LAKE STEVENS FILM FESTIVAL 2023 brings films and makers from the Pacific Northwest together for a two-day screening & networking event. LSFF was created in partnership with the city to cultivate an appreciation for the arts within Lake Stevens, showcasing diverse viewpoints from both established and emerging creators.

JURY AWARD WINNERS
Best Student Short
Ava Espiritu, The Ghost

Best Documentary Short
Merete Mueller, Blue Room

Best Narrative Short
Sarah Rodenbaugh and Megan Brotherton, Hangman

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS
Best Student Film
Angelo Visser, Get Up the Nerve

Best Documentary Short
JoJo: A Toad Musical

Best Narrative Short
The Problem with Time Travel

Awards & Prizes

All accepted films received an Official Selection Laurel.

Cash prizes and laurels were awarded for jury selection of the following:

Best PNW High School Student Film - $500
Best Narrative Short - $500
Best Documentary Short - $500

The audience cast a vote for their favorite film screened at each block of the festival, an Audience Choice Award with accompanying laurel.

Rules & Terms

Lake Stevens Film Festival screens films produced in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia) or by filmmakers from the PNW. We define origin from PNW as someone who has lived in the PNW for at least half their life.

All films must have been completed after Jan 1st 2021.

Student Films must be completed while a student in a PNW High School.

All films must be 25 minutes or less in length.

All films must be in English or have English subtitles present.

Entry fees are nonrefundable. Limited waivers available for demographics historically lacking in on-screen representation or for alumni LSFF filmmakers.

By submitting to Lake Stevens Film Festival, you agree to the following:
-You own this film, have obtained all necessary permissions (music, collaborators, etc) and it in no way infringes on the rights of any third party.
-You grant LSFF the right to use for promotion purposes, stills, excerpts, and the trailer for your film

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Misty Shipman

    This film festival is a wonderful, highly communicative, and thoughtful collaborative opportunity for filmmakers. I highly recommend submitting to this festival.

    August 2023
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  • Sarah Rodenbaugh

    I can't say enough about this festival! It's really going to continue to blow up and is a festival not to miss. I attended from Los Angeles and they went above and beyond. Laura Bettelheim, the founder, is a true filmmaker lover and supporter and couldn't be more gracious, communicative and hard working. Her passion is clear and it wasn't a question that I wanted to support her and a festival like this. Chris Pratt sent a video he made about this festival and this season, and I know it will continue to grow.
    We were awarded the Best Narrative Short award for HANGMAN in addition to $500 with a real-life giant check. And I promise I would say ALL of these things had we won or not.
    It's a delightful small town with a beautiful scenery and kind people. I can't wait to go back and see how this fest grows. Wonderful experience all the way around.

    August 2023
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  • Mike Kearby

    Highly recommended and worth the attendance. Thanks to Laura and staff for bringing together a true meet and greet festival for film makers.

    August 2023
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  • Maia Cassie

    Great festival! An incredibly welcoming community and lovely selection of films.

    August 2023
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  • Jake Kalos

    Lovely festival, excellent communication leading up to it, and a wonderful event with great films!

    January 2023
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the kind words, Jake!