About

Awesome International Film Festival New York is a curated international film event held at the prestigious SVA Theatre in New York City — one of the most celebrated independent cinema venues in the world.

Founded by Ritesh Parikh, a visionary media entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience across the global entertainment industry, AIFF is the natural extension of a media legacy built on authentic storytelling, cultural impact, and international reach. Ritesh is the creator and driving force behind an expansive portfolio of recognized media brands — including Awesome TV (@awesomeitv | awesometv.tv), AWSM Times (@awsmtimes), and AWSM Radio (@awsmradio), to name a few — spanning television, radio, fashion, music, film, and cultural lifestyle media, headquartered in New York City.

AIFF presents a selective lineup of films recognized for cinematic excellence, strong storytelling, and emerging innovation — across narrative features, documentaries, AI-driven cinema, and music visuals. Positioned at the intersection of traditional filmmaking and new media, AIFF champions creators from every corner of the world who are actively shaping the future of visual storytelling.

Unlike open submission festivals, AIFF is deliberately selective. Every film in our program is chosen for its directorial voice, visual craftsmanship, and the originality of its perspective. Our audience expects to be moved, challenged, and surprised — and our programming reflects that standard.

Selected films are showcased to a live audience in NYC, offering meaningful exposure in one of the world’s most influential creative markets — with access to industry professionals, press, and a passionate global community of film lovers.

Whether you are an emerging filmmaker making your festival debut or an established voice pushing the boundaries of the medium, AIFF is the stage for stories that matter.