For its 9th year, the McMinnville Short Film Festival – frequently rated one of FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals - has a new Executive Director and even more films and events.

But it’s still the same great celebration of short film you’ve grown to love: amazing screenings, a gorgeous locale, incredible filmmakers and great wine.

Set in the heart of Oregon wine country, the McMinnville Short Film Festival is a true filmmaker’s fest. MSFF organizers – including the original founders – cater to filmmakers from the moment a film is submitted to the moment the festival wraps. 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 created a welcoming environment for all attendees, but as a filmmaker, I was treated like a king!”

A festival for amateur and professional filmmakers, the MSFF welcomes short films of any genre and of no more than 20 minutes in length. Check out our awards and nominations on IMDb and know that the McMinnville Short Film Festival looks forward to your submission!

Awards & Prizes

Each Official Selection will receive a certificate. Each Award Winner will receive a certificate and a trophy (cash prizes noted below).

Grand Jury Award - $500 prize

Best Experimental

Best Documentary

Best Genre (sci-fi, horror, thriller, film noir, etc.)

Best Oregon Filmmaker

Best First-Time Director

Best Student Film

Audience Award

Will Vinton Award for Best Animated Film - $150 prize

Best Environmental (Sponsor: Recology of Western Oregon) - $100 prize

Rules & Terms

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

Submission to the 2020 McMinnville Short 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 MSFF, 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.

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

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

All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

Entrants will be notified of their submission’s selection status on or about January 6, 2020. Accepted films are required to deliver a ProRes HQ 422 Quicktime file format. Foreign language films must be subtitled in English.

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

All accepted films grant MSFF and their designated agents’ permission to utilize clips, trailers, and images from the film for MSFF and McMinnville Short Film Festival promotional content. The entrant agrees to notify MSFF 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 Jury or Audience Award, MSFF 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, MSFF is not responsible for loss or damage. Please do not send originals, special prints or master tapes.
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!