The New York Bangla Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant spirit of Bengali cinema and heritage in the heart of the world’s cultural capital. Organized by Bengalis of New York (BoNY), our mission is to foster a “Better Film, Better Audience, and Better Society” by bridging the gap between global Bengali filmmakers and the North American audience.

Audience Guidelines & Festival Information

1. Festival Overview

The 2026 edition of NYBFF will showcase a diverse selection of films across several categories, including:

• Asian & Diaspora Competition
• Bengali Panorama (Films from West Bengal and Bangladesh)
• Cinema of the World
• Women Filmmakers Section
• Short & Independent Films
• Student Filmmaker Showcase

2. Venue Information

Screenings and events will take place at premier cultural institutions across New York City. Final venue partners for 2026 will be confirmed by June 2026. Primary Screening Locations (Provisional):

• Manhattan: School of Visual Arts (SVA) Theatre / AMC Village 7
• Queens: Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI)
• Brooklyn: BRIC Arts Media / Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

3. Entry & Seating Policy

Unlike the Dhaka edition’s “all-free” model, NYBFF operates on a hybrid model to support the local arts community:

• General Admission: Most screenings require a pre-purchased ticket or a Festival Pass.
• Free Community Screenings: Select morning and afternoon sessions (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) may offer free entry to students and seniors with a valid ID, subject to availability.
• Seating: All screenings operate on a “First Come, First Served” basis. Even with a ticket, we recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before the showtime. Once the auditorium reaches capacity, no further entry will be permitted.

4. Screening Schedule (Typical Daily Format)

• Morning Session: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Matinee Session: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Evening Feature: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Primetime Screening & Q&A: 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM

5. Code of Conduct

• Punctuality: To ensure an immersive experience, late arrivals may be asked to wait for a natural break in the film before being seated.
• Recording: The use of cameras, mobile phones, or any recording devices during screenings is strictly prohibited and may lead to removal from the venue.
• Language: All non-English films will be screened with English subtitles to ensure accessibility for a global audience.

6. Join the Community

We encourage all film enthusiasts, students, and members of the Bengali diaspora to join our screenings. Start planning your schedule early to engage with visiting filmmakers and participate in our post-screening Q&A sessions.

Correspondence: For ticketing, volunteer opportunities, or venue inquiries:

Bengalis of New York

Email: contact@bengalisofnewyork.com

Website: https://nybff.us/

Instagram: @BengalisOfNewYork