The Big Apple Film Festival can almost be lumped in with other independent film festivals like Sundance or Tribeca in that they showcase a good chunk of films that are made by people who, uh, aren't exactly struggling when it comes to the financial aspects of life's perils. It features films by well-known faces in the mainstream cinema world, but it also has a lot to offer for those of us who aren't on billboards yet. The prominent festival is now open for business and accepting submissions for the late November edition of the BAFF (the 19th through the 22nd).

This festival can be found in Tribeca come November and has had some illustrious alumni and has helped boost careers from unknown to sort-of-more known, as well as the already famous to hipster famous. The festivities will include panel discussions and after-parties that are sure to encourage elbow-rubbing with top industry pros. It's a big stage to premiere your movie on, and even though this event isn't exactly aimed perfectly at lesser-privileged filmmakers (it aims to promote the "highest-quality independent films"), they do accept student film submissions...so they're trying.

Check their site for more information on the festival and how to submit.