Film directors from around the world look to New York City to showcase the world premiers of their movies. Here are the top 5 best film festivals in NYC known for the glamorous red carpet experience, prestige, and best exposure.

1. Tribeca Film Festival
2. International Filmmaker Festival of New York (IFFNY)
3. New York International Independent Film & Video Festival
4. Havana Film Festival
5. New York Asian Film Festival

Tribeca Film Festival launched in 2002, created by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. It has since become the legendary home for many filmmakers. The International Filmmaker Festival of New York (IFFNY), was founded in 2012 by award-winning director Mrika Krasniqi, and it’s one of the most coveted film festivals in New York with expert panelist and a platform for both established and up-and-coming filmmakers in the industry. IFFNY is on every list for best film festivals because it is very competitive and it features 10 categories, including best animation and best music video.

The New York Asian Film Festival is the most influential festival for creative and popular Asian cinema. Havana Film Festival is an established film festival with a track record for the best of Latin America productions. New York International Independent Film & Video Festival is a favorite for independent filmmakers from around the world, whose films push the industry forward.