ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
We are celebrating 16 years as the premiere Asian American film festival in Oregon! We proudly present the rich diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander stories. Our goal is for increased API representation in film--not limited to specifically API stories, but any good story that features Asian American/Pacific Islanders in front of and/or behind the camera in wide-ranging roles. For 16 years we've been centering the Asian American narrative, seeking to represent the fullness of America.

With the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions in the Spring, we are planning a VIRTUAL festival for 2021. We will continue to provide a platform for Asian American filmmakers and stories, and raise the voices of marginalized communities.

DISCOVER ASIAN AMERICAN INDIE!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DISORIENT:
Thank you for making this experience such a pleasant and enriching one. I have heard that not all festivals are run this smoothly or with as much care, so I applaud you for doing such a stellar job. -Kayla Sotomil, DisOrient 2020

Hats off to DisOrient for creating the best festival experience ever! Top marks for communication, organization, hospitality, warmth, professionalism, enthusiasm, audience diversity, venue quality and caliber of featured works. Lawrence Chau, DisOrient 2019

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
DisOrient is an Asian American Film Festival that celebrates indie films with authentic Asian Pacific American voices, histories and stories. We promote representation, diversity and inclusion to broaden the narrative of who is American and to strengthen and build community. We highlight social justice themes that translate to universal human experiences.

Awards & Prizes

AWARDS ARE GIVEN FOR:
• Best Feature Narrative
• Best Feature Documentary
• Best Short Narrative
• Best Short Documentary
• Audience Award
• Jason D. Mak Award for Social Justice

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
To be considered for selection, entries must have completed production after November 30, 2018

We are seeking films “For us, by us and/or about us". Entries must have one of the following:
•A principal that identifies as Asian American/Pacific Islander (writer, producer, director, main actor, cinematographer)
•Be about an Asian American/Pacific Islander experience or subject
•Be made with Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders as the target audience

REQUIRED SUBMISSION MATERIALS

1. Entry Deadlines and Fees:
Early Deadline November 20; Features: $20 USD
Regular Deadline December 11; Features: $30 USD
Late Deadline December 31; Feature: $40 USD
All shorts: $10 USD

• We do not provide waivers; we encourage artists to take advantage of the early deadline discount.
• Please read through our submission criteria carefully--we do not provide refunds to unqualified submissions. Feel free to contact us if you have a question or need clarification.

• NOTE: The festival does NOT pay screening fees.

2. Preview format:
All submissions must be digital. Please provide a working link to an online version of your film on FilmFreeway and/or Vimeo at the time of submission, as well as any passwords necessary to view the film. Vimeo must be set to allow downloads and films must be accessible through March 31, 2021.

3. Electronic Press Kit Packet & Materials, uploaded to FilmFreeway. Press kit must include:
• 2 OR MORE Print quality still images (at least 300 dpi)
• Synopsis (long and short versions)
• Director’s biography & statement
• List of cast and crew, awards, and festival appearances
• Link to a downloadable theatrical trailer (in full quality DV or QuickTime format).

4. Mandatory qualification questionnaire:
• Does your film have a principal that identifies as Asian American/Pacific Islander? (writer, producer, director, animator, cinematographer, main actor)
•Please include names of principal(s), the role they played, and their ethnicity.
• Does the subject matter address an Asian American/Pacific Islander experience.? How?
• Is the target audience Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders? Explain.

*Note: If your film is selected, the festival may also request the following items to maximize exposure for your film: posters, director's photo, trailers, clips, press releases.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting a film for consideration, the filmmaker or authorized representative of the submitted work, hereby grant the DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon permission to publicly display the submitted work both during the festival and for “Encore” and special screenings held at the discretion of the festival (if selected) and understand that the festival does not pay rental fees or appearance fees. In addition, you agree that the DisOrient Asian American Film Festival is not liable for any loss or damage to screeners or exhibition prints and cannot be held financially responsible for any other damages. Submitted preview materials will not be returned. You also agree to allow use of stills, audio, and video clips from the submitted work for promotional purposes. Your signature also certifies that you have received all appropriate copyright clearances and assume full liability for any and all copyright infringement. DisOrient Asian American Film Festival reserves the right to amend policies at its discretion.

DisOrient Asian American Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

15 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Amber McClure

    I have nothing but praise for all aspects of the festival. Warm-hearted staff, volunteers, supporters, and audience members and thoughtful programming made for a wonderful, unforgettable experience. This festival's commitment to community is commendable! Thank you again so much.

    May 2020
    Helpful
  • Mark Tran

    Amazing staff. Very communicative, clear, and definitely passionate about films. Very accommodating.

    March 2020
    Helpful
  • Sarah Holland

    My team and I were unable to attend this year, but the staff at DisOrient were wonderfully communicative and offered a lot of hospitable options for filmmakers, including homestays. They kept us in the loop from beginning to end. We are very grateful to have screened here!

    March 2020
    Helpful
  • Nam Holtz

    The DisOrient Film Festival had top notch communication from the beginning to end. Unfortunately, we were unable to travel due to the coronavirus, but the remote talk back was really special to be a part of, great audience questions and participation. Thank you for having "Found in Korea" in your festival.

    March 2020
    Helpful
  • Marvin Choi

    This is a rare festival that completely understands their own mission and then goes above and beyond to achieve it, and the people who run the festival are incredibly nice and hospitable. If you have an Asian American film, this is definitely one you should have on your submission list.

    February 2020
    Helpful