2024 Sleepy Hollow Film Festival
Global Premieres, Local Talent & Fresh Perspectives on Film
Westchester County’s film festivals offer a front-row seat to bold storytelling, creative innovation, and cinematic excellence. Whether you're an indie filmmaker ready to showcase your vision or a cinephile eager to explore new stories, Westchester's 2025 film festivals promise to deliver compelling narratives and create community through the art of film.
Here’s a look at what’s lighting up local screens this year:
Mercy University International Film Festival
Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry | April 22-25, 2025
Featuring cutting-edge cinema, Mercy University's International Film Festival brings global talent to Westchester. Now in its 25th year, this four-day event will offer films from Italy, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Japan, accompanied by renowned guest speakers and lively discussions.
Westchester Italian Film Festival
Picture House Regional Film Center, Bronxville/Pelham | April 25-27, 2025
This year’s festival kicks off opening night with a special event honoring Chazz Palminteri, followed by a screening of his new film, “A Bronx Tale One Man Show.” Screenings will take place at both locations throughout the weekend, showcasing a mix of new and classic Italian films, director Q & As, and featured workshop on the spaghetti western genre.
Peekskill Film Festival
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill | June 27-28, 2025
Peekskill’s festival highlights an eclectic mix of features, documentaries, shorts, and animated works. Established a decade ago, the event champions up-and-coming filmmakers, writers, actors and producers while offering workshops and lectures that explore overlooked works of film.
Urbanite Arts and Film Festival
Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art | August 1-3, 2025
A creative hub for young visionaries, the Urbanite Arts and Film Festival provides artists aged 13-26 an opportunity to express their creativity through photography, screenplays, short films and music videos — many created with just a smartphone. It highlights underrepresented voices and helps create a platform for diverse, young artists to launch their careers.
Mount Vernon Film Festival
Mount Vernon Public Library | August 9-10, 2025
Making its debut this year is the Mount Vernon Film Festival, a brand-new event that shines a light on emerging filmmakers from the local community. Over two days, audiences can experience a unique and accessible venue for screenings, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and a culminating award ceremony. Organizers say the new event aims to engage a diverse audience and foster a vibrant cultural experience for all attendees.
Katonah Classic Stage Film Festival
Bedford Playhouse, Bedford | August 10, 2025
Returning for its sixth year, the Katonah Classic Stage Film Festival plans to expand its lineup of features from around the world. Hosted In collaboration with the Bedford Playhouse, the festival offers both indoor and outdoor screenings, along with an expanded slate of short films to engage a growing audience and rising number of submissions.
YoFiFest – The Yonkers Film Festival
Yonkers Riverfront Library and Digital Media Arts Center, Yonkers | November 7-16, 2025
Hailed as one of the "Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals" by Film Freeway, YoFi Fest is now in its 13th year. Kicking off with a red-carpet reception, this celebration of independent film brings Westchester’s growing community of creatives together with established industry professionals to forge connections with each other and engage with fresh audiences.
Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival
Tarrytown | 2025 Dates TBA
Celebrating films that explore the mysterious and the macabre, the Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival takes place during the pre-Halloween season in the Hudson Valley villages renowned for the holiday. Featuring a jury of literary and film industry professionals, the festival features screenings, live events, guest panels, and competitions.