Submit Your Film
SUBMIT DIRECTLY TO THE TACOMA FILM FESTIVAL THROUGH zonefestival.com
FEATURE I SHORT I MUSIC VIDEO I VR
SUBMIT VIA OTHER FILMMAKER SUBMISSION PLATFORMS
50 Film Festivals worth the Entry Fee, 2014-2018 - MovieMaker Magazine
“…Rising stars would be remiss not to add it to their annual itinerary." - MovieMaker Magazine
"The ultimate indie film festival." - Seattle's CityArts Magazine
"One of the premier festivals in the Northwest." - PostDefiance.com
“It was one of the most diverse and current selection of films, shorts and new media that I have ever experienced in a film festival. I met people there that I will continue to be connected to for a long time.”– Juan Carlos Zaldivar, filmmaker
“The programming at TFF had such a progressive vision of cinema. The festival had a definite voice and created a warm atmosphere for filmmakers…” Masami Kawai, filmmaker
“Very friendly, great emphasis on the films and filmmakers and creating an intimate community for film-going. Beautiful festival.”- Derek Knowles, filmmaker
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2018
- 180+ films including world, US, and Washington premieres. Our programming presented films that featured innovative storytelling, creative non-fiction, and wonderful works of animation.
- It was the 3rd year of our wildly successful filmmaker housing program where we hand-select wonderful residents to host filmmakers.
- The third edition of our Music Video program (Track 03), screened at Fawcett Hall, a state of the art music venue with one of the best sound systems in the state
- The Veldt VR Studio. Our fourth year presenting a diverse selection of virtual reality works, exhibited in a beloved community space, and without time limits.
- Panels and workshops geared towards independent filmmakers
- Fun parties and after parties
2018 SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Submissions Open: December 15, 2018
Early Deadline: February 15, 2019
Regular Deadline: April 1, 2019
Late Deadline: May 1, 2019
Extended Deadline: June 1, 2019
FILM CATEGORIES
- Feature Narrative
- Short Narrative
- Feature Documentary
- Short Documentary
- Feature Animation
- Short Animation
- Pacific NW Feature (WA, OR, ID, BC)
- Pacific NW Short (WA, OR, ID, BC)
- Music Video
- VR
2019 jury AWARDS
TFF will award a total of $10,000 in prizes in support of independent filmmaking
- Best Narrative Feature- $1000
- Best Documentary Feature- $1000
- Best Narrative Short- $750
- Best Documentary Short- $750
- Best Animation Short or Feature- $250
- Best Music Video- $250
- Best Virtual Reality work- $250
- Best Pacific Northwest Feature- $500
- Best Pacific Northwest Short- $500
- Best Pierce County Short or Feature- $500
ADDITIONAL JURY AWARDS
- Best Director, Documentary Feature- $175
- Best Director, Narrative Feature- $175
- Best Director, Documentary Short- $150
- Best Director, Narrative Short- $150
- Best Performance, Narrative Feature- $150
- Best Screenplay, Narrative Feature- $150
- Best Performance, Narrative Short- $150
- Best Screenplay, Narrative Short- $150
- Four awards for Best Cinematography (documentary feature and short films, and narrative feature and short films).
2019 AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS
Filmmakers not from the Pacific Northwest are eligible for these awards. Winners will be chosen based on audience votes.
- Audience Choice, Feature- $1000
- Audience Choice, Short- $750
2019 PNW Audience Choice Awards
Pacific Northwest filmmakers are eligible for the PNW Choice Awards. Winners will be chosen based on audience votes.
- Audience Choice, Pacific Northwest Feature- $750
- Audience Choice, Pacific Northwest Short- $500
All awards except Audience Choice awards decided by a jury composed of filmmakers, film programmers, critics, and/or industry professionals.
Films are placed in competition at the sole discretion of the Tacoma Film Festival.
Submission WAIVERS & DISCOUNTS
- We may provide waivers and/or discounts to the following:
- TFF Alumni - if you’ve screened at TFF in the past, we will waive the submission fee.
- Pacific Northwest Filmmakers - if your film was made in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or British Columbia or you have strong ties to the area, you may be eligible for a waiver.
- Student Discount - we provide a $10 discount for students or student works (films made during matriculation) on presentation of current student ID or proof of enrollment during production of your film.
- We do not provide waivers for any other types of submissions.
- No phone inquiries, please. Please email us with questions: info@tacomafilmfestival.
The Tacoma Film Festival is a program of Tacoma's only independent movie theater, The Grand Cinema. The Grand is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.