SUBMIT TO SEASON 8 of the Northwest International Film Festival
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CHECK OUT OUR NEW CATEGORIES
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The annual festival, now in its eighth season, is accepting submissions of short-subject films from all over the world.

Winning entries from this year's festival will premiere during a red-carpet event at the Wollenberg Auditorium, in the Rose Center for the Arts, at Lower Columbia College.

The Premier Red-Carpet Opening of NIFF will be on Friday, September 24, 2026. Formal attire is preferred.

Northwest International Film Festival Schedule:

– Submissions Open: December 10, 2025
– Submissions Close: July 10, 2026
– Pre-Season Venue-Patron Screening: September 17-23, 2026
– NIFF Gala: September 24, 2026
– NIFF Season: September 17-October 5, 2026

Submission Details:

– OPEN TO ALL GENRES
– Short-subject of length between 3 and 40 minutes (including credits)
– Films will only be accepted in a digital format
– NEW CATEGORY: C•STAR Youth Films
– NEW CATEGORY: Mt. St. Helens Films
– NEW CATEGORY: Venue-Patrons

For additional information or any questions, please see our website at https://filmfest8.com or contact info@filmfest8.com

Rules & Terms

- Films must not have had any major theatrical release or US broadcast airing prior to the festival.
- Films must not have had DVD sales on the internet prior to March 1, 2025.
- More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must be accompanied by a separate submission.
- Films must be completed after March 1, 2023 in order to be considered for the 2026 Northwest International Film Festival.
- Work-in-progress submissions are accepted. Updated versions of a submission may be sent until July 10, 2026. After that date, NIFF is under no obligation to view any new version.
- By choosing to use FilmFreeway's secured online screener, the film must be uploaded by the application's corresponding submission deadline in order to be considered. Your submission application will not be processed otherwise.
- All film entries selected for the festival grant NIFF the rights to use footage, stills, titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.

- Films can be submitted to six (6) categories:
1) International Short Films
2) Local Short Films
3) Youth Short Films
4) C•STAR Youth Films
5) Mt. St. Helens Films
6) Venue-Patron Films

- All filmmakers will be notified by September 10, 2026 via email of their entry status.
114 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ramon Jesus

    Thank you for selecting my movie, I am very happy for this!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Maruf Sharker Munna

    I had a wonderful experience at the Northwest International Film Festival (NIFF), where my film Homework was honored as a nominee. It was truly encouraging to be recognized among such a strong and diverse selection of films, and I appreciate the festival’s effort in highlighting meaningful independent cinema. The overall organization was smooth and professional, with clear communication and a supportive environment for filmmakers. The screenings were well presented, and the festival created a great space for networking and creative exchange with fellow artists and industry professionals. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of NIFF and for the recognition given to Homework . As a suggestion, it would be great if selected or nominated films could have custom-designed posters provided or created by the festival, as it would further strengthen promotion and give each film a more distinct visual identity. Thank you to the NIFF team for this inspiring experience.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Hana Mapara

    Had my film nominated but didn't hear anything about a screening or if anyone won for that matter. Pretty sure this is a scam. Have also noticed the name of the film festival and the address change between september 2025 to march 2026 at least 2 times.

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Andrew Vaughan

    I was nominated, got no additional word, I've got no photos or anything as to what actually happened. Seems like a scam, so the low rating.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Saptib Das

    Great experience! I’m really honored to be nominated here

    January 2026
    Helpful