NH Film Festival 2024 in Portsmouth sets dates, entry deadline is near

PORTSMOUTH — Four days of independent films, parties, comedy, panel discussions, and educational opportunities will once again descend arrive with the 22nd annual New Hampshire Film Festival on Oct. 17-20.

Festival organizers are encouraging filmmakers to submit their films for consideration before the final Aug. 1, 2024 deadline. Submissions can be made through FilmFreeway at NHFilmFestival.com. Filmmakers compete to be among the more than 100 selected feature films, documentaries, and short films that will be screened at numerous Portsmouth locations.

The event attracts visitors and film lovers from across the region, along with film industry leaders, actors, screenwriters, directors and producers. Tickets and multi-day passes are on sale now at nhfilmfestival.com/festival-passes-page and include a discount for New Hampshire residents and those 40 years old and younger. Passholders also have access to parties and gatherings that sell out each year.

This year's featured speaker is well-known actor Alan Ruck, who enjoys a successful career in television and film, just completing his fourth season in the highly acclaimed series "Succession."

New Hampshire Film Festival longtime lead programmer, Ian McCarthy, said, "This is one of the region's premier film festivals. We screen works from established filmmakers and first timers, favorites of the festival circuit, and world premieres. We encourage both professional and emerging filmmakers to submit. In addition to three days of film screenings, we'll also be recognizing films with audience and jury awards.”

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Music Hall Executive Director Tina Sawtelle said, “The Music Hall is excited to take the reins of the festival this year, continuing the tradition of providing inspiring and thought-provoking films during the height of foliage season in New England."

The 2024 screening venues include The Music Hall's historic theater, The Music Hall Lounge, 3S Artspace, and St John’s Episcopal Church. As in past years, recipients of the NHFF’s qualifying awards will be eligible for consideration in the Animated Short and Live Action Short Film categories of the Academy Awards, Sawtelle noted.

This year's festival is underwritten by Key Auto Group as the headline sponsor, with additional support from BankProv as Presenting Sponsor and Aland Realty Group as Marquee Sponsor. The Gallery at Jimmy’s will serve as NHFF’s official headquarters. The Music Hall’s Platinum Sponsor is McKeon Charitable Giving. Other sponsors of NHFF 2024 include Inhouse Digital, BANKW Staffing, Malloy Events, Access Sports Medicine, Avery Insurance, Natural Rocks Ice, Northwoods Brewing Company, and Stella Artois.