INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
MANHATTAN
The International Film Festival Manhattan proudly showcases diverse voices in global cinema, honoring excellence in storytelling and celebrating extraordinary talent through its prestigious Special Awards.
NOVEMBER 22-30, 2025
International Film Festival Manhattan Online 2025
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SUBMISSION IS ON FOR 2026!
Submit your film now via FilmFreeway and be part of the International Film Festival Manhattan. Live screenings will be held in New York City, USA.
International Film Festival Manhattan Awardees 2025
Dr Jose Rizal Filmmaking Contest
5th Place: “Overwhelmed Hope”
Dir: Ashley Hernandez (Philippines)
4th Place: “In The Shadow of History”
Dir: Ashley Hernandez (Philippines)
3rd Place: “Rizal Reloaded”
Dir: Mike Magat Prod: Kate Brios (Philippines)
2nd Place: “Ang Gamu Gamu”
Dir: Michael Magsombol Prod: Joselito Cayabyab (USA)
Grand Prize: “Pedro Katipunero”
Dir: Michael Magsombol and Jessica Magsombol
Prod: Knights of Rizal Astoria Chapter
Honorable Mention
“Iris” Dir: Elisabetta Lazzerini (Italy) from Caorle Film Festival
“Un Motivo Violento” Dir: Gianfranco Luigi Pellegrini (Italy) from Caorle Film Festival
“Rapture” Dir: Tristan Reginato (USA)
“Fences” Dir: Bryan Chadwick (USA)
“The Third Estate” Actress/Producer: Elaine Joy Edaya Degale (Philippines)
“Stalked” Actress: Lia Fietz (USA)
“Stalked” Dir: Tanya Huston (USA)
Independent Achievement Award
“UnfAIthful”
Dir: Floyd Roald Actress: Rane Rose (USA)
Best Student Film
“Elephant in the Room”
Dir: Xavier Frank Gonzalez (USA)
Best Cinematography
“Earthquake” Underwater
Dir of Photography: Brett Stanley (USA)
Best Screenplay
“Whispers”
Writer: Ming Fen Congdon (USA)
Best Director Short Film
“La Paura Di Vincere”
Dir: Roberta Pazi (Italy)
Best Director Feature Film
“Haligi”
Dir: Nestor Malgapo Jr (Philippines)
Best Actor Short Film
“Dolldays”
Actor: Patrick Hilmar Ingvaldsen (Norway)
Best Actor Feature Film
“Haligi”
Actor: Christopher Roxas (Philippines)
Best Actress Short Film
“Whispers”
Actress: Kate Surinskaya (USA)
Best Actress Feature Film
“L’ Algoritmo Della Felicita”
Actress: Alessandra De Rosario (Italy)
Best Ensemble in Acting Short Film
Cast of “Convenient Circumstance” (USA)
Best Ensemble in Acting Feature Film
Cast of “Haligi” (Philippines)
Grand Price Best of the Best Short Film
“Dolldays”
Dir: Morten Hansen
Prod: Maria Erdal Rotvoll (Norway)
Best Documentary
“The Eukranian”
Dir: Viktor Nordenskiöld (Belgium, France, Sweden and Ukraine)
Best Feature Film
“Haligi”
Prod: CEBSI Films (Philippines)
Best Female Filmmaker
In celebration of the theme of the Festival
Fierce Women Filmmaker
Jessica Magsombol “Convenient Circumstance” (USA)
Professional Category
Silver Achievement Award Music Video
“Earthquake”
Artist: Magnus Riise
Dir: Monika Felice Smith (USA)
Professional Category
Silver Achievement Award Music Video
“We Are The Descendants”
Dir: Steven Chesne and Nayip Ramos (USA)
Junior Achievement Award
Dance, Movement and Performance
Miss Universe Norway Leonora Lysglimt-Rødland
(Norway)
Lifetime Achievement Award -
Visual Arts - Painting
Romeo “Ronald” Ratio Cortez Jr (USA)
Lifetime Achievement Award -
Screenwriting
Pedro Lopes (Portugal)
Lifetime Achievement Award -
Film Distribution Manymore Films
Ole Georg Østevik (Norway)
Who's This Perfect For
FILMMAKERS
DIRECTORS
CREATORS
STORYTELLERS
DOCUMENTARIANS
STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL MANHATTAN
Uniting Filmmakers and Audiences Through the Power of Film
Now in its 15th milestone year, the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) is celebrated as one of the premier indie film festivals in New York City, showcasing a world-class selection of short films across multiple Manhattan theaters.
IFFM champions diverse storytelling — from documentaries and student works to professional shorts — with a special spotlight on films addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We believe in the transformative power of cinema to amplify voices, inspire communities, and drive meaningful change. Our mission is to unite filmmakers with engaged audiences from around the globe in the vibrant heart of NYC.
Event Highlights
Discover the official posters that embody the artistry and global essence of the International Film Festival Manhattan 2023. Each design reflects the festival’s celebration of culture, creativity, and cinematic excellence. Experience the passion and prestige that define this year’s remarkable event.
MEDIA GALLERY
A glimpse into the glamour and excitement of IFFM 2024 — from red carpet arrivals to the awarding of this year’s outstanding filmmakers and artists.
Why Be Part of IFFM
IFFM is where diverse stories, creative excellence, and the magic of cinema come together in the heart of New York City.
A Stage for Global Voices
A Community of Creatives
Recognition That Matters
Creativity
Fresh, creative solutions.
Integrity
Embracing stories and voices from all cultures and perspectives.
Excellence
Honoring the highest standards of filmmaking and artistry.
TESTIMONIALS
What others are saying
"We are grateful to be part of this year' Autumn Festival "
"We are grateful to be part of this year's Autumn Festival 2021. We are grateful that the hidden talents of Cordillerans of the Philippines can now be shown in the whole world. Thank you IFFM and to Mr. Luis Pedron"
- Jennylyn De Los Santos
"A great festival"
"A great festival. I was fortunately to attend the live award event. It was wonderful to meet many film makers, warm staffs, from festival and to experience the live event even after a long Covid lockdown"
- Ching Juhl
"It was an honor"
"It was an honor and a pleasure to be part of this festival, I wish I was at the showing, but Definitely be there next time."
- Pete Alicide
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