MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The mission of The Heights International Film Festival (THIFF) is to establish a platform that recognizes independent filmmakers who integrate the community of Washington Heights by helping them to expose the talent of the actors, directors, producers, screenwriters and cinematographers in this talented-rich and diverse community.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL 
The multi-cultural community of Washington Heights is the ideal setting for the 1st Annual Heights International Film Festival (THIFF). From August 8th-10th, 2013 – THIFF it will showcase the best films our community have to offer. Films from all over the world will be shown with a special consideration to “home-grown” films.

Independent filmmaking is a significant tool to communicate new ideas, to introduce new techniques and explore new topics that are rarely seen in the mainstream. The Heights International Film Festival facilitates the collaboration of artists and community organizations. Aids in the development of existing venues for artists to present their work as it brings different cultures together. The Heights International Film Festival is a high energy event which brings movie-going to a whole new level, appealing and entertaining a wide variety and fast growing independent film audience as well as it provides a highly desirable platform for a vast array of businesses and artists to display their work and services to the whole Washington Heights & Inwood Community.

By organizing activities such as the THIFF, we provide independent filmmakers, producers, directors, writers and actors to display their work and the opportunity to network directly with professionals in the industry and establish valuable contacts. The Festival offers the Washington Heights community the opportunity to preview first hand, creative projects reflecting personal experiences and films which will incite thoughtful dialogue, enhancing the cinema experience.

During the Festival, the public actively participates in the selection of the film for the Audience Award, which will be announced on the website. (thiff.org) The WaHi Award Selection Committee, representing the diversity of the Entertainment Professionals in the Washington Heights area and New York City, will select the films to be awarded and screened during the Festival in the following categories: Best Picture/Feature, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, Best Director and Best Home-Grown. The committee will look for innovative works that are by, about, or for the Washington Heights community for the “Best Home-Grown Award”.