On July 24 and 25, Peekskill will become the temporary home for stories arriving from different latitudes, young directors searching for their first audience and experienced artists who find in cinema a common language. Inside the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, in the heart of the city, neighbors and filmmakers from the Hudson Valley, different states across the country and other parts of the world will come together around one shared belief: that new voices also deserve a stage that empowers subjects including women, POC, and the LGBTQ+ community.
That is the vision that has guided the Peekskill Film Festival for more than a decade. This year, in its 11th edition, the festival will once again place the city on the map of international independent cinema for two days. Presented by The Field Library, the festival’s goal is to create spaces for new generations of filmmakers, share knowledge and bring experiences together.
This year’s programming is scheduled for Friday from 7 to 11 p.m. On Saturday, the event will run from 1 to 11 p.m. During those hours, attendees will experience screenings, filmmaker conversations, question-and-answer sessions and networking opportunities for professionals and independent cinema enthusiasts.
Founded in 2015, the Peekskill Film Festival was created with the intention of providing a space for films and filmmakers who are often left outside traditional commercial circuits. Over the years, the event has grown into one of the Hudson Valley’s most recognized independent film gatherings, maintaining a strong commitment to emerging cinematic voices and diverse storytelling.
This year’s edition will include narrative features, documentaries, short films, animation, experimental cinema, comedy and horror productions. The organization also maintains categories designed to highlight the work of filmmakers from New York State, strengthening its connection with the regional arts scene and the creative communities throughout the area.
Beyond screenings, the festival seeks to provide a complete experience for filmmakers and attendees. The program includes conversations with directors and producers, industry gatherings, spaces for creative exchange and social activities designed to create connections among artists at different stages of their careers.
The festival will conclude with its traditional awards ceremony, which will take place during the event’s already emblematic after-party. Among the honors presented by the Peekskill Film Festival are awards for Best Feature, Best Short, Best Documentary, Best Student Film, Best Animation, Best Director and Best Cinematography.
The organization will also recognize productions created in the state with the New York State of Mind Award, in addition to presenting the Best of Fest and Audience Favorite awards, with the latter selected by attendees.
Tickets to attend the event will cost $25. The organization recommends visiting its official website for programming information, updated schedules and additional announcements ahead of the festival.
