. The very first Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival (MNFF), kicking off August 27-30, celebrates the work of emerging voices in filmmaking. The emphasis at the MNFF is entirely on filmmakers who have created within the past two years either their first or second feature film or first or second short film. All genres are welcome including narrative, documentary, animation and experimental. The firm commitment at the MNFF is to offer a level playing field to new filmmakers, to give audiences an opportunity to discover fresh and engaging talent and to give filmmakers a chance to be discovered in a setting that is all about their work.

The MNFF closed its window for submissions this past June 15th and was thrilled to receive over 320 films from 35 countries, far exceeding initial expectations. Final acceptances, drawn from a highly competitive and international pool of filmmakers, will be sent out by July 20. The Festival’s lineup of films will be announced in early August.

The MNFF will screen up to 6o films at three screening venues throughout town: the Middlebury Marquis, Middlebury College’s Dana Auditorium, and the Town Hall Theater which will also function as the Festival’s main Box Office. Attending filmmakers will answer questions about their work following screenings, and will also be available to meet filmgoers at a variety of pop-up locations around Middlebury. The Festival will offer a variety of parties throughout the weekend, including the open-to-everyone Saturday Night Community Party from 7-10:30pm with live music on the Town Green, as well as several food trucks and beverage tents.