Learn about the Newburyport Documentary FIlm Festival NBPT DOCU FEST VIP Invitation FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN INTIMATE GATHERING FOR OUR SPONSORS AND DONORS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND OUR NEW FRIENDS WHO SHARE A PASSION FOR DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING AND MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. Wine, beer and a signature cocktail with light bites. GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

The YES event honors emerging filmmakers, presenting films by recent graduates from colleges and universities. The program highlights new talent, and a $1000 first-place prize is awarded to an outstanding individual for their contribution to the cinematic landscape. Y oung Emerging Showcase YES Film Submissions NBPT DOCU FEST FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit Submissions are Open YES Film Submissions for 2026 Sponsored by 2025 YES Finalists L to R Surabhi Sundaram (METTLE - Columbia U School of Journalism); Anna Carroll (The POMtastics -Lesley University); Anni Spacek (How to Be Seen - Loyola Marymount University) Winner of the 2025 YES Award YES (Young Emerging-Filmmakers Showcase) celebrates new and emerging filmmakers. The program features films showcasing the work of current and recent graduates from colleges and universities nationwide as perhaps their first opportunity to present finished work to the general public. Award finalists attend and participate in Festival activities, including the Filmmaker's Roundtable. A first-place prize of $1000.00 is awarded to one individual helping to fuel the winner’s next creative endeavor. The 2026 showing of the selected YES entries will be September 25, 3:00 PM at The Screening Room . *Rules & Eligibility : Entries are limited to either current students or recent under graduates up to three years post-degree and Master’s degree-bearing individuals one-year post degree. Additionally, filmmakers with an established film production company are ineligible. All entries are non-fiction or documentary in nature and execution. The Film should be no less than 6 minutes and no more than 25 minutes in duration. The Submission deadline is June 8, 2026. Please fill out the form below and click Submit. We look forward to reviewing your submissions. First and Last Name* Email* Phone Number* School Name* Graduation Year & Degree* If currently a student, status level* Film Name* URL Location of Film for Viewing* URL Location to Download* Film Duration* Description of Film* How did you hear abut YES* Clicking submit you agree to the terms and conditions set forth. Submit * Additional Rules & Terms: The submitter and or filmmaker has read and understood the rules and regulations and to the best of their knowledge, all statements are true.The submitter is duly authorized to submit this to the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival. Upon submission, the submitter and or filmmaker consents to allowing their screener material to be shared in its entirety with appropriate Newburyport Documentary Film Festival staff, including programming staff, volunteer screeners, and other appropriate members of staff; shared with press outlets in efforts to secure press for the film; with final jury members; and with select individuals representing community partners who may be interested in supporting the film’s screening or taking part in a panel or Q&A associated with the film. The festival is hereby also granted the right to utilize image(s) and/or biographical information of the submitter and or filmmaker for promotional purposes. The Festival retains editorial rights to modify descriptive or written portions of the submission. GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

We are seeking a visually striking and engaging poster design that will serve as the primary promotional material for the 2025 Newburyport Documentary Film Festival. The winning design will capture the essence of our festival attracting a wide audience and generating excitement for the festival. Poster Submission Newburyport Documentary Film Festival NBPT DOCU FEST FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Poster Competition and Submission Submit by July 1 Festival dates September 25-27 2026 Poster Competition Brief and Submission The Newburyport Documentary Film Festival (NDFF) celebrates the power of documentary filmmaking to enlighten, educate, and inspire. We showcase compelling stories that explore diverse perspectives, spark dialogue, and promote a deeper understanding of the world around us. This year, we are focusing on the unifying power of storytelling – how documentaries connect us to one another, our communities, and the global human experience. We are the Filmmakers Film Festival, www.nbptdocufest.org Competition Goal and Eligibility Students enrolled in a college art or design program and professionals working in the design industries are welcome to submit. We are seeking a visually striking and engaging poster design that will serve as the primary promotional material for the 2025 Newburyport Documentary Film Festival. The winning design will capture the essence of our festival attracting a wide audience and generating excitement for the festival. Design Requirements: Theme Interpretation: The design should visually represent the theme "Stories That Connect," and define the official branding and theme of the annual festival. Consider concepts like: Human connection and empathy Bridging cultural divides The power of storytelling to unite Global perspectives and shared experiences Filmmakers Festival Combine icons from both documentary films and Newburyport culture into