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ICP Entertainment Film Festival Opens Call for Entries for 2026 Edition; Announces Crowdfunding Campaign and Dates for 12th Annual Celebration in Times Square

Chelsea

The ICP Entertainment Film Festival, one of New York City’s leading showcases for independent cinema and global storytelling, is proud to announce that submissions for the 12th Annual ICP Entertainment Film Festival officially open on Monday, December 1, 2025. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their work through FilmFreeway at: FilmFreeway.com/ICPEntFilmFestival

Founded in 2014 by Richard Oliver Jr., award-winning filmmaker, CEO of ICP Entertainment, and host of “The Rhyme Impersonator Show,” along with co-founder Veena Kondapalli, the festival has become one of NYC’s most dynamic and culturally rich cinematic events. Each year, the festival attracts hundreds of submissions from local and international filmmakers, industry leaders, celebrities, and seasoned professionals.

The 12th Annual Festival will feature 11 Short Film categories and 11 Feature Film categories, with 22 winners receiving the prestigious Official Selection Award Title—a distinction recognized throughout the film industry. The ICP Entertainment Film Festival continues its commitment to amplifying bold voices, fearless storytelling, and diverse perspectives across genres and cultures.

To support festival operations, production costs, and expanded programming for the 2026 season, the festival will launch a Seed & Spark crowdfunding campaign on March 3, 2026, with a fundraising goal of $30,000. After extensive research, Seed & Spark was selected as the preferred platform due to its proven success rate and focus on empowering independent creators.

The recently concluded 11th Annual ICP Entertainment Film Festival (October 24–26, 2025) marked a significant milestone for the organization. Held in the heart of Times Square at Saar Indian Bistro and The Producers Club Theater, the three-day event included two red carpet galas, a multi-course dinner experience prepared by Michelin 5-Star Executive Chef Hemant Mathur, live press coverage, fashion showcases, and screenings of 11 winning films across major categories:

Best Black Lives Matter Film: America, I Can’t Breathe

Best Climate Change Film: Kay Pacha Initiative: The Amazon Phase 3

Best Mental Illness Film: LOX

Best Humanity Film: AI’s Silent Omissions

Best Music Video: Until The Last Minute

Best Animation: I Am Duck

Best Comedy: Out Of Order

Best Drama: No Nation

Best Horror: The Axe Forgets

Best Web Series: The Story of Megan Jacoby (Ep. 1–6)

Best Documentary: Maria

Attendees were treated to four themed red carpet fashion segments—Indian, Haitian, African, and Palestinian—along with VIP gift bags and photo sessions with media and photographers. The festival expressed special gratitude to Red Carpet Coordinator Lanita Jones and the dedicated team of staff, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.

Festival Founder and Creative Director Richard Oliver Jr. shared a message of gratitude: “God is good, and to Him we give all the honor, glory, and praise for giving us the faith and grace to host yet another successful year of the ICP Entertainment Film Festival. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team, our filmmakers, and the incredible community that continues to support us.”

The 12th Annual ICP Entertainment Film Festival will take place from October 23–27, 2026, returning to Times Square for another unforgettable week of screenings, red carpet events, cultural showcases, and industry celebrations.

For submissions visit: filmfreeway.com/ICPEntFilmFestival, for sponsorship, press & volunteer inquiries: icpentnyc@gmail.com, and for past festival highlights: youtube.com/therhymeimpersonator

The ICP Entertainment Film Festival is a New York City–based international showcase dedicated to elevating voices from diverse cultures and artistic backgrounds. Through its curated programming, red carpet events, community engagement, and global partnerships, the festival continues to promote fearless storytelling and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.

ICP Entertainment Film Festival — Official Links

 

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