Submissions open 8/1/26

2027 Festival Deadlines & Submission Fees:


EARLYBIRD DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1ST, 2026

FEATURES: $35 FEE
SHORTS: $25 FEE

REGULAR DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15TH, 2026

FEATURES: $45 FEE
SHORTS: $30 FEE

LATE DEADLINE: JANUARY 15TH, 2027

FEATURES: $55 FEE
SHORTS: $35 FEE

EXTENDED DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 4TH, 2027

FEATURES: $65 FEE
SHORTS: $50 FEE

LAST MINUTE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 24TH, 2027

FEATURES: $75 FEE
SHORTS: $60 FEE

17TH ANNUAL LOWER EAST SIDE FILM FESTIVAL: SPRING 2027
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Filmmakers who have submitted will have their films viewed and selected by our programming committee.

The selected films will screen in Manhattan’s Lower East Side at Village East Cinema and other downtown NYC venues in spring 2027, and will be viewed and adjudicated by our esteemed panel of Judges. (Stay tuned for 2027 Jury and venue announcements). Filmmakers are invited to attend all screenings, festival parties, award ceremonies, and to participate in the general hoopla of LESFF 2027.

Prizes will be given to the winners of the following categories:

  • Best Feature Film

  • Best Narrative Short Film

  • Best Animated Short Film

  • Best Doc Short Film

  • The LESFF Audience Award

  • The LESFF Neighborhood Award

  • Best of Fest – The L.E.S. Prix D’Or