New Hampshire Film Festival – Portsmouth

New Hampshire Film Festival in Portsmouth Overview

The New Hampshire Film Festival (NHFF) is an annual celebration of independent cinema that has been held in Portsmouth, NH, since 2004. Initially launched in Derry, NH, in 2001, it relocated to Portsmouth, a city renowned for its picturesque downtown, walkability, and vibrant cultural scene. The festival features screenings, panels, workshops, and social events across multiple historic and modern venues within the city.

Festival Highlights

• Main Stage Theater: The Music Hall
  • A beautifully restored theater with state-of-the-art technology and an 800-seat capacity.
  • Located at 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, NH 03801.
• Additional Venues
  • Music Hall Lounge: An intimate setting with high technical standards (131 Congress St., Portsmouth).
  • Moffatt Ladd House: A National Historic Landmark retrofitted for screenings (154 Market St., Portsmouth).
  • The Press Room: A historic social hotspot with an upstairs theater (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth).
  • 3S Artspace: Combines an art gallery and a screening venue (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth).

Event Dates

• October 17-20, 2024

Festival Passes

1. Platinum Pass: $1,000
   • All-access pass with exclusive access to The Music Hall’s Members Club.
   • Includes a $250 tax-deductible donation to NHFF and a meet & greet with Alan Ruck.
2. VIP Pass: $290
   • Priority entrance to all events, workshops, and the Sunday VIP Brunch.
3. NH Resident Pass: $250
   • Discounted VIP Pass for NH residents with advanced seating and access to all events.
4. Festival Pass: $150
   • Access to all screenings and workshops throughout the festival.
5. 40 & Under Pass: $99
   • Discounted pass for attendees aged 40 and younger with access to screenings and events on a space-available basis.
6. Day Passes: $30-$50 (On Sale August 1, 2024)
   • Entrance to all screenings and events for the chosen day, excluding the Sunday Brunch.

Purchase Locations

• Passes available at the NHFF Headquarters and The Music Hall Box Office during the festival.

Festival Headquarters and Venue Hours

• Headquarters (Location TBD)
  • October 17: 9:30am – 6:30pm
  • October 18: 9:30am – 6:30pm
  • October 19: 9:30am – 6:30pm
  • October 20: 9:30am – 3:30pm
• The Music Hall Box Office
  • 104 Congress St., Portsmouth, NH 03801

Accessibility

• All festival venues are wheelchair-friendly except for The Press Room.

Dining and Lodging Recommendations

• Hotels
  • Options range from luxury (e.g., Wentworth by The Sea) to budget-friendly (e.g., Anchorage Inn & Suites).
• Restaurants
  • From seafood at Martingale Wharf to tapas at Cava Tapas & Wine Bar, Portsmouth offers diverse dining options.
  • Coffee shops like Caffe Kilim and bakeries such as Elephantine Bakery provide quick bites and delicious treats.

Local Attractions

• Annual Events
  • Portsmouth Fairy House Tour
  • Portsmouth Halloween Parade
  • Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth
  • Annual Chili Cook-Off
• Festivals
  • New Hampshire Brew Fest
  • Vintage & Vine Wine Festival
  • Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival
• Concerts and Productions
  • The Music Hall: Historic performances and screenings.
  • Prescott Park Arts Festival: Outdoor performances and movies.
  • 3S Artspace: Concerts and art events.
  • Seacoast Repertory Theatre: Local productions.
  • The Players’ Ring: Intimate theater experiences.

Join us this October for the 22nd Annual New Hampshire Film Festival. Experience independent cinema, engaging panels, and the vibrant culture of Portsmouth, NH. Whether you’re a local or visiting, the NHFF offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars and get your passes now!