The 21st Annual Event In Portsmouth, New Hampshire attracts nearly 10K participants each year
Portsmouth, New Hampshire – Four days of extraordinary independent filmmaking, parties, comedy, discussions, and educational opportunities will once again descend upon Portsmouth, NH as the New Hampshire Film Festival (NHFF) offers more than 100 feature films, documentaries, and short films to the public on October 12 – 15, 2023. Passes are on sale now at NHFilmFestival.com. The festival brings together screening venues across the city, including The Music Hall Historic Theater, The Music Hall Lounge, 3S Artspace, The Press Room and more, showcasing a variety of films from established and emerging filmmakers. This year’s festival is underwritten by Key Auto Group as the Headline Sponsor.
Executive Director Nicole Gregg says the festival’s growth and professionalism has led MovieMaker Magazine to name it one of the top film festivals in the country; “After a two year hiatus during the pandemic, we came back strong and this fall will continue to build on the excitement that bringing together audiences and filmmakers from near and far creates for the Seacoast.” Gregg says more than 100 volunteers help her small staff stage the event.
Once again, the NHFF is working with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an Academy Award® qualifying festival for the Short Film Awards. Short films that receive the festival’s Live Action Shorts Jury Award and Animation Shorts Jury Award may now qualify to enter the Short Films competition for the concurrent Oscar® season. Recipients of these qualifying festival awards will be eligible for consideration in the Live Action Short Film and Animation Short Film categories of the Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the films otherwise comply with the Academy rules.
Says Ian McCarthy, NHFF’s Director of Programming, “We have more submissions this year than ever before, and we couldn’t be prouder of how our lineup is shaping up. We know that the art of visual storytelling is vital to our community, and that’s what our festival is all about. We promise a thought-provoking and inspiring four days in a beautiful location. The power of film to collectively unite and move people is more evident than ever, and we’re anticipating an amazing turnout for our 21st year.”
Says Music Hall Executive Director Tina Sawtelle, “The Music Hall is thrilled to enhance our collaboration with the New Hampshire Film Festival by co-presenting it this year. This will enable the festival to tap our ticketing system and staff. We look forward to working with the festival team to bring high quality, original and independent screenings to our community.” Sawtelle says she expects the film festival to attract nearly 10 thousand people to Portsmouth this fall.
Movie-goers can purchase day passes or buy a ticket for the entire festival, including the galas. The Schedule of Events will be released later this summer, along with the leading films and filmmakers featured this year. Passes can be purchased at NHfilmFestival.com
NH Film Festival Partners
The 2023 New Hampshire Film Festival is made possible with the support of Headline Sponsor Key Auto Group, Presenting Sponsor BankProv, and additional sponsors, including Vital, Inhouse Digital, BANKW Staffing, Access Sports Medicine, Monkey Mind Escape Rooms, Construction Services of New Hampshire, Avery Insurance, Stella Artois, Northwoods Brewing Company, Natural Rocks Ice, Green & Co. and Rockingham Electric.