Harlem International Film Festival

Celebrating 20 Years of the Finest Global Cinema from Harlem to Hong Kong
 
The Harlem International Film Festival (Hi) announces its 20th Anniversary taking place from September 17-21, 2025.

The Festival is known for showcasing feature films, documentaries, shorts, animation, youth projects, experimental, VR, music video, and episodic work from around the world plus integrating the best that Harlem has to offer – incredible restaurants and shops, world-class music venues and nightlife, prestigious universities and cultural institutions, and a long history of excellence in the arts.

For nearly two decades, the Festival has shown well over 1500 films, providing hundreds with their New York premiere and giving them a springboard to further success.

Hi has bestowed over 500 awards including the prestigious annual Mira Nair Award for Rising Female Filmmaker.

Events include the screenplay showdown, panel discussions, the Hi Honors, the Harlem Spotlight Award and the Renaissance Awards, which recognizes the achievements of both established and upcoming artists in entertainment and the arts. 
 
Past recipients include Harlem’s own Emmy award-winning Keith David, Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, Oscar-nominated director Mira Nair, the prolific Mario Van Peebles and acclaimed Roger Guenveur Smith. 
 
The Harlem Spotlight and HUB awards (Harlem/Upper Manhattan/Bronx) highlights and awards films produced or directed by local residents, films shot in the area, or films about our neighborhood's incredible past, present & future.
 
Celebrating the art of cinema in the home of the Harlem Renaissance, Hi is committed to exemplifying the eminence of this historic neighborhood and serves as a beacon to discover and shine light on the most exciting independent and underrepresented talent from all over the world.
 
Over the years Hi has attracted over 33,000 attendees from around the world including a diverse mix of students, professionals, senior citizens, prominent community members and personalities such as Mayor David Dinkins, Susan Sarandon, Les Nubians, Mario & Melvin Van Peebles, Rep. Charles Rangel, Sherri Shepherd, Ron Carter, Adrian Grenier, Immortal Technique, Lisa Lisa, Mike Colter, CCH Pounder, Lou Diamond Phillips, Glenn Plummer, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jamie Hector, Paul Barber, Tom Bell, Vernon Reid, Corey Glover, Raheim & Melle Mel (Grand Master Flash), Grand Mixer DXT and legendary martial artist & film star Ron Van Clief.