The NJ Young Film Festival is a project of the Thomas Edison Consortium. The Thomas Edison Media Arts Consortium was founded in November 1987 as a 501c3. The Consortium is the parent company of the Thomas Edison Film Festival (TEFF) and the NJ Young Filmmakers Festival (NJYFF). The mission of the Thomas Edison Media Arts Consortium is to promote innovation in the art of the moving image. The artistic vision of the Consortium is inseparable from its mission. We expand public appreciation of short films as a compelling art form, by means of public exhibition, and are committed to shining a light on issues of global concern.

The mission of NJYFF is to support and promote the work of young emerging filmmakers, who either live in or attend school in the State of New Jersey. It gives students the opportunity to submit their films to a highly respected and long-running film festival and have it evaluated by prominent representatives in the field of film and media. 

Since the very beginning of NJ Young Filmmakers in 1974, the purpose of the festival has been to recognize, celebrate, and encourage emerging young talent in New Jersey, the state in which Thomas Edison first developed the motion picture. 

2024 will be the 50th Anniversary and the longest running festival in New Jersey. NJ Young Filmmakers Festival is a non-profit organization that relies on the generous donations from the public.

We need your help to celebrate young artists for the 50th Anniversary Premiere at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, NJ. No matter how big or small your donation will help pay for t-shirts, awards and special prizes for all the winners. Please help us make this the best year yet!