ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
We are celebrating 17 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 AAPI representation in film--not limited to AAPI stories, but any good story that features Asian American/Pacific Islanders in front of and/or behind the camera, in wide-ranging roles. For 17 years we've been centering the Asian American narrative and showcasing the fullness of Asian American independent films. We are known for our great films and friendly Eugene hospitality and we bring our community together through our films, discussions and outreach.

We are planning for a 10-day virtual 2022 festival, with an in-person Opening Night event. We are committed to a healthy gathering and will make adjustments as challenging times require. We will continue to provide a platform celebrating Asian American filmmakers and stories, and to raise the voices of marginalized communities.

DISCOVER ASIAN AMERICAN INDIE!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DISORIENT:

Wow, so honored to be a part of the DisOrient Asian American Film Festival! They really care about social justice issues, promoting diversity and inclusion, and strengthening and building community. Thank you so much! -Ben Phantom, 2021 filmmaker and musician

Thank you so much for putting on this amazing festival! We found the films to be a wonderfully-curated mix, presenting important issues in uniquely creative ways that continue to provoke valuable discussions within our household to this day. -2021 Audience member

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 American and Pacific Islander 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 for Best Feature Film
• Audience Award for Best Short Film
• Jason D. Mak Award for Social Justice

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
To be considered for selection, entries must have completed production after November 30, 2019

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; $16 Gold
Regular Deadline December 11-- Features: $30 USD; $24 Gold
Late Deadline December 31-- Feature: $40 USD; $32 Gold
All shorts: $15 USD; All music videos: $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, 2022.

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.

Additionally, we would like to expand our closed-captioned offerings; closed-captioned exhibition copies are not required but will be gratefully appreciated.

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.

23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Erik Ta

    We did this virtually, but still a rewarding experience connecting with fellow filmmakers and the DisOrient team. Thoughtful programming. Hope to experience this in person some day.

    June 2021
    Helpful
  • Anna Anaka

    Amidst an incredibly difficult year (on many levels), the DisOrient team truly outdid themselves. They created an excellent virtual experience for the filmmakers and facilitated a wonderful and welcoming community. The thoughtful selection of films left me feeling inspired, informed and truly seen. Thank you Pamela, Susan & the rest of the Disorient Team for all of your hard work!

    May 2021
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  • Kaia Rose

    I just have to echo all of the amazing reviews here - what a wonderful festival! Susan and Pam were so thoughtful and supportive in their communication and you could tell how much the entire festival staff cared about the films and the filmmakers. I was so impressed by the amount of community feeling they were able to bring to a virtual festival! Thank you for such an amazing festival, I only hope I can come back for an in-person edition in the future!

    April 2021
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  • Martin Tran

    Gracious, organized, and real champions of film and community. Couldn’t recommend this fest more.

    April 2021
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  • Dave Yim

    Loved being a part of the 2021 virtual festival! You could feel the sense of community, even with the event being held entirely online. Thanks to the organizers, looking forward to coming back!

    April 2021
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