First Run Film Festival 2026

First Run Film Festival

Festival Dates: April 8-15

NYU's First Run Festival is an annual event hosted by the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. It is the longest continuously running film festival in New York City, dedicated to showcasing the advanced work of NYU graduate and undergraduate film students. 

Join Us for Marquee Events - NYC

Craft Awards

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Pre-Awards Reception 5:00 PM
Awards Presentation: 5:30 PM
Riese Lounge, 721 Broadway Lobby Level
Reservation Required

The festival kicks off with the Craft Awards, a celebration of excellence in various areas such as screenwriting, editing, cinematography, producing, and more. We also recognize the King Award finalists and a handful of cash prize recipients who have demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship in their respective fields. 

Ice Cream Social & Festival Kick Off 
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
7:00 p.m. 721 Broadway, Lower Level  

Festival Screenings

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
7:30-10:00 p.m. 721 Broadway, Lower Level

Friday, April 10, 2026
5:00-10:00 p.m. 721 Broadway, Lower Level

Saturday, April 11, 2026
5:00-10:00 p.m. 721 Broadway, Lower Level

Sunday, Apri 12, 2026
5:00-10:00 p.m. 721 Broadway, Lower Level

Join us to watch 100 graduate and undergraduate films representing animation, documentary, experimental and narrative works.

View Schedule

King Awards & Screening
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
6:00-8:00 p.m. Regal Union Square Theater
Doors open 5:30 p.m.

Reservations are recommended; however, seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The King Awards Ceremony serves as the culminating event of the First Run Film Festival. The ceremony recognizes the top three King Award recipients from both the Graduate and Undergraduate departments, as well as two honorees of the Jagat Murari Directing Award. These 8 award winning films will have a second screening at Regal Union Square giving audiences the chance to experience the winning films on the big screen in a true movie theater setting. This is the festival’s most anticipated and exciting event.

*All events are open to the public. Seating is first come, first-served.