Everything you need to know about the New Hampshire Film Festival
Spend a weekend immersing yourself in cinematic excellence at the New Hampshire Film Festival. Here’s everything you need to know about the event.
The New Hampshire Film Festival is an annual event held in Portsmouth, inviting professional filmmakers, producers, actors—and of course, film lovers—to celebrate cinematic art.
The nonprofit festival, founded in 2001, showcases some of the brightest talents in domestic and international film festivals. It is also the longest-running and most successful film festival in the Granite State.
Despite its broad recognition, the film festival never lost its local soul. Now in its 24th edition, NHFF is a beautiful convergence of New Hampshire natives, film fanatics, local residents, and cinephiles galore. And it all happens in the heart of Portsmouth over a period of four days.
If you’re a first timer at this larger-than-life celebration of cinephiles, here’s everything you need to know.
Portsmouth is an accessible beach town
Set against the backdrop of one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cities in New Hampshire, the NHFF will take place at the 3S Artspace, The Music Hall Lounge, and the Moffatt-Ladd Warehouse from Oct 16 to 19.
For New Hampshire locals, the drive is smooth along I-95 North or South. For those coming from Western New Hampshire and Vermont, there is a connection to I-95 North via I-89 or I-91.
It’s a four-day celebration
This year’s festival runs from October 16 to October 19. The festival is lined up with events from nearly 9 a.m. to almost 9 p.m. There is an after party that starts at midnight on October 18 at the Music Hall Historic Theater at 28 Chestnut Street. Read more about the after party and the schedule.
The venues for all the events are very close to each other, so festival-goers can experience Portsmouth’s waterfront restaurants, shops, and cafés in between.
There are many films (but you don’t have to see them all)
The festival is displaying more than 100 independent movies, ranging from documentaries to narrative features and shorts. Choose from genres such as horror, comedy, thriller, fantasy, among many others.
Fun Fact: NHFF is also an Academy Award qualifying festival for short films in the live action, animation, and documentary shorts categories.
For a seamless navigation through everything that the festival has to offer, download the festival app.
How to buy tickets
For a festival this elaborate, there are obviously a variety of tickets and passes movie lovers can choose from.
Daily Passes
Daily passes are $50, but cost $30 on Thursday.
NextGen Pass
For a more immersive experience, those under 40 can consider buying the discounted festival pass that includes all festival benefits—priority entrance to screenings, cocktail hours, select filmmaker coffee chats—for just $99.
VIP Pass
All NH residents can buy VIP passes for $250, which includes all festival benefits. Out-of-state VIP passes are $290.
Platinum Pass
For the ultimate film experience at NHFF, patrons can also invest in the $1,000 platinum pass that includes all festival benefits plus many additional perks. Read more here.
Tickets to select individual films are also available.
Where to stay, eat, and drink
Here are my personal favorite eateries in Portsmouth:
Shalimar India
A cozy North Indian restaurant, Shalimar has been in business since 1992. This restaurant brings out royal recipes from the courts of Mughal emperors to the Seacoast. Find more South Asian options here.
Martingale Wharf
A cosy restaurant overlooking water and accompanying sunsets, Martingale Wharf offers American fare and cocktails galore.
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
A local New Hampshire chain of Mexican restaurants, La Carreta brings a slice of Mexican flavors to the Seacoast of the Granite State.
Toscana Italian Chophouse and Wine Bar
Explore a sommelier-curated selection of wines and pair it with the best of Italian dishes here.
Cup of Joe
If a slew of movie screenings didn’t stimulate you enough, try out the perfect cup of coffee at Cup of Joe’s.
For a festival-recommended list of hotels, read here.
Ceres Bakery
Offering breakfast and lunch options, Ceres Bakery makes for a perfect stop for those wanting to indulge in a quick bite.
It’s more than just film screenings—check out panels & special events
Beyond getting lost in the world of cinematography, there are numerous special events and panel discussions to engage in. To find out more about the full scope of events, visit the website.
Panel discussions
Topics range from self-financing to discussing industry trends and the latest technological strategies.
Coffee chats
Meet and greet with filmmakers and special guests. Some of the marquee names on the list inspire younger talent to think outside the box and draw attention to the world of cinema. Find out who’s on this year’s selection of morning chats here.
Q and A after screenings
Interact directly with filmmakers and cast after screenings, and get answers to all your burning questions.
Social gatherings and after-parties
Celebrate the first night of the festival on Thursday night at an after party at Flatbread Company.
You won’t want to miss out on the Stella Artois-sponsored hospitality party, which will feature Napoletana pizza, clambakes, and a full bar.
A launchpad for small-scale, local filmmakers
The festival is a fantastic opportunity for local filmmakers to engage in networking and get to know industry tips from seasoned filmmakers. The festival also screens films created by local talent and gives younger filmmakers the confidence to take passion projects forward.
In 2024, almost 30% of the movies had ties to New Hampshire.
How to fully immerse as a volunteer
Volunteers play a crucial role in executing the festival—from smoothing out logistics to engaging with the audience. To fully immerse yourself and understand what goes on behind the scenes at NHFF, consider becoming a volunteer.
It’s not too late to volunteer. Applications are still open. Click here to sign up.
First time in Portsmouth? Here are other things to do
Plan a visit to the Strawberry Banke Museum
Just minutes from Downtown, the Strawberry Banke Museum brings 350 years of history alive. There are historic homes, costumed role plays, and traditional crafts demonstrations.
Take a historical stroll
Walk through the market square, shipyards, and old art galleries. Portsmouth is one of the oldest cities in America!
Walk through the Fuller Gardens in North Hampton
Take a step back in time and enjoy a timeless retreat in the sprawling Fuller Gardens in North Hampton.
Explore the exhibits at the Portsmouth Athenaeum
The Portsmouth Athenaeum was built in the 18th century as a means to elevate educational resources for the community. It’s now a historic building and an exhibition center. Here’s what’s currently on exhibit.
Extend your trip to Kennebunkport in Maine
If you’re already planning to spend a few days or a weekend in Portsmouth, consider driving 40 minutes away to the bucolic town of Kennebunkport, which has a postcard-worthy backdrop.
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