In an era when audiences have more films, series and streaming choices than ever before, discovering something genuinely original can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack. That is one reason independent film festivals remain so important. They create spaces where filmmakers can connect directly with audiences, where emerging voices can be discovered, and where stories that might otherwise struggle to find a screen can have their moment.
For filmmakers, festivals can also provide something that algorithms and streaming platforms cannot: community. They bring together writers, directors, actors, producers and audiences who share a passion for storytelling—and often create connections that continue long after the closing credits.
The New Ark Independent Film Festival, now entering its third year in Newark, Delaware, is built around that idea. Founded by actor and filmmaker Kazy Tauginas, the festival grew partly from his own experiences on the independent film circuit.
Tauginas studied Acting for Film at the New York Film Academy in 2009 and went on to appear in major productions including John Wick, The Equalizer 2, Dolemite Is My Name and Without Remorse. But his creative ambitions extended beyond acting. He began writing, directing and producing his own work, including the award-winning short Standing Eight, a film inspired by his mother’s battle with lupus. His experiences making and exhibiting independent films ultimately led him to create a festival of his own.
Today, Tauginas wears many hats at New Ark—festival director, technical director, fundraiser, graphic designer and editor among them. More importantly, he sees the festival as a way to support filmmakers and the Newark community.
We spoke with Tauginas about the festival’s origins, its selection process, what he has learned during its first three years, and his vision for where New Ark can go next.
New Ark Independent Film Festival: A Q&A with Founder Kazy Tauginas
Building a Festival from a Filmmaker’s Perspective
BNH: How did the New Ark Independent Film Festival come to life, and what were the biggest challenges in launching it?
KT: I attended numerous film festivals with Standing Eight, and the festivals made me realize what an asset they were to the communities where they were being held. I particularly enjoyed my experience at the Detroit Trinity International Film Festival. It was so well-run that I remember thinking, “One day, I would like to do something like this.”
Then 2024 came around. Acting work had completely dried up for me thanks to the pandemic, industry changes and strikes, so I decided to take the leap and start a festival. Having attended so many myself, I had a very good idea of how I wanted to run it.
My biggest challenge was finding the right venue, the right films to screen and the right team. Thankfully, going into year three, I’ve partnered with Chapel Street Players in Newark, Delaware. Newark is an ideal location for a film festival because of its quaint character and accessibility from major Northeastern cities like Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
BNH: What is your role in the festival, and what does your work involve throughout the year?
KT: I’m the festival director, technical director, fundraiser, graphic designer, editor… it takes up a lot of time. I’m basically working as a community liaison, as Newark is centered around the University of Delaware. During the summer, when school is not in session, a lot of local businesses can use a boost. That’s specifically why I made August our festival month. I also used to own a 24-hour diner in the heart of Newark before I began my acting career, so I know all too well how tough summers can be for local businesses.
How New Ark Selects Its Films
BNH: Can you walk us through the film selection process? Who watches the submissions, and how many films have you personally viewed this year?
KT: We take submissions via FilmFreeway and keep our submission fees very reasonable. This is a filmmaker-friendly festival. That’s why we have so many award categories. The award categories are also the criteria by which the films are judged.
I have a committee composed of film lovers. Some members are in the film industry, while others are simply absolute film fans. I think having a well-rounded committee with opinions from insiders and general audiences is really important. It also makes for some spirited discussions when it comes to split votes.
The selection process is pretty simple. Films noted by the committee with poor sound mixes are dismissed. The films with the highest raw scores based on the award criteria are chosen for the festival. Having a numbered rating system actually makes it pretty easy. I’ve personally watched over one hundred films.
BNH: What makes the New Ark Independent Film Festival stand out from other film festivals in the region?
KT: Being a filmmaker myself, I know exactly how I appreciated being treated by the festivals I attended. That is why we give every official selection a chance to record an interview with #jointhescene Podcast and really get into the meat of it. We want to hear the stories behind the stories.
We attempt to respond to queries in a timely fashion, strive to create networking opportunities and encourage filmmaker collaboration. We’re still in the process of working out some kinks as we head into year three, but I feel confident that we are on the right path.
BNH: What qualities are you and your programming team looking for when selecting films for the festival?
KT: Production value. By that, we mean the films are of a professional quality. We do allow some breathing room for our student and Delaware Local categories. With that said, I cannot emphasize enough how important good sound design and sound mix are. Audiences will forgive poor performance or picture quality to a degree, but not sound. Sound has to be clear and clean.
Three Years In: Lessons, Filmmaking and Fairness
BNH: Now entering its third year, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a festival founder?
KT: I’ve developed a new appreciation for my favorite art form. I can’t even put into words how incredible it is to put so many talented creatives together. All of these filmmakers come from such different backgrounds, and they are telling stories that are so deeply personal to them.
I was so deep in the mainstream for so long, I forgot about doing things for the love of the game. Indie films are not competing against each other. There is no box office or studio pressure. It’s just storytellers putting together all their resources to tell the stories they want the world to see. My festival is here to support the art and the artists.
BNH: Do you have a film screening or competing at this year’s festival? If so, how do you ensure the selection process remains fair and transparent?
KT: Indeed I do. Johnny Mac, a drama based on real-life firefighter John McNamara, whom I play, who died of 9/11-related cancer, told from the perspective of his wife, Jen. I’m also in the extremely creepy Don’t Go in the Basement, directed by Marc Reign. That particular film sat on the shelf for years, so it’s nice to see it on the big screen. I have a tiny role in Cop-Doc, a slapstick comedy from my former Acting for Film instructor at the New York Film Academy, Victor Verhaeghe.
To keep things fair, I recuse myself from the votes for projects I’m involved in. Pretty simple. At last year’s festival, we premiered my feature film Mirror Life, which was a one-off event and didn’t compete against any other titles.
BNH: What can this year’s award winners expect to take home?
KT: An expanded network, new opportunities and a beautiful trophy.
BNH: Looking ahead, where would you like to see the New Ark Independent Film Festival in five years? And what would you say to filmmakers who are considering submitting their work next year?
KT: A premiere festival destination on the East Coast for filmmakers around the world to come together and strengthen their creative networks.
To the filmmakers I say, “Bring your absolute best.”
The New Ark Independent Film Festival Returns August 13–15
The third annual New Ark Independent Film Festival takes place August 13–15, 2026, at Chapel Street Players, 643 Creek View Road, Newark, Delaware.
This year’s program features films from filmmakers around the world across multiple screening blocks, with categories ranging from drama and comedy to horror, science fiction, documentary, animation, arthouse and more.
For a festival still in its third year, Tauginas’ ambition is clear: build a destination where independent filmmakers don’t simply screen their work, but find an audience, make connections and become part of a creative community.
In a film world increasingly dominated by content volume, perhaps that’s exactly what an independent film festival should be about.
