2026 Press Kit
About
The New York Comedy Film Festival (NYCFF) celebrates all things comedy—bringing together filmmakers, comedians, and fans in the heart of Manhattan.
Our week-long event features a mix of feature films, documentaries, TV pilots, short films, and live performances, showcasing the creativity and talent thriving in comedy today.
NYCFF is a place for both emerging and seasoned comedic voices to connect, collaborate, and share their work with an audience that loves to laugh.
Join us in celebrating the excitement and power of comedy!
New York Comedy Film Festival (NYCFF)
February 15 – 22, 2026 | Asylum NYC | Flatiron, New York City
press@comedyfilmfestivals.com
Mission
Our mission is to unite and showcase innovative comedic voices through film and live performances—creating unforgettable experiences that inspire, entertain, and build connections that transcend the stage and screen.
We believe laughter is culture. Comedy deserves the red carpet.
Festival Overview
WHEN: Feb 15 – Feb 22, 2026
WHERE: Asylum NYC and Baruch College, Flatiron District
WHAT: A week-long celebration of comedy featuring world premieres, live performances, retrospectives, table readings, Q & A’s, parties, and a global streaming portal.
(We. Make. Ads.) We unite people through laughter and showcase the power of comedy to entertain, inspire, and spark conversation.
Why NYCFF
Finally, a film festival dedicated solely to comedy.
Because everyone needs a good laugh, we’re putting humor first—on the big screen, in conversation, and in community.
Official Categories
Shorty Short Shorts (15 seconds – 4 minutes)
Short Comedy Film (4 – 30 minutes)
Feature Comedy Film (over 60 minutes)
Comedy Documentary (any length, comedy-focused)
TV & Episodic Comedy (pilots, web series, sketches)
Submissions open June - December 2025 via FilmFreeway.com/NewYorkComedyFilmFestival
NYCFFFast Facts
Dates: Feb 15 – 22, 2026
Venue: Asylum NYC | 123 E 24th St | Flatiron District
Submission Deadlines: Dec 5, 2025
Festival Hashtag: #NYCFF2026 #NewYorkComedyFilmFestival
Socials:
IG @nycomedyfilmfestival (IG)
LinkedIn @newyorkcomedyfilmfestival
Facebook @newyorkcomedyfilmfestival
YouTube @newyorkcomedyfilmfestival
Founding Team
A team of seasoned entertainment professionals united by a passion for film and comedy — with over 100 years (wow, are we old?!) of combined experience in film, comedy, event marketing, and business management.
We take comedy seriously — but never ourselves.
Norm Laviolette – CEO & Co-Founder
Founder of Improv Asylum, creator of Laugh comedy clubs and Asylum Team Building, and a sought-after keynote speaker on using improv to drive innovation and growth.
Bob Melley – COO & Co-Founder
Chief Development Officer of Asylum Companies, overseeing global operations, corporate relations, and business development — with deep experience in entertainment and technology.
Jess Domain – CCO & Co-Founder
Creative strategist, corporate event operations expert, nonprofit marketing consultant, and entertainment industry professional. An Off-Broadway writer, performer, and musician with extensive experience in publishing, touring, and licensing.
Steve Eliau – CBO & Co-Founder
Journalist, screenwriter, producer, and business executive in film and fashion; former Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Manhattan Movie Magazine and partner at The Circuit NYC, organizing high-profile events and premieres.
Quotes from the Founders
THESE ARE FAKE QUOTES
“Audiences laugh harder when they’re together. NYCFF is about bringing that back to a real screen, with real people.”
— Norm Laviolette, Co-Founder & CEO
“Comedy built the internet, dominates streaming, and defines culture — but it rarely gets the cinematic respect it deserves. NYCFF was built to change that.”
— Jess Domain, Co-Founder & CCO
Visual Assets
Available for editorial press use:
NYCFF Logo (horizontal + square)
“Official Selection” + “Winner” Laurels
Founders Group Photo
Venue & Event Photography
Key Art Poster + Promotional Graphics
Press Releases
Festival Launch: “Comedy Deserves the Big Screen — NYCFF Debuts in 2026”
Submissions Closed: “NYCFF Announces Five Comedy Categories”
Event Updates: Opening Night, Programming, Sponsors, Guest Hosts
Contact
Press & Media Inquiries
Team NYCFF
press@comedyfilmfestivals.com
www.comedyfilmfestivals.com