New Hampshire Film Festival Postponed Due To COVID-19

Update: On Sept. 1, the New Hampshire Film Festival announced it would be postponing the event, again, due to COVID-19. The event organizers believe they will be unable to maintain safety measures.

“While we are confident that our country will soon be able to put COVID-19 in the past, we will be closely assessing this progress so as to properly navigate and plan our return,” Executive Eirector Nicole Gregg said. “We are upset to find ourselves in this extremely difficult position, but our deeper concern lies with the filmmakers, attendees, supporters, partners and sponsors who continue to struggle with the ongoing pandemic. We look forward to reaching the other end of the rainbow together so we can finally unite as a community once again. Until then, we hope you will join us in continuing to support our venues, communities, artists, and local businesses any way you feel you safely can.”

Organizers will shift to an undetermined date in 2022.

The original story is below.

PORTSMOUTH, NH — The Oscars coming to New Hampshire? No. But the short films up for potential Academy Award contention will be shown in Granite State in the fall.

The New Hampshire Film Festival will be returning for its 20th season from Oct. 14 to Oct. 17 in Portsmouth as not only a great festival for film buffs but also the first chance to see potential Oscar-nominated films in the Live Action Short Film and Animation Short Film categories, the org said Tuesday. The festival joins others like Cannes and South by Southwest — but with a northern New England spirit and voice, according to Dan Hannon, a co-founder of the festival and director.

“It is with great excitement to announce this working relationship with the Academy heading into our 20th annual edition,” he said. “We have been recognizing and honoring short films since the beginning, and have showcased nearly 1,300 short films over that time. The Academy qualification further enhances our mutual endeavor to support the short film medium, foster filmmaker talents, and reward extraordinary work.”

New Hampshire Film Festival Executive Director Nicole Gregg said it was “an honor and a privilege” to join the ranks of other “highly prestigious festivals” to provide an opportunity to the artists and filmmakers showcased in New Hampshire and New England.

“It has been a long-term goal of the festival to receive this status and a true testament of the hard-working team behind the scenes who made this happen,” she said.

The festival’s mission is to feature young filmmakers while also inspiring audiences with independent filmmaking. Like in past years, there will be in-person panel discussions, workshops, and social events, around the Port City. More details about the festival will be released at a later date, including a full schedule of films. Entries are also still being accepted.

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