an artistically collaged image unique to this festival Visual Style: Open to various artistic styles (illustration, photography, graphic design, mixed media, etc.). Must be visually appealing and attention-grabbing. Must be easily reproducible in various sizes and formats. must be legible on an 8 1/2” x 11” size. Technical Specifications: Poster size: 24" x 36" (vertical format) Resolution: 300 dpi File format: .EPS, .PSD, .AI, .TIF, .TIFF Color format: CMYK All print files require crop marks, including a bleed margin, which is at least 0.125 inches beyond the dimensions of the poster design. Artists should design with the understanding that the festival's graphic designer will add the festival's branding elements such as the logo, name, dates and sponsors. Avoid overloading the poster with too many design elements. Artists should consider how the design will translate to both sizes. Branding elements; logo & color pallets below. Do not add them to your design. (download logo ). Color Palette: Red #E4002B - PMS 185, Black, & White. Submission Guidelines: Submit your design https://www.nbptdocufest.org/artworksubmission Submissions must be received by June 15, 2025 All submissions must be original works The winner will be notified by July 15 Judging Criteria: Creativity and originality Visual impact and aesthetic appeal Effective communication of the festival theme Legibility and overall design quality Prize: Recognition The Winning design will be featured on selected festival promotional materials (posters, website, social media, program guide). Acknowledgement: The festival will acknowledge the artist's name on all print and online displays of the selected artwork. The festival is offering an artist the opportunity to have their work become the face of the festival, gaining significant exposure and supporting a non-profit organization, in exchange for relinquishing all rights to the artwork. Free Festival pass. "Meet the Artist" on the festival’s website with photo, bio, and your quote for the inspiration of the creative design. $250.00 prize will be awarded to the selected winner. * Rules and Terms: The winning designer grants the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival the right to use the design for all promotional purposes. The Newburyport Documentary Film Festival retains usage rights of the artwork for editorial and promotion purposes across all its public platforms. We look forward to seeing your creative interpretations Download this brief (PDF) Submission form Please fill out the submission form below. Upload your artwork using your name as the filename and photo to our Dropbox folder. Submissions are due on or before July 1, 2026 Questions: Contact Us Upload Your Artwork * First name * Last name * Email * Phone * Bio * What was your inspiration for your entry? Clicking submit you agree to the terms and conditions set forth. Submit * Additional Rules & Terms: The submitter has read and understood the rules and regulations and to the best of their knowledge, all statements are true. The submitter is duly authorized to submit this to the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival. Upon submission, the submitter consents to allowing their screener material to be shared in its entirety with appropriate Newburyport Documentary Film Festival staff, and other appropriate members of staff; with final jury members; and with select individuals representing community partners who may be interested in supporting the film festival. The festival is hereby also granted the right to utilize image(s) and/or biographical information of the submitter for promotional purposes. The Festival retains editorial rights to modify descriptive or written portions of the submission. GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Our volunteers play an important part in bringing the festival to Newburyport. Volunteer NBPT DOCU FEST Volunteer FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit Help Bring the Festival to Life The Newburyport Documentary Film Festival needs volunteers for our upcoming events! If you're passionate about documentary filmmaking, join our inspiring community event. Volunteers are essential to our festival's success and will gain new skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy free access to screenings and events. You'll help organize and set up the festival, as well as assist with events and activities. As a volunteer, you'll be part of an exciting community of documentary enthusiasts and filmmakers, expanding your skills and meeting people who share your passion. Make a difference, gain new experiences, and contribute to an incredible event by signing up today. Let's make this year's festival the best one yet! Email* First name* Last name* Preferred Prounons Phone* Skills - Insterests Usher Y/N Project Management Y/N Registration Desk Staff Y/N Runner-Erands Y/N Computer Skills Y/N Graphic Design Y/N Videography Y/N Photography Y/N Social Media Y/N Hours per week your available* Experience and Comments Submit GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

