Little Falls to host inaugural Smartphone Film Festival, showcasing Mohawk Valley stories

The Creative Outpost is announcing the first-ever Little Falls Smartphone Film Festival, scheduled for Sept. 14 – 16, 2026. This international event invites filmmakers from around the world to create and submit films shot exclusively on smartphones or tablets, with all footage captured within the Mohawk Valley region.

“No longer is expensive technology a barrier to creativity,” said organizers from the Creative Outpost. “The mobile phone has expanded filmmakers’ scope and freedom, offering limitless possibilities in the palm of your hand. The festival will encourage filmmakers to share the stories they have captured on mobile devices and provide a platform for exhibiting them to a broader audience.”

All submissions must feature shots filmed entirely in the Mohawk Valley of Upstate New York, highlighting the area’s historic Erie Canal heritage, scenic riverfronts, downtown architecture and natural landscapes. This unique requirement positions Little Falls and the surrounding region as both a filming location and a central character in the selected works.

Submissions will open on Aug. 1, through FilmFreeway. Films may not exceed 20 minutes in length, including credits, and must be submitted in MP4 or MOV format. The festival welcomes all genres, including fiction, documentary, romance, horror, comedy, thriller, music video, experimental and more. Multiple entries are permitted, though only one film per director may be shortlisted for awards.

Official selections will be announced on Sept. 11. Screenings will take place in Little Falls (venues to be confirmed), with all selected films also available for online viewing via the Creative Outpost’s Vimeo showcase.

Awards & Prizes

Seven awards will be presented:

• First place ($500); second place ($300); and third place ($100) in the 18-and-over category
• First place ($500); second place ($300); and third place ($100) in the under-18 category
• Audience favorite ($100)

Winners will receive cash prizes and prominent featuring in the festival’s Vimeo and YouTube showcase, providing ongoing exposure to a global audience.

Engaging Mohawk Valley Students

A dedicated under-18 awards category underscores the festival’s commitment to youth engagement. The Creative Outpost already conducts educational programs, including workshops on smartphone filmmaking techniques, framing, editing and attachments. These initiatives help local students develop valuable creative and technical skills in storytelling and digital media.

For more information, email dave.warner@creativeoutpost.org.