreds of short films from across the globe including dramas, comedies, horrors, and everything in between.

Films are required to be 30 minutes or less, giving creatives a limitation to work within, which typically breeds stunning innovation. Much like a standard film festival, the creators of these pieces have the opportunity to host a Q&A for their projects, allowing the public to gain more insight into the process of creating these films.

How Will the Festival Work?

The 2025 edition of the NYSIFF will run between October 3rd & 4th, showing a variety of short films. Each category (horror, drama, thriller, comedy, etc.) will have their own "Best Of" awards, shining more light on these passion projects.

This year, the judge panel consists of Nico Altekin, Carl Kinlan, and Yunus Yildirim. While only one film per category can come away with the top prize, every one showcased has the opportunity to be seen by industry professionals, and catapult the truly special to Hollywood Stardom.

Tickets are $20-$25 and can be purchased HERE.