Maryland – The Nepal America Film Society, a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces that the 2026 Nepal America International Film Festival (NAIFF) will take place June 25–28, 2026, in Maryland. Film submissions are now open to filmmakers worldwide.
The festival welcomes feature films, documentaries, animation, experimental works, and short films from Nepal, South Asia, the United States, and around the globe. Special sections will include screenings from the Global Peace Film Festival in Florida and the DMV Close-Up section, highlighting films from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Since its founding in 2017,
NAIFF has served as a platform for diverse storytelling and cultural exchange through cinema.
Filmmakers from around the world are warmly invited to submit their films.
Submitted films should have been made after January 2024.
Films in languages other than English must have subtitles in the English language.
Films that have previously been formally screened in theaters within the Washington, D.C. metro area or at festivals in the broader D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region will not be considered. Additionally, films that have been streamed on online platforms are not eligible.
Films of any length and genre are welcome, including features, documentaries, shorts, student films, series, and experimental films. We are especially keen on showcasing U.S. and World Premieres.
Films should be submitted along with a short introduction and a signed cover letter that encloses posters, synopses, bios, film stills, and other relevant materials.
All submitted films must be free from any legal disputes, and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for theatrical and virtual exhibitions. Films including unauthorized copyrighted material are ineligible.
If selected, NAIFF requests DCP (Digital Cinema Package) formats for theatrical screening based on the film festival venues.
NAIFF asks all filmmakers to commit to both live/in-person and digital/online screening of all films accepted into the Festival. Closed captions are encouraged for virtual screenings.
NAIFF will not cover expenses to and from the festival for the DCP or other incurred expenses. Submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway only.
The Film Festival will not return entries or refund entry fees. Fees are waived for submissions from Nepal and the DMV Close-Up section.
NAIFF reserves the right to change any information contained in this document, including festival dates, programs, events, and venues, without further notice.
A jury committee of national and international film experts will be formed. The jury committee will select the films for a selection of awards. All films will be recognized by the film festival.
Film makers can submit their film through Filmfreeway
Questions regarding submission please contact nafilmsociety@gmail.com