Set in the heart of Oregon wine country, the McMinnville Short Film Festival (MSFF) is a “filmmaker’s” festival. MSFF organizers cater to filmmakers from the moment a film is submitted to the moment the festival wraps up, experience why Portland, OR, filmmaker Zach Putnam says “…the festival organizers curated a sophisticated collection of high caliber films from both local and international directors. They create a welcoming environment for all attendees, but as a filmmaker, it felt like I was treated like a king!…”

The MSFF is a 2-day festival with 4 screenings, a filmmaker reception to allow networking and enjoy local area wines, and an awards dinner.

A festival for amateur and professional filmmakers, we welcome short films of any genre, of no more than 20 minutes in length. Rated Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals by filmmakers on FilmFreeway, experience for yourself why the MSFF is worth participating in.

Look for our awards and nominations on IMDB!

Awards & Prizes

Grand Jury Prize - $500 cash prize

Best Director
Best Story
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Music/Score
Best Sound Mixing
Best Actor
Best Actress

Will Vinton Award for Best Animated Film - a $150 cash prize
Recology Sustainability Award - a $100 cash prize

Rules & Terms

Short films in any genre, maximum 20 minutes in length.

The Will Vinton Award for Best Animated Film will be awarded to the top scoring animated film. Will Vinton, a native of McMinnville, OR, is an Oscar-winning filmmaker and pioneer of Claymation. He is supporting this award and festival to encourage animation filmmakers!

Recology Sustainability Award
Recology’s vision is a world without waste. This employee-owned company carries out its vision through community based services, educational programs and innovative engineering solutions that promote the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle.

The Recology Sustainability Award will go to a filmmaker who demonstrates and promotes environmental sustainability as a major theme in their short film. Themes can include but are not limited to:

• Natural Resource Conservation
• Waste Reduction Outreach and Education
• Sustainable Product Production, Use and Management

A panel of judges will review the qualifying films and select the film that best fits this award.

23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Vis Vitalis

    Yeah! I got over 100 nominations worldwide with my movies... but for first time i received real diploma and Festival prinred program (physically) throught the postal service. Thank you, friends! Your kindness, organisation and attention to the participants is GREAT!

    March 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Vis! It was our pleasure to showcase your film and get you your well-deserved certificate. We look forward to seeing more films from you!

  • Joanie Fox

    This is a wonderful festival run by people who truly love film! Great communication and wonderfully run festival! Highly recommend!!

    February 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Joanie! It was nice meeting you, and we look forward to seeing more films from you!

  • Anita George

    One of the best festival experiences ever! The blocks of films were thoughtfully curated -- provocative, delightful, touching, funny and inspiring AND well-attended. Communication with the festival personnel was terrific and welcoming. Ample opportunities for networking in a relaxed atmosphere.

    The "In the House of Paper Flowers" team is beyond ecstatic to have been given the Will Vinton Award for our animated short. Truly an honor. Thank you, McMinnville!

    February 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Anita! It was an honor and privilege to welcome you and showcase your film. We look forward to seeing you again!

  • Aurelien Mathieu

    I couldn't attend to the festival but the McMinnville crew was very professional and kind, they guide us through all steps with care, it was a real pleasure. With the McMinville festival you and your film are in good hands !

    February 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Aurelien! It's our pleasure getting to work with so many outstanding filmmakers. We hope to see future films from you!

  • Kyle Draper

    Nancy and Dan are amazing and run a fantastic film festival! It was very well-organized and fun. I had a great time connecting with other filmmakers and look forward to coming back to this festival again and again.

    February 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks, Kyle! It was a pleasure meeting you and showcasing your film. We look forward to seeing more of your work!