The main objective of the Film Festival is to bridge Nepali and American culture through film. The festival has primarily focused films from Nepal made by the Nepali and Non-Nepali filmmakers under the Nepal Panorama section. Films made in South Asia, America and other parts of the world also will be included and screened in the festival.

In addition, discussions and workshops will be organized on various themes such as Nepali Diaspora and Film. Film screenings will be followed by Q&A with special guest or filmmaker based on availability.

NAIFF invites filmmakers around the globe to submit their films. 

Rules and regulations:

-All films made after Jan 2017. 
-Films formally screened previously in Washington DC Metro area theatre will not be considered. 
-Provide films and a brief introduction of the film along with a signed cover letter. 
-Films in languages other than English must have subtitles in English. 
-If selected the film society may ask either DCP (D-cinema), 35mm, HD or (Digi) Beta theatrical format based on the film festival venues. DCP is the most preferred. 
-The film society will not cover expenses to and from the festival for the DCP or DVD’s as well any other expenses incurred. 
-The Film Festival will not return entries or refund entry fees. 
-The Fees are waived submissions from Nepal due to the inconvenience of online payment. 
-The fees are also waived for DMV Close UP section.

Selection of Film 
-The selection committee formed by the Film Society will select the films. 
-Film selection decisions made by the selection committee will be final. 
-Cinematic value, creativity as well as social complexity will be given a high consideration. 
-Selected films will be asked for the publicity material for the festival. 
-The Film Society will not disclose the reason for the film not being selected. 
-Films submitted later than deadline will not be accepted. Any submission received after the submission deadline will not be reviewed for 2019 but will be forwarded to the selection pool for 2020.

Submission Deadlines 
EARLY BIRD– December 31, 2018 
REGULAR DEADLINE – March 15, 2019 
LATE DEADLINE – April 15, 2019 
EXTENDED DEADLINE – May 7, 2019

Submission Fees 
Narrative/ Documentary feature: (over 40 min.)

EARLY BIRD: $30.00 
REGULAR DEADLINE: $50.00, 
LATE DEADLINE:$60.00 
EXTENDED DEADLINE :$75.00

Shorts: (under 40 min.) 
EARLY BIRD: $15.00, 
REGULAR DEADLINE: $20, 
LATE DEADLINE: $30.00 
EXTENDED DEADLINE: $45.