The Queens International Film Festival - Our mission, our goals, our community.

The Queens International Film Festival is a truly unique New York event in a borough so rich in entertainment history and value. From the earliest beginnings of the silver screen, Queens has been the main hub for the magic of film. Queens has been the home of the Hollywood elite, and the birthplace of two major studios. The Queens International Film Festival is not just about celebrating the awesome film heritage of Queens. The independent filmmaker is the heart and soul of our festival. They come from all around the world, from different creeds, colors, and religions, being brought together by the universal language of film. In keeping with the "Melting Pot" tradition of New York City, and Queens in particular, the Queens International Film Festival breaks any and all barriers to provide an event that educates, inspires, and enlightens. We make the star of the boroughs shine brighter than ever as a beacon of light to the rest of the world.

The outreach of the Queens International Film Festival can be separated into five very distinct groups. Our dedication to each group is unwavering and we pledge to bring an incredibly successful event for all to enjoy.

Community - It was Abraham Lincoln who said, "The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds." The Queens International Film Festival is fully committed to the betterment and economic vitality of our neighborhoods and communities. After all, what better to way to spur much needed economic activity, and support for our amazing local businesses than by bringing people in from near and far for an unforgettable event?

Filmmakers - Legendary director Robert Bresson described as the filmmaking process as "A film is born in my head and I kill it on paper. It is brought back to life by the actors and then killed in the camera. It is then resurrected into a third and final life in the editing room where the dismembered pieces are assembled into their finished form." The Queens International Film Festival takes pride in working with some of the best filmmaking minds, and helping them to achieve the recognition they deserve. Independent filmmakers are the true innovators in the motion picture industry and we celebrate their craft and give them a world platform to showcase what they’ve put their blood, sweat, and tears to produce. Together with our filmmakers we are truly an international presence and an independent force.

Public - "Never treat your audience as customers, always as partners," said the incomparable Jimmy Stewart. The Queens International Film Festival is especially dedicated to bringing a great entertainment experience to the everyday moviegoer. It is our pledge to bring to the moviegoer only the best films, the hottest music in our music lounge, and the chance to indulge their curiosity about the motion picture industry in our many seminars, events, and workshops. The Queens International Film Festival has always been, and will always be about the people.

Youth - Theater Director, Actor, and Author Paulo Coelho said of youth, "Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives." It is inevitable that the future of not only the motion picture industry, but of our society as a whole, is our youth. The Queens International Film Festival particularly prides itself on working with the up and coming stars of tomorrow. Through our various activities and events we give the hope of tomorrow an outlet for their creativity, and a chance to develop their esteem and vision through avenues that not only teach them about filmmaking, but make the industry accessible by giving them the chance to interact with some of the most innovative individuals in the industry.

Diversity - As per Literary Icon, Norman Mailer, "What characterizes a member of a minority group is that he is forced to see himself as both exceptional and insignificant, marvelous and awful, good and evil." The Queens International believes in the power of diversity in film. From our Women in Film panel discussions to our International Focus screenings, we seek to embody the power of unity, breaking all bounds of culture and race. We want to empower the current women and minority filmmakers, as well as set the stage for the next generation. Through the uncompromising power of film, we can help break down the wall and give people from all ethnicities the chance to shine.