About Us

Celebrating Bengali Cinema in the Heart of New York

The New York Bangla Film Festival (NYBFF) is a vibrant cultural event dedicated to showcasing the richness, diversity, and depth of Bengali cinema from across the globe. Held annually in New York City — a global hub of art and culture — the festival brings together filmmakers, actors, critics, and cinema lovers to celebrate stories that reflect the essence of Bengal, both traditional and contemporary.

From powerful independent films and thought-provoking documentaries to crowd-pleasing mainstream hits, NYBFF provides a unique platform for emerging and established Bengali filmmakers to share their work with an international audience. The festival also features panel discussions, director Q&As, and special screenings, creating a space for dialogue, discovery, and collaboration.

Organized by a passionate team of cultural advocates and film professionals, the New York Bangla Film Festival is more than just a cinematic showcase — it’s a bridge between the Bengali diaspora and the homeland, and a celebration of identity, storytelling, and artistic excellence.

Whether you are a lifelong lover of Bengali films or a curious newcomer, NYBFF invites you to experience the magic of Bengali cinema — right here in the heart of New York.

Our Mission

The mission of the New York Bangla Film Festival (NYBFF) is to promote, preserve, and celebrate the art of Bengali cinema by creating a platform for filmmakers, artists, and storytellers from Bangladesh, India, and the global Bengali diaspora. We aim to foster cross-cultural dialogue, support independent voices, and bring Bengali stories to a wider international audience — all while building a strong sense of community through the power of film.

Through screenings, discussions, and collaborative events, NYBFF is committed to:

• Showcasing diverse narratives and cinematic excellence from Bengali filmmakers

• Creating opportunities for emerging talents to connect with global industry professionals

• Bridging cultures and generations through meaningful storytelling

• Uplifting the identity and heritage of Bengali communities around the world

Our Vision

The New York Bangla Film Festival envisions becoming a premier global platform for Bengali cinema — where powerful stories transcend borders, spark conversations, and inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences.

We strive to:

• Elevate Bengali films to international recognition

• Nurture a vibrant creative community rooted in cultural pride and artistic freedom

• Serve as a bridge between the Bengali diaspora and the global film industry

• Preserve the legacy of Bengali storytelling while embracing innovation and new voices

Our vision is to make Bengali cinema a celebrated and permanent part of the global cultural narrative, starting from New York — one of the most diverse cities in the world.