We invite you to connect with our festival in a unique and meaningful way by hosting one of our visiting filmmakers. It's a wonderful opportunity to share your hospitality, gain insight into the creative process, and experience the festival from an entirely new perspective. Contact us below to learn more and get involved! Filmmaker Hosting Filmmaker Hosting NBPT DOCU FEST FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit Interested in Hosting a Filmmaker? September 26-28 We invite you to connect with our festival in a unique and meaningful way by hosting one of our visiting filmmakers. It's a wonderful opportunity to share your hospitality, gain insight into the creative process, and experience the festival from an entirely new perspective. Contact us below to learn more and get involved! * First name * Last name * Email * Phone * Address and City Your home address (if different from your host address) The festival dates are 9/26-9/28/2025. Most of our filmmakers need housing Friday, September 26th through Sunday, September 28th, 2025. Would you be able to accommodate Friday through Sunday? Yes No No -- If not, please specify How many filmmakers can you host? 1 2 3 4 Is guest housing in a separate unit? Yes No If housing is not a separate unit does it have its own entrance? Yes No Does the housing have a separate bathroom? Yes No Can the filmmaker have access to a kitchen? Yes No Can the filmmaker have access to the internet from the room? Yes No Please describe your available accommodations for NDFF Filmmakers and anything noteworthy about the property. Do you have any pets, and if so, what kind? Dog(s) Cat(s) Additional questions and comments. Submit GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Filmmaker Registration September 26-28 Filmmaker Registration NBPT DOCU FEST FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit * FILM NAME * Confirm your participation in the festival. Yes, I confirm No, I decline Contact me * First name * Last name Primary Contact for film, if different from above. Primary Contact email, if different from above. * Will you be attending the festival September 26-28. Yes No Undecided Do you need lodging? Yes No Undecided Do you have any questions at this time? The Newburyport Documentary Film Festival reserves the right to edit filmmaker materials for marketing and ticket sales as needed, including (but not limited to) your synopsis, still images and trailer. After you submit our Film Concierge will contact you. Submit Important Upload your film, Trailer & EPK here Please confirm your participation in the festival GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Become a Sponsor and raise your brand awareness in Newburyport's geography area. NBPT DOCU FEST Become A Sponsor FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit Become part of the local documentary community This year's festival is a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the power of film to enlighten, inspire and entertain. Many festival filmmakers come to Newburyport to engage directly with festival audiences, spark conversation, and share insights into the filmmaking process. This highly anticipated cultural event offers local establishments a unique opportunity to showcase their businesses to a receptive audience, with an estimated 2,000 festival attendees . As a festival sponsor, your business will generate a strong presence while supporting this valued local event. In return for your support, we offer a range of benefits tailored to meet your specific marketing objectives, including brand visibility, VIP access to festival events, and opportunities for community engagement. Festival attendees are sure to enjoy shopping and dining in town, and all that our Newburyport has to offer. NDFF SPONSORSHIP LEVELS Producing Sponsor $2000 Crew Sponsor $1500 Supporting Cast Sponsor $1000 Presenting Sponsor $2500 Film Sponsor $500 Download the PDF FRIEND OF THE FEST – any amount; all contributions make a difference! YOUR NAME listed on the Donor, "FRIEND OF THE FEST" website section for the duration of the festival. To become a FRIEND OF THE FEST, make a donation in any amount. DONATE Become a Sponsor First name* Last name* Email* Business name Phone Message* Submit To avoid processing surcharges, please mail a check to Newburyport Film Festival, Inc. PO Box 526 Newburyport, MA 01950 Your continuing support in the festival helps us bring thought-provoking, and entertaining documentary films to the surrounding cultural communities. No amount is too small in keeping our programs and festival events alive. GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Our Sponsors supporting the Newburyport Documentary FIlm Festival NBPT DOCU FEST Our Sponsors FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors and Donors! Presenting Sponsor $2500 Producing Sponsor $2000 Crew Sponsor $1500 Supporting Cast Sponsor $1000 Film Sponsor $500 Thank You to Our Donors Dowd Freundlich Fund at ImpactAssets Past Sponsors Illume Books Brine Oyster Bar Loretta Sea Level Oyster Bar NU Kitchen DeGeorge Home Improvements Stone Ridge Properties Essex Street Inn Touchstone Closing Sustain Boutique Institution for Savings Amesbury Cultural Council Newburyport Cultural Council Massachusetts Cultural Council Become part of the local documentary community The Newburyport Documentary Film Festival (NDFF) is a non-profit independent organization that relies on contributions and in-kind support from a range of sponsors. By advertising with or sponsoring NDFF, you’ll align your company’s brand with an established New England cultural event that reaches a range of stakeholders. NDFF is now more visible than ever, established as one of the preeminent social and cultural events North of Boston, as well as launching very popular year round programming. Reaching thousands of people throughout the year, NDFF is one of the region’s premiere film festivals and is an integral resource to local industry professionals who attend. Open your brand up to local and regional media coverage by advertising with or sponsoring the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival. We have many opportunities to promote your organization including: Your advertisement in our festival program Listing your organization and website link on our