The 2023 New Hampshire Film Festival Runs Oct. 12-15, Celebrating 21 Years
The New Hampshire Film Festival runs October 12 – 15, 2023 with four days of compelling independent films, panel discussions, parties and more; celebrating 21 years!
Organizers say the quality of the films selected for screening are better than ever as the NHFF is now a Academy Award-qualifying festival for the Short Film Oscars
Portsmouth, NH (October 9, 2023) – The collaborative effort of filmmaking will be on display October 12-15 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire as directors, producers, writers, and film buffs gather to view some of the most exciting and thought-provoking films available for screening. Organizers say the 21st New Hampshire Film Festival (NHFF) will have plenty of familiar faces and more than 100 new films that will entertain audiences over the four day festival. The NHFF is celebrating 21 years and expects to attract more than ten thousand visitors to the Seacoast region, according to Executive Director Nicole Gregg. Gregg says, “This year’s lineup is sure to inspire, challenge, and impact our audiences. We have so many amazing documentaries, feature length films, and short films that cover an array of topics and storytelling. Over the course of four days and four different venues, the public is able to see top quality films that are not beholden to big movie studios; this allows for a different level of creativity and we welcome all to enjoy one or many films during the festival in Portsmouth.”
NHFF Programming Director Ian McCarthy says this is the second year that the NH Film Festival is an Academy Awards qualifying festival for short films. “This designation is significant in the industry and has led to more quality submissions than ever. It’s an honor our jurors take very seriously.”
Some of the films will have their world premiere at the NH Film Festival, including nearly 40 that have ties to the Granite State. Other films are on the independent film festival circuit and have been receiving buzz at Sundance, Toronto, Cannes and more international film festivals. At the NHFF well-known industry creatives will serve on a number of jury panels that will bestow coveted awards on the submitted films, including legendary producer Ted Hope and Emmy award-winning documentary producer Matt Renner.
One of the highlights of the festival’s discussions is the Annual Comedy Panel scheduled for October 14, from 5:00 – 6:20 at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth. This year’s talent includes comedy producing legend Marcy Carsey who is responsible for some of the most successful sitcoms in TV history, television personality Tom Bergeron, actress Eliza Coupe, late night comedy writer Jon Rineman and moderator Greg Kretschmar, who is a syndicated radio host and NH broadcast personality.
NH Film Festival Co-founder and Industry Director Dan Hannon says the festival is run by a volunteer-led nonprofit organization that provides an important cultural event and an economic boost to the region. Says Hannon, “Filmmakers and film buffs descend on Portsmouth in one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. You can’t beat the Seacoast in the fall and festival goers come back year after year because we deliver on creating a memorable, interactive experience for all involved. It’s a huge opportunity for filmmakers, especially regional filmmakers, to gain exposure.”
Hannon goes on to say, “A great film festival is more than just fun films of all sizes, shapes and lengths up on a silver screen. It’s the chance to break through that silver screen, talk movies with like-minded cinephile strangers and more-often-than-not hear firsthand from the filmmakers themselves in attendance for the festivities. This year’s slate has several feature films hot off their appearances at the likes of Sundance and Cannes filled with stars and hubbub, and it’s also chock full of first-time premieres from eager new directors carving their artist path into the brave new world.”
To view the schedule of showings/events and purchase passes, visit www.NHFilmFestival.com