Manhattan University is proud to announce the inaugural Sixth Borough Film Festival, a dynamic new celebration of film and storytelling, scheduled to take place April 10–12, 2026.
Located just a short subway ride from Midtown Manhattan, the University’s scenic campus will host this three-day festival, showcasing a wide range of shorts, features, fiction, and documentaries. Films will compete for recognition across a diverse range of categories, including Best Student Film, Best Narrative Short Film, Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Short, and Best Documentary Feature. The festival will also highlight special categories, including “Bronx Tales” (films about or inspired by the Bronx), horror, and music videos, offering a unique platform for both established and emerging voices in film. Entry is free for students, reflecting the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.
“New York City has always been a global capital of storytelling and we are excited to create a festival that honors that legacy while amplifying new voices,” said Michael Grabowski, Ph.D. Professor of Communication at Manhattan University. “The Sixth Borough Film Festival will celebrate the magic of film and the vibrant culture of the Bronx, making it a must-attend event for filmmakers and fans alike.”
According to Robert Cole, Executive Director of Marketing at the University, "the Film Festival is sponsored by the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences and seeks to highlight the multi-dimensional offerings of Manhattan University coupled with a welcoming spirit to filmmakers throughout the world.”
Submissions will be accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway at filmfreeway.com/SixthBoroughFilmFestival. Entrants must be 18 years or older and have full rights to all materials in their film. By submitting their entries, filmmakers agree to have their film screened at the festival and promoted as part of the event.
For additional information or questions, please email sbff@manhattan.edu.
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About Manhattan University
Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu.