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.

SPRING EDITION
JAN 1 - Open for submissions
MAR 16 - Final Deadline
MAR 18 - All submitters notified via email
MAR 21 - Awards results for the 15-Second Story and 1:00-5:00 Minutes Categories
MAR 22 - Awards results for the 5:01-20:00 Minutes Category
MAR 23 - Awards results for the 20:01-45:00 Minutes and 45:01-120 Minutes
MAR 25 - Screening of the Best Film Finalists 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

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.)

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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.

*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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • On behalf of CESO ENTERPRISES, INC., Alyssa Dann, and Chris Oledude, I would like to compliment the organizers and operators of Couch Film Festival. We are proud to have had the opportunity to showcase our work, “Orange Blues 24” in your festival, as well as share the spotlight with so many talented film makers. Submitting our film was a simple process, and everyone who contacted us on behalf of this festival was helpful, and easy to communicate with. Although we were not able to attend in person, this will remain a highlight of our year, and we recommend submitting your work to this wonderful festival! We certainly intend to participate again in the future.

    Thank you
    -Alyssa and Chris

    February 2025
  • Zahida Hosein-Bahall

    Amazing team. Amazing festival. Thank you for selecting “Lovers of Golden Lane” as a nominee I’m deeply honored. Will be entering again.

    January 2025
  • Nick Zweig

    I did not attend Couch, but I appreciate their responsiveness and putting out posts on Instagram promoting our work!

    February 2025
  • Jessica Gentle

    The Couch Film Festival was fantastic with their communication and organization. I was honored to be a participant amongst so many other talented people. Thank you so very much!

    January 2025
  • My short film DAILY BREAD won the award for Best Mystery/Suspense/Thriller in the 20:01-45:00 minutes category at Couch Film Festival's Winter 2024 edition. We were super happy to receive this award and will be looking forward to submit again in the future!

    January 2025