The FRIDAY HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL on San Juan Island, Washington, highlights DOCUMENTARY filmmakers whose work:

• ENTERTAINS through compelling storytelling
• INSPIRES audiences and creators to spark positive change
• ENLIGHTENS through insight, awareness, and appreciation for our shared world
• ENCOURAGES young storytellers through the Young Filmmakers Showcase

Selected films will screen October 22–25, 2026, each followed by filmmaker Q&As. Filmmakers unable to attend will participate via pre-recorded interviews, though in person attendance is preferred.

Special events during the festival include opening night Gala, Filmmaker’s Forum, Filmmaker Reception. Closing night Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Submissions for Features, Shorts, and the Young Filmmakers Showcase are accepted February 1–August 1, 2026.

Theme categories are detailed in the Rules & Terms section.

Awards & Prizes

FRIDAY HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL – AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS
Audience members vote to select all Audience Choice Award winners. Each winning filmmaker receives a custom metal salmon sculpture crafted by Chuck Moen of Sandy, Oregon.

Winning films are promoted throughout the following year on FHFF.org, across social media, and at select Best of the Fest screenings in 2027.

AWARD CATEGORIES:

FEATURE & SHORT FILMS
• Best Feature Documentary
• Best Short Documentary

THEME BASED AWARDS
• Best “Explorers and Adventures” Film (feature & short)
• Best “Things to Consider” Film (feature & short)
• Best “Tales from the Heart” Film (feature & short)

YOUNG FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE
• Best Film (Ages 13–17)
• Best Film (Ages 18–26)

Rules & Terms

OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - FESTIVAL REQUIREMENTS
The selection committee reviews all documentary submissions. Filmmakers are notified of selection status no later than September 4, 2026. Selected filmmakers are invited to attend festival screenings, audience Q&As, and special events.
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FILM CATEGORIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Feature & Short Documentaries
• Feature Documentaries: 41 minutes or longer
• Short Documentaries: 40 minutes or less

Young Filmmakers Showcase
• Running time: 3–10 minutes
• Live action or animated documentary shorts accepted
• Two age groups (based on age at film completion):
Entries MUST include the filmmaker’s birthdate and age
o 13–17 years
o 18–26 years
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FEATURE & SHORT THEME CATEGORIES

EXPLORERS & ADVENTURERS
Films highlighting remarkable journeys, risk taking, and discoveries on land, at sea or in space.

THINGS TO CONSIDER
Thought provoking films addressing global challenges—climate change, health, environmental issues, scientific innovation, social justice, and more - encouraging viewers to take action.

TALES FROM THE HEART
Human interest stories featuring extraordinary achievements, resilience, natural beauty, inspiring people and places, or artistic expression.
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COPYRIGHT AGREEMENT
By submitting, entrants affirm that their work is original and complies with all copyright laws. Entrants are solely responsible for securing permissions for any copyrighted or trademarked materials used in their films.

The Friday Harbor Film Festival assumes no responsibility for unauthorized use of copyrighted or trademarked content and will not be liable for any related third-party claims.

37 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Austyn Steelman

    Friday Harbor Film Festival was a such a great experience! The festival staff went above and beyond to make it a festival for filmmakers. Leading up to the festival Lee was so helpful with my travel plans and accommodations. During the festival there were so many opportunities to network with other filmmakers. The filmmakers forum gave every one a chance to share the background of their projects and engage in a well curated conversation about non-fiction filmmaking. The 2025 program represented a range of films from first time filmmakers and filmmaking veterans, creating a vibrant culture of cross pollination that is sure to inspire some great new stories. And the films themselves were so special. My only complaint is that there was so much good programming that there was no way to see everything and attend all the events! Thank you for a wonderful and inspiring weekend FHFF!!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Natalie Taylor

    We had such a wonderful experience at FHFF! From chatting with the team to other filmmakers and local community members attending, we felt so welcomed and enjoyed every event put on throughout the weekend. Thank you FHFF for bringing 'Counting Orca' home to the San Juan Islands in such a special way!

    October 2025
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  • Johan Swinnen

    What an unforgettable weekend! I’m still savoring the warmth of the hospitality and the inspiration drawn from the incredible people and films I encountered. This community truly breathes cinema. Attending my first film festival was nothing short of magical, and the experience will stay with me for a long time. A big thank you to Karen, Lee, Norris, Rob, and all the organizers and volunteers. I’d make another film just for the chance to return next year!

    October 2025
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  • James Hadgis

    Really let down — after finding out that my film was selected, I received no follow-up from the team as to when and where it would be screened, even after repeatedly reaching out to them for updates. Most (especially smaller) festivals usually try to make a semblance of an effort to encourage filmmakers to attend in person, but this festival didn't even confirm with me what file/version of my film that they were going to screen. I felt extremely unappreciated.

    December 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear James, we regret that our communication fell short in your case. We have changed our submission system this year to help avoid such issues in the future. The in-person and online festivals will take place at different times so there is no confusion about whether a film is being screened at the festival or only online when the selection notifications go out. It is very important to FHFF that filmmakers are treated well and feel valued. My apologies that that was not your experience!

  • Carl Davis

    Such a fun town to visit, friendly folks, extraordinary documentaries! Very honored to have my film--The Magic of Sailing-- selected.

    December 2024
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