NUFF 2026 — Submit Your Film

— About NUFF

The Film Festival at Northwestern University — NUFF

Born out of the RTVF
community at Northwestern.

NUFF is a student-led short film festival at Northwestern University open to all filmmakers nationwide, regardless of institutional affiliation or age. Started in 2024 as an internal event called NUFF Premiere Week, held on Northwestern's campus and led by students, the festival was created to celebrate the Radio/Television/Film (RTVF) community by showcasing student organization productions and the films from RTVF directing courses made throughout the year. This year, NUFF is expanding beyond Northwestern's walls and debuting as a full festival open to the public this Fall in Evanston, IL.

The festival will feature both NU and external screening blocks, as well as guest speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with Chicago filmmakers and Northwestern alumni in the entertainment industry.

Selected films will have the opportunity to screen on campus and are eligible to compete for the Audience Choice Award, Best of Festival, Best of NU, Best Directing, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Screenplay.

Days of ScreeningsNU and external screening blocks. November 13–14, 2026.

Award CategoriesPlus additional prizes from sponsors, to be announced.

All

Open NationwideAll filmmakers welcome, regardless of level or institution.

— Submit a Film

Now accepting submissions for the
2026 Film Festival

Festival Dates November 13–14, 2026
Times announced closer to the festival
Venue Screenings across Northwestern's campus
Evanston, IL — specific venues announced closer to the festival
Awards Selected films will be screened and awards given for Best Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Screenplay, and more.
Learn more about categories and rules →
Submission Fee Early Bird (by Aug 1): Free
Regular (by Sep 14): $3
Late (by Oct 7): $5
Fee waivers available. Email nuff.filmfestival@gmail.com
Submissions Open Opens July 1, 2026. Late deadline Oct 7, 2026.
Rolling review. Submit early for best consideration and lowest fee.

Eligibility

Open to All

NUFF is open to all filmmakers nationwide. No institutional affiliation required, regardless of level.

Short Films Only

Films must be 20 minutes or under, including credits. No exceptions.

Production Window

Films must have finished production on or after August 1, 2023. Films completed prior to this date will not be accepted.

Language

All films must be accessible to an English-speaking audience. Subtitles are required for non-English films.

No Premiere Requirements

Films that have screened at other festivals or online (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) are still eligible.

Email nuff.filmfestival@gmail.com for any questions or concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a submission fee?

Fees are tiered by deadline. Submit by August 1 for free, by September 14 for $3, or by October 7 for $5. You can submit multiple films but each one requires its own fee. Need a waiver? Email us at nuff.filmfestival@gmail.com.

How does selection work?

We review submissions on a rolling basis and notify filmmakers by email. Getting in guarantees your film will be screened on campus. It does not guarantee an award. Awards are decided by a jury of industry professionals.

Can I make changes after submitting?

No. Once your film is submitted, changes to the content or materials are not allowed.

— The Team