6 Underground Film Festivals In New York State

New York State pulses with hidden cinematic treasures beyond the glitz of mainstream movie premieres. From repurposed warehouses in Brooklyn to historic theaters in upstate towns, underground film festivals showcase boundary-pushing works that challenge conventional storytelling. These grassroots celebrations bring together filmmakers, artists, and curious viewers who crave something different from typical Hollywood fare.

1. Ithaca Fantastik – Ithaca, NY

Every year in October or November, Cornell University’s college town transforms into a haven for genre cinema enthusiasts. Founded by passionate film buffs, this festival specializes in horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller films that push creative boundaries.

Screenings take place at the historic Cinemapolis theater, a beloved community cinema with five screens housed in a former department store. Between films, attendees can participate in workshops and panel discussions with visiting filmmakers from around the world.

The festival’s signature event is the “Midnight Madness” program featuring the most outrageous and experimental films in their lineup. Many attendees make the experience complete by exploring Ithaca’s famous gorges during daylight hours before diving into cinematic nightmares.

2. Anomaly – The Rochester Genre Film Festival

Rochester’s edgiest film event unfolds each November, bringing strange and wonderful genre films to western New York. Launched in 2019, Anomaly celebrates horror, science fiction, and fantasy films too unconventional for mainstream theaters.

The Little Theatre, a restored 1920s art deco cinema, serves as the primary venue. Festival programmers pride themselves on curating films that challenge perceptions and provoke discussions long after credits roll.

Between screenings, festival-goers can browse the Anomaly Marketplace featuring local artists selling film-inspired crafts and prints. What sets this festival apart is its commitment to accessibility, offering sensory-friendly screenings and ensuring venues accommodate all film lovers regardless of physical limitations.

3. Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival

Since 2013, this festival has brought genre cinema to western New York every November, showcasing independent horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller films. The Dipson Amherst Theatre, with its vintage charm and modern projection capabilities, hosts most screenings.

Unlike many underground festivals, Buffalo Dreams spans ten days, allowing for an expansive program of over 100 films ranging from microbudget local productions to international premieres. Filmmakers receive legendary Buffalo hospitality, with local families often hosting directors from around the world.

The festival’s signature event is the “Western New York Night” featuring films made exclusively by regional talent. Buffalo’s famous snowfall often adds dramatic atmosphere to the proceedings, with many attendees recalling memorable screenings during lake effect blizzards that created a perfect horror movie backdrop.

4. Lake Placid Film Forum – Lake Placid, NY

While technically not underground anymore, this festival began as a radical experiment in bringing arthouse cinema to the Adirondacks. Every year since 2000, this mountain resort town welcomes filmmakers who create socially conscious and politically charged works.

The historic Palace Theatre, a 1926 movie house with original architectural details, serves as the main venue. Unlike most festivals, Lake Placid emphasizes discussion over competition, with extended Q&A sessions following each screening. The “Sleepless in Lake Placid” component challenges student filmmakers to create short films in just 24 hours using the mountain landscape.

What truly distinguishes this festival is its “Adirondack Film Archive” project, which collects and preserves amateur films made in the region since the 1920s, screening a selection of these historical treasures annually.

5. Newburgh Illuminated Film Night – Newburgh, NY

Though primarily known as a music and arts festival, Newburgh Illuminated’s film program has evolved into a vital underground cinema event each June. Screenings take place in unconventional locations throughout this historic Hudson River city – from converted warehouses to rooftops with Manhattan skyline views.

The film night showcases works exploring urban renewal, immigration, and community resilience, reflecting Newburgh’s ongoing revitalization. Many selections come from filmmakers with connections to the Hudson Valley, creating an intimate atmosphere where creators and subjects often share space. The festival’s “Projected History” series displays archival footage of Newburgh on the exteriors of buildings featured in the historical films.

As night falls on the final evening, a flotilla of small boats gathers on the Hudson to watch films projected onto the side of an abandoned riverfront factory – a magical experience that draws viewers from throughout the region.

6. Coney Island Film Festival – Brooklyn, NY

September brings Brooklyn’s most eccentric film celebration to the boardwalk of America’s playground. Launched in 2001, this festival embraces the weird, wild spirit of Coney Island with screenings inside Sideshows by the Seashore, an actual working sideshow venue.

The programming reflects Coney’s carnival atmosphere – documentaries about carnival performers share billing with surrealist shorts and horror films set in amusement parks. Between screenings, attendees can ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster or visit the Coney Island Museum, which preserves artifacts from the area’s storied past.

The festival’s highlight is the midnight screening on the beach, where horror films play against the backdrop of crashing waves. Many filmmakers create works specifically for this festival, incorporating Coney Island’s unique aesthetic of faded glamour and seaside surrealism into their visual storytelling.