PLEASE READ COMPLETE RULES & TERMS BELOW.

***WE ONLY SCREEN THE BEST FILM FINALISTS (the judges' favourites) FOR EACH EDITION - THESE TITLES ARE POSTED AT THE TOP OF THE 'WINNERS' PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE ON EACH EDITION'S NOTIFICATION DATE***

All other Nominees remain eligible for awards but are NOT publicly screened.

SUMMER'26 EDITION
APRIL 3 - Open for submissions
JUNE 22 - Final Deadline
JUNE 24 - All submitters notified via email (through FilmFreeway)
JUNE 26 - Awards results for the 15-Second Story and 1:00-5:00 Minutes Categories
JUNE 27 - Awards results for the 5:01-20:00 Minutes Category
JUNE 28 - Awards results for the 20:01-45:00 Minutes and 45:01-120 Minutes
JUNE 30 - Screening of the Best Film Finalists (in-person event) and the crowning of the Best Film of the Festival winner

COUCHFF is an IMDb-eligible quarterly event committed to highlighting and showcasing the very best films from around the globe. We welcome filmmakers to submit to our Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Editions.

Films so good we can't get off the couch!

We are ready to see films - great films that would knock our socks off.

We are ready to see some talent - exquisite talent that would make us laugh, make us cry, scare us or make us think.

We are ready to give awards - IMDb-eligible awards that recognizes the best in many categories. This means that any nominations and awards you receive through our festival can be linked/added to your IMDb profile!

******OUR PARTNER FESTIVALS******
Alternative Film Festival (IMDb-eligible awards)
FilmFreeway.com/AltFF

Minute Madness Toronto (60-seconds films only!)
FilmFreeway.com/MinuteMadnessTO

6ix Screams International Horror Film Festival (IMDb-eligible awards and horror films only!)
FilmFreeway.com/6ixScreams

300 Seconds Short Film Festival (IMDb-eligible awards and 5 minutes and under only!)
FilmFreeway.com/300SecSFF

Awards & Prizes

ONLY ONE WILL BE CROWNED BEST FILM OF THE FESTIVAL PER EDITION

Each of our submission categories will receive awards in the BEST of each genre (animation, comedy, drama, experimental, fantasy, horror, mystery, period piece, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller and others that may not fit in these.)

********************************************************************

All films submitted will be watched and judged by our committee of industry professionals.

NOT SELECTED - We thank you for submitting but your film was not selected at this time.
NOMINEE - Your film is eligible for a host of awards and will undergo a private jury screening. *You can list this as an IMDb nomination.
FINALIST - Your film scored among the top films, is eligible for awards and will be screened live at our event *You can list this as an IMDb nomination.
HONORABLE MENTION (BEST FILM NOMINEES ONLY) - Your film has won an award and a PDF certificate and personalized laurel will be emailed to you. *You can list this as an IMDb win.
AWARD WINNER - Your film has won an award and a PDF certificate and personalized laurel will be emailed to you. *You can list this as an IMDb win.

Rules & Terms

*The Couch Film Festival (CouchFF) is a quarterly event celebrating great films from around the globe. Editions are held in September (FALL EDITION), December (WINTER EDITION), March (SPRING EDITION) and June (SUMMER EDITION).

*Each edition screens the Best Film Finalists at a live event

*CouchFF accepts films 120 minutes in length and under in narrative, experimental, documentary and animation styles.

*CouchFF accepts the following genres: animation, comedy, drama, experimental, fantasy, horror, mystery, period piece, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller and others that may not fit in these categories.

*All entries must have an online screener via the FilmFreeway platform, Vimeo or YouTube.

*All entries must be in English or have English subtitles.

*All films labeled Not Selected [FilmFreeway Judging Status label NOT SELECTED] are not accepted to the festival.

*All Category Award Nominees [FilmFreeway Judging Status label NOMINEE] are eligible for awards but will not be screened at our live event. You can list this as an IMDb nomination.

*All Best Film Finalists [FilmFreeway Judging Status label FINALIST] are guaranteed to be screened at our event and are also eligible for awards. You can list this as an IMDb nomination.

*A Winners' List will be posted on our website. You can list this as an IMDb win.

*CouchFF does not pay screening fees for chosen films.

*CouchFF submission fees are non-refundable. In the event of a withdrawal by the filmmaker, you may contact us to discuss your options at couchff@asianonamission.com.
447 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Publio César de la Vega García


    The experience wasn't very good. I don't understand how a monthly award isn't listed as having won on FilmFreeway. The communication wasn't great, and frankly, I won't be submitting any more work to them.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Jose Pedro Sarango

    This festival is communicate, open, and a pleasure to be part of! I'm very grateful to the Couch Film Festival for making our project, Attack on Arkinboro Lane, feel included and valued! I highly recommend this up and coming festival!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Conor McMullin

    We were delighted to be a part of the Couch Film Festival.
    Thank you for awarding our film 'I can help you Bumblebee!' Best Animation International [Group 2]

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Sarah Leon

    Truly a lovely film festival! Thank you for the Best Romance and Best Documentary awards in the 5:01 to 20:00 minutes category!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Priteshbhai Shah

    Great opportunity to be a part of festival

    April 2026
    Helpful