FAQ

NYU's First Run is an annual event hosted by the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. First Run is dedicated to showcasing the advanced work of NYU graduate film and undergraduate film and television students.

Participation in NYU's First Run is open exclusively to NYU Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Film and Undergraduate Film & TV students. Only advanced-level curricular projects created by these students are eligible for submission.

UGFTV Submission Requirements: 

- Advanced Animation: Maximum length 10 minutes.
- Advanced Documentary: Maximum length 25 minutes.
- Advanced Experimental: Maximum length 15 minutes.
- Advanced Production:
- Maximum length 15 minutes for films made AY 2023–2024 and earlier.
- Maximum length 20 minutes for films made AY 2024–2025 and beyond.
- Advanced Television Production: Maximum length 30 minutes
- Narrative Workshop: Maximum length 15 minutes.

Note: Intermediate level films are not eligible for First Run; they can participate in the New Visions and Voices Festival next fall.

Grad Film Submission Requirements: 

- 2nd Year Films: maximum length 12 minutes
- 3rd Year Films, Directing Project Collaborations & Advanced Directing Exercises: maximum length 20 minutes
- Thesis Films: maximum length 30 minutes

Note: 1st Year Films are not eligible.

All films must adhere to curricular guidelines for length and production supervision requirements to participate and be eligible for judging. If you have questions about eligibility requirements, please email firstrun@nyu.edu before registering. More information about the submission process will be available starting August 1st on the First Run website.

Submissions for First Run open on August 1, 2026 and close on December 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.

Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway by December 1 at 11:59 PM EDT to be considered for First Run. Films must be submitted for judging by the December 1st submission deadline. Festival screeners are due shortly after the FilmFreeway submission deadline and are collected via CineSend. Edits to submissions between FilmFreeway and CineSend are not permitted. More information about the CineSend submission process will be sent to filmmakers after the submission window closes.

Yes, you are required to submit your film via CineSend as part of your First Run application. Filmmakers will receive a CineSend upload link after the FilmFreeway submission deadline. All CineSend submissions must be completed by December 15 at 11:59 PM EDT.

First Run is an annual showcase celebrating the advanced work of NYU Tisch Film and Television students, held in late March/early April during the spring semester. Participating films are screened in various screening rooms throughout the Tisch School of the Arts at 721 Broadway. The program may also include panels and workshops designed to celebrate student work and foster engagement with filmmakers, alumni, and industry professionals.

First Run kicks off with the Craft Awards, celebrating outstanding achievement in screenwriting, editing, cinematography, producing, and other areas of filmmaking craft. The awards recognize student filmmakers who have demonstrated exceptional skill and artistry in their respective fields, including recipients of select cash prizes. Event dates and venues may vary each year; please follow First Run announcements for the latest updates and schedule information.

The King Awards Ceremony is the culminating event of First Run. At this prestigious ceremony, the top three King Award recipients from both the Graduate and Undergraduate Departments are recognized for their outstanding work, along with two recipients of the Jagat Murari Directing Award. These eight honorees receive substantial cash prizes: first-place King Award recipients receive $10,000; second-place recipients receive $7,500; third-place recipients receive $5,000; and each Jagat Murari Directing Award recipient receives $5,000. The ceremony celebrates the vision, craft, and storytelling excellence of NYU’s student filmmakers.

NYU's First Run has a rich history spanning more than 80 years. The program has played a vital role in showcasing the early work of many renowned NYU filmmakers who have gone on to make significant contributions to the world of cinema. Notable alumni whose work has been recognized through First Run include Jim Jarmusch, Shaka King, Spike Lee, Emma Seligman, Oliver Stone, Charlotte Wells, Cathy Yan, and Chloé Zhao. 

To stay informed about NYU's First Run, visit the official NYU Tisch School of the Arts website and follow our social media channels for announcements and updates. For specific inquiries, please contact firstrun@nyu.edu. You can also register HERE to join the First Run mailing list and receive the latest news and information.

No. Only final projects may be submitted to First Run. Replacement files or edits will not be accepted after the submission deadline closes on December 1 at 11:59 PM EDT. If you need additional time to complete your project, please consider submitting it to First Run the following year.