Nestled west of Portland, OR, Hillsboro has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving into an enchanting town that seamlessly blends its historic charm with modern progress. The influx of industry giants like Genentech, Intel, and Nike has contributed to its growth, while the historic downtown area undergoes a vibrant renaissance, rendering today's Hillsboro unrecognizable to those who knew it only a bit ago.

Amidst the thriving film community in the city, Hillsboro and its neighboring communities yearn for culturally enriching experiences in their own backyard. The Hillsboro Film Festival emerges as a solution to this desire, poised to not only satiate the local appetite for thought-provoking cinema but also act as a magnet, drawing artists and film enthusiasts from across the globe to immerse themselves in our community's unique essence. As attendees explore, we hope they'll discover the myriad eateries, wine bars, tea shops, and doggie bakeries that Historic Downtown Hillsboro proudly showcases.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Our festival purposefully creates space for voices often underrepresented in the media landscape. Embracing filmmakers of all ages, from class projects to lifelong passion endeavors, The Hillsboro Film Festival encourages individuals to express themselves authentically. We are primarily a short film festival, (30 minutes or less). We accept all genres of film. We want to encourage all to submit.

Acknowledging the financial barriers that have historically hindered creative participation in filmmaking, we welcome work created by any means and champion innovation. Renowned filmmakers such as Steven Soderberg and Sean Baker have demonstrated that groundbreaking films can be crafted using smartphones since 2015. Our festival extends an invitation to share your unique light, encouraging storytellers to overcome any circumstance standing in the way of their narrative.

After selling out our first night before even announcing winners last year we had to add a second night which sold out in days! Our festival is filling a clear need for more film activity in Washington County and we cannot wait to offer a FULL WEEKEND of events in 2025.

The Hillsboro Film Festival was supported by the following founding sponsors Just Create Community, Puppernickel, Mead & Associates, Inc., Nesace Media, InRoads Credit Union, the City of Hillsboro Cultural Arts District, and BJS Consulting

Awards & Prizes

We will be awarding bronze, silver, and gold awards in each of the categories There will also be a few honorable mentions that will be screened the evening of our event.

Rules & Terms

All accepted films will be short films. Short films in all genres, maximum 15 minutes in length. Micro short films are anything less than 5 minutes.

Entrants will be notified of their submission’s selection status on or about February 1, 2025. Accepted films MUST PROVIDE A 1080P MP4 file. Foreign language films must be subtitled in English.

Submission to the 2025 Hillsboro Film Festival constitutes an agreement with all festival terms and conditions, and permission to exhibit the work during the festival if selected. Entrants warrant that they have the legal right to submit the work to HFF, that all statements made in this application are true and accurate, and that all necessary rights and clearances have been secured to exhibit the work at the festival.

HFF DOES NOT provide screening fees or honorariums for submitted work — or for any film screening as part of the festival’s juried competition.

HFF may deny acceptance of any film at its sole discretion. ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

Any costs necessary to deliver the exhibition file to HFF in the required format, or for any necessary subtitling, is the sole responsibility of the entrant.

All accepted films grant HFF and their designated agents’ permission to utilize clips, trailers, and images from the film for HFF and Hillsboro Film Festival promotional content. The entrant agrees to notify HFF if or when they may lose ownership of the clips, trailers, and images and no longer be able to grant said permission.

If the submission becomes an "Official Selection" and/or wins a prize, HFF requests that this be noted on promotional materials. Festival laurels are available to all Official Selections and Award winners.

Although every possible care will be taken with exhibition material in our possession, HFF is not responsible for loss or damage. Please do not send originals, special prints or master tapes.
3 Reviews
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Networking
  • Morgan Lee

    Super fun! Christi is wonderful and encouraging. Beautiful black box theatre. So happy to have Ramos Fizz included in the first annual festival. I hope they keep going!

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank so much Morgan for your submission we appreciate your submission so much.

  • Diane Kaufman

    Congratulations, Hillsboro Film Festival, on your debut and thank you so much for the honor of your officially selecting "Marble Me Free," a poem animation short film on the "dark night of the soul" journey through physical and emotional pain. May the Hillsboro Film Festival have a long life of creative success!

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Diane for your review. We appreciate your submission.

  • Brent Heise

    Thank you to Christi for putting together a very pleasant theater experience. I am honored that you chose to screen The Girl Who Faded Away and I highly recommend this festival.

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Brent for your kind review. We really appreciate your submission.