The Big Apple Film Society's annual film festival takes place annually at the world famous Tribeca Cinemas and screens a variety of specially selected film from the New York City independent film community, as well as additional selections from across the country and around the world. The Big Apple Film Festival was named one of MovieMaker Magazine's top "25 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee", is dedicated to showcasing and promoting the highest quality films from the New York City independent film community, as well as additional specially selected films from across the country and around the world.

The festival includes New York City premieres, interactive panel discussions with industry professionals from the New York City film community, honorary award presentations to individuals who have played an influential role in independent filmmaking in the New York City area, networking parties and events, as well as a closing night awards ceremony in which awards will be presented for achievement in filmmaking, screenwriting and acting.