website Exposure by sponsoring a film or a film-maker Sponsor one of our hospitality events to promote to the local community To learn more about available sponsorship opportunities contact us. Download the pdf Become a Sponsor GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Newburyport Documentary Film Festival NBPT DOCU FEST JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit We are the Filmmakers' Film Festival 2026 Festival September 25-27 Submissions for our 2026 Festival are now open Submissions for our 2026 Festival are now open, and we would love for you to submit new work and remain part of our growing filmmaking community. Please feel free to share the news with your fellow filmmakers as well—we welcome their voices, too. As we begin the New Year, we wish you happiness, good health, and continued creativity. We look forward to staying connected and to discovering the powerful, inspiring stories you’ll bring to life in the year ahead. THE WATCH CLUB THE WATCH CLUB: ANDRE IS AN IDIOT We’ve seen a lot of documentaries over the years that tackle the hard subject of death and dying, but we’ve never seen anything like ANDRE IS AN IDIOT. Andre Ricciardi was a free-spirited advertising guy in San Francisco who neglected to get a colonoscopy when he turned 50. Two years later, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Rather than despairing, Andre convinced his friends Tony Benna (director) and Lee Einhorn (producer) to make a film about his struggle with his illness. Often hilarious, it’s also a feature-length PSA of sorts: Get you damn colonoscopy! After an award-winning premiere at Sundance in 2025, the film had a theatrical run earlier this year. To mark its streaming debut, we’re excited to welcome Tony and Lee to talk about their late friend and his irreverent cautionary tale. Watch ANDRE IS AN IDIOT , now streaming on Prime Video , Apple TV, and other platforms. Then make plans to join us in THE WATCH CLUB for a live Q&A with director Tony Benna and producer Lee Einhorn at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday, May 27. Or watch the interview anytime afterward on our YouTube channel . Watch the interview & Trailer What is THE WATCH CLUB? Keep the conversation going throughout the year in THE WATCH CLUB. It's like a book club, but for documentaries. Each month we'll recommend a new documentary to stream, then invite you to join us on YouTube and Facebook for a live online Q&A with the filmmaker. Archive Our 2025 Festival Winners BEST FEATURE FILM: NIGHT FIGHT Director: Khary Saeed Jones BEST SHORT FILM: POPPY CRASH Director: Andalusia K. Soloff BEST NEW ENGLAND FEATURE FILM: UNLESS SOMETHING GOES TERRIBLY WRONG Directors: Kaitlyn Schwalje, Alex Wolf Lewis BEST NEW ENGLAND SHORT FILM: DUKAKIS: RECIPE FOR DEMOCRACY Directors: Erin Trahan, Jeff Schmidt BEST FIRST TIME FEATURE FILM: THE OPENER Director: Jeff Toye THE DAVID KLEILER CINEPHILE AWARD: THE PAINTED LIFE OF GREGORY GILLESPIE Director: Evan Goodchild AUDIENCE AWARD: CHECKPOINT ZOO Director: Joshua Zeman 2025 YES Award winner: METTLE Directors: Surabhi Sundaram & Chelsea Casabona Columbia University School of Journalism’s Master’s Program Our 2025 Program Photo History Our Sponsors The Newburyport Documentary Film Festival is supported in part by grants from the local cultural councils of the surrounding towns as well as our local sponsors. If you would like to become a sponsor, please visit our Sponsors page GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit NBPT DOCU FEST Calendar GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Plan your visit to Newburyport. Find important information here. FESTIVAL Submit a Film YES Film Submissions Poster Contest Festival Archive Award Winners PROGRAMS Events Watch Club Archive SUPPORT Donate Become a Sponsor Sponsors Volunteer ABOUT About Us Card To Culture Plan Your Visit Every September we invite you to share in the NBPT DOCU FEST experience. Our charming seaport village is forty minutes north of Boston. NBPT DOCU FEST Plan Your Visit Gather to Experience Thought-provoking Films in an Intimate Seaside Setting Film-lovers gather to experience films on the big screen. Celebrate films in historic Newburyport, alongside the Directors that made them. About Newburyport, MA Newburyport is a small coastal city in 35 miles North of Boston. A historic seaport with a vibrant tourism industry, Newburyport includes part of Plum Island. We invite you to enjoy your visit with visits to our Parks, Beaches and Outdoors, Tours, Museums, and vibrant downtown. Resources For Your Visit Hotel: Essex Street Inn Ascend Hotel Collection 7 ESSEX STREET | NEWBURYPORT, MA 01950 Restaurants Dining Other Resources Newburyport Chamber of Commerce Parks https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/ https://www.mass.gov/locations/maudslay-state-park https://www.newburyport.com/waterfront-park/ https://www.facebook.com/Moseley-Woods-Park-178007698921774/ Beaches and Outdoors https://www.newburyport.com/plum-island-beach/ https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/ https://www.mass.gov/locations/sandy-point-state-reservation https://www.newburyport.com/clipper-city-rail-trail-videos/ https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/joppa-flats https://www.mass.gov/locations/salisbury-beach-state-reservation Tours http://captainsfishing.com/ https://www.plumislandkayak.com/ Museums http://www.customhousemaritimemuseum.org/ Downtown https://www.newburyport.com/downtown-shopping/ GET OUR NEWSLETTER Receive Our Latest News Join our mailing list for announcements, ticket sales, special events, monthly documentary recommendations and year-round programs. JOIN OUR MAILING LIST