Northwest Film Forum’s annual Local Sightings Film Festival showcases the growing complexity of creative communities in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring a competitive selection of curated shorts and feature film programs, Local Sightings 2026 invites regional artists to experiment, break, and remake popular conceptions around filmmaking and film exhibition.

The 2026 edition of the festival featured 50+ shorts, features, web series, and music videos, incorporating a wide range of stories, perspectives, and approaches to filmmaking. Past festival successes have included animated GIF storytelling, interactive site-specific video installations, virtual reality dance films, and educational offerings, including the region’s first-ever Sundance Institute Artist Services Workshop.

Working in conjunction with Pacific Northwest film centers and community partners, Local Sightings will use screenings, panels, workshops, performances and more to encourage critical discourse around the medium, with an eye towards a regional elevation of the industry. The 2026 edition will again invite additional expertise from local collaborators.

NOTE: A limited number of waiver codes are available to those from communities that have historically lacked access or equitable representation in media. Please contact rajah@nwfilmforum.org for details.

Image: "Face to Face" (Christian Krantz, Portland, OR)

ABOUT NORTHWEST FILM FORUM
Founded in Seattle in 1995 as an independent film and arts nonprofit, Northwest Film Forum incites public dialogue and creative action through collective cinematic experiences. Each year the Forum presents hundreds of films, festivals, community events, multidisciplinary performances, and public discussions. As a comprehensive visual media organization, the Forum offers educational workshops and artist services for film and media makers at all stages of their development. More information is available at nwfilmforum.org.

Awards & Prizes

Local Sightings invites local and national judges to choose award-winning shorts and feature programs via a competitive selection process. Prizes awarded to filmmakers include cash grants, screening opportunities, production and post-production services, gear access, and other industry perks. Not all films are eligible for competition; initial pool of eligible submissions is selected by NWFF programming team.

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All types of moving image media are eligible; projects must be finished within 18 months from start date of the festival, and the filmmaker(s) must live in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, or the Yukon Territories) or have had the majority of their production (over 50%) based in these states. Local Sightings does not require festival premiere status, though it is welcome.

NOTE: Please complete all required questions, as your form will not submit if any fields are left blank. If something does not apply, write N/A.

FESTIVAL FEES
Please be aware that submission fees help NWFF cover fees associated with screening, programming, and exhibiting Local Sightings. Your nominal submission fee helps us support our continued work in presenting the best regional films to our community.

A limited number of waiver codes are available to those from communities that have historically lacked access or equitable representation in media. Please contact rajah@nwfilmforum.org for details.

NOTIFICATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Local Sightings will inform all entrants no later than August 3rd whether their film has been selected for the Festival.

FILM LENGTHS
Short films in all categories fall under 30 minutes; anything above that length would qualify as a feature film.

FILE FORMATS
Films must be sent to us as H.264 files for online screening. Additional format options available for in-person screenings of feature films.

SUBTITLES + CAPTIONS
If your film has English subtitles, they must be burned into the film file. If your film has captions, please provide these as a .srt or .vtt file (if you prefer them burned in, that is fine!). If your film does not have captions, we will offer you resources to create an accessible experience for virtual audiences.

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
Please direct all submissions inquiries to alison@nwfilmforum.org
45 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lyssa Samuel

    This is a wonderful and well run festival with a great vibe. One thing that stood out to me is the curation of the programming. The themes of the shorts blocks were really cool and distinct. I saw so many great films here and met great filmmakers.

    November 2025
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  • Benjamin Watts

    Cannot say enough great things about how wonderful the whole team of organizers are from Alison all the way to Nathan working concessions. Everybody oozes film love and it was amazing to have the world premiere of my film at the NWFF. I was so impressed with the films they curated and fit as many program blocks in as I could while I was there! From practical, heartfelt animations to space adventures, the PNW has talent coming out the seams. Look forward to the next!

    October 2025
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  • ERIC THOMAS

    Everyone involved was warm and welcoming

    October 2025
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  • BattleGround Productions

    Great networking, well run, and the theatres are lovely places with great vibes and a fine bar. One of our better Festival experiences no question!

    October 2025
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  • Nate Fieldson

    Had a nice time at the Film Forum. Allison did an amazing job programming short blocks with films that complemented each other. Local Sightings does a great job of putting you in spaces where you can easily meet other filmmakers and audience! Can’t wait to submit again next year!

    October 2025
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