Winter Film Festival To Return For 13th Year in February

Winter Film Festival is returning to the Big Apple for its 13th year. The festival places a special emphasis on highlighting the work of under-represented filmmakers, and for 2025, the festival will showcase 87 films from around the world - from animated films, documentaries, dramas, horror films and music videos, 14 student films, 29 first-time directors and more than half of the films made by women and half by BIPOC directors. Screenings will take place from February 20 to 22 at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, located at 657 West 57th Street, New York.

Winter Film Festival believes that only by seeing others' stories can we understand each other and only via an open door can the underrepresented artist enter the room.

SCREENING BLOCKS include a mix of shorts and feature-length films and a 20-minute Q&A Session with the filmmakers. Screening block highlights include:

• 7 World Premieres, 11 US Premieres and 32 NYC Premieres!
• 24 films by or about Asians and Asian-Americans
• 30% of films made in New York City
• $5 Short Film Matinees - Feb 20 & 21, including Made in NY Shorts, Horror Shorts, Documentary Shorts, Animation + Music Videos
• Documentary Day - Feb 22 12:15pm-11:30pm. All documentaries, all day!
• Bloody Saturday Night Horror - Feb 22 5:10pm-11:55pm. 14 frightening films from 7 countries!
• Films from Spain - 4 films, Feb 20 6:10pm-8:30pm
• 5 Short Film Blocks Feb 20 6:00pm-8:45pm, Feb 21 6:30pm-9:00pm, Feb 21 5:25pm-7:30pm, Feb 22 12:15pm-2:40pm and Feb 22 2:50pm-4:50pm

EDUCATION SESSIONS - The Festival is dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers as they break into the industry. There will be six FREE educational and career-building sessions open to the public, including:

• Harnessing Flexibility in your Acting & Filmmaking - with IMPROV! (Feb 20, 3:45pm-5:00pm)
• Festival Formula: Here To Tell You Some Festival Truths (and be honest) (Feb 21, 12:45pm-2:00pm)
• All About Distribution with Dan Gurlitz (Feb 21, 2:15pm-3:30pm)

Winter Film Festival continues to be a beacon for creativity, fostering a supportive environment for filmmakers to share their unique voices on the global stage. Our parties and social events offer exciting networking availabilities.

• OPENING NIGHT KICK OFF BASH - February 19 from 7-11pm at Somewhere Nowhere, 112 West 25th Street. Filmmaker's reception, industry networking and kick-off party. This event is free and open to the public (21+).
• MIXERS & NETWORKING - Our festival lounge will be open daily at Mirabella Lounge @LOOK Cinemas, 657 West 57th Street. Hobnob with filmmakers, industry professionals and community partners at happy hours and networking events from February 20-22. Mixers are free and open to the public and include discounted drinks with screening ticket.
• GALA RED CARPET + AWARD CEREMONY February 23 5pm-11pm at Club 230FIFTH, 230 Fifth Avenue. Red Carpet 5pm, Awards Ceremony 7-8pm, After-Party 8pm onwards. With live performances from local NYC talent and appearances from film industry veterans. This event is free and open to the public (21+).