Follow Your Heart festival wraps New York edition with awards and industry panel

The Follow Your Heart Film Festival concluded its New York run at AMC Empire 25 in Times Square, drawing nearly 3,000 submissions from more than 90 countries and spotlighting independent films, craft professionals and emerging talent. The event handed out awards across feature, acting and technical categories while pairing screenings with an industry panel and distribution talks.

Why it matters: - The New York edition positioned the Follow Your Heart Film Festival as a global showcase for independent cinema, with a strong focus on new filmmakers and behind-the-scenes craft. - The festival’s mix of awards, jury expertise and industry networking created a platform for emerging talent to connect with producers, casting directors and distributors. - The event also highlighted specialized fields such as makeup, hairstyling, costume design and color grading as part of a film’s storytelling value.

What happened: - The Follow Your Heart Film Festival concluded its New York edition at AMC Empire 25 in Times Square on June 12, 2026. - The festival drew 2,988 submissions from more than 90 countries, including international co-productions spanning six continents. - An international jury selected 70 projects as finalists. - Festival founder and director Oxana Nechaeva and festival producer Ava Golban welcomed guests and thanked filmmakers, jury members, volunteers and partners. - The awards night opened with the festival anthem performed by vocalist Veronika Znamenskaya, accompanied by pianist Ilya Ishchenko.

The details: - The jury included Oxana Nechaeva, Ava Golban, Alexander Gorbaty, Vladimir Borisov, Henry Lipatov, Inna Bagryantseva, Ihor Shovkoplias, Natalia Nagornaya, Vitaliy Tovchucha, Elizaveta Kozlova, Victoria Unikel and New York-based makeup artist and hairstylist Alena Neuimin. - Alena Neuimin is the founder of LEMONDY NYC and brings nearly a decade of experience in the American beauty industry. - LEMONDY NYC grew from an individual practice into a Manhattan studio and a network of about 50 makeup artists and hairstylists. - Neuimin’s background includes bridal work, editorial projects and entertainment productions, along with mentoring, practical education and quality standards for her team. - The festival said makeup and hairstyling help communicate a character’s age, period, living conditions and emotional state before dialogue begins. - The festival also said lighting, texture and continuity all affect a film’s credibility on screen. - Featured works included historical stories and other genres where makeup and hairstyling were central to visual storytelling. - Several jurors, including Ihor Shovkoplias and Elizaveta Kozlova, had previously served during the festival’s January season in Miami and returned for New York. - The season introduced a Best Feature Film category. - Among the feature films represented was Qazhymuqan from Kazakhstan, directed by Kanagat Mustafin. - The festival’s partnership with VUGA Foundation and VUGA TV introduced participants to international distribution opportunities and ways to reach audiences beyond the festival circuit. - Support for the event came from Allaiya Rusalina, Radio USA, Tsar Varvatsi Caviar, Empero Gourmet House and DOM Film Production.

Between the lines: - The festival is building continuity across editions by keeping part of its jury in place and expanding categories for filmmakers. - The emphasis on craft professionals suggests the festival is trying to distinguish itself from a standard screening series and present itself as a full industry forum. - The panel discussion and distribution partnership point to a practical goal: helping short- and independent-film creators move from festival visibility to broader careers.

What's next: - The festival is expected to continue pairing screenings with industry conversations and opportunities for emerging filmmakers. - Organizers said the goal is to help young filmmakers develop their creative voice, build professional relationships and turn ideas into productions. - Future editions will likely continue the festival’s focus on international submissions, technical craft and professional development.

The bottom line: - Follow Your Heart used its New York edition to blend awards, craft recognition and career-building support for independent filmmakers.