Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology (PFCAT) embraces cutting-edge technology and its role in modern filmmaking. We are looking for amazing new films and animated works and the visionary voices behind them. The event takes place at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), home to the Empirical Theater, which is a 300 seat IMAX. OMSI was recognized as the #1 Science Museum by Newsweek Readers Choice.

In addition to 150+ film screenings in two theaters and our annual award ceremony, the festival includes various parties, networking events, and panel discussions and screenings in the Kendall Planetarium.

PFCAT is open to a wide variety of films and animated projects. In fact, many of our official selections and award winners do not have technology as a main point of focus. The “technology” part of the festival's name also refers to the cutting-edge tech we incorporate in festival screenings and at the event itself, such as virtual reality and augmented reality. For example, audience members can vote on the audience choice awards using a custom augmented reality app designed for the festival.

"Prominent local film festivals include the constantly innovating Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology.” -MovieMaker Magazine's "Best Places to Live and Work as MovieMaker in 2025"

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Additional Curated Events

The festival also includes local screenings and educational events throughout the year. For example, in 2024 PFCAT presented a sold-out show at a local art cinema called "Animation After Dark," which included a selection of some of the favorite adult animations from the festival line-up. In early 2025, Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology will present three-days of special presentations as part of the Portland Winter Light Festival, which attracts over 270,000 visitors a year.

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Networking Opportunities

We believe that meeting other people is a key part of the festival experience and that’s why we host parties, informative panels, and special events. PFCAT events are attended by entertainment industry people including animation and visual effects professionals from companies like Disney, LAIKA, Industrial Light and Magic, Pixar, and Shadowmachine. These festival networking events are designed to help participating filmmakers meet interesting people in a fun and memorable way.

One of the annual PFCAT festival networking events is held at an immersive art gallery with over 23,000 square feet of interactive installations that are designed to stimulate auditory, visual and sensory perceptions.

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Jury and Awards

Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology carefully selects jury members to ensure festival participants get their work in front of industry experts. Members of our jury include Eric Adkins, DP of Annie Recipient and Oscar®-nominated film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On; Leslie Hope, Director of Lost in Space, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds; Rick Mischel, Executive Producer at Sony Pictures Animation; Jon Stewart, Screenwriter best known for Pixar / Disney’s Cars 3, Smallfoot, and Angry Birds 2; Joanna Priestley, dubbed “the queen of independent animation” by Bill Plympton, and many others.

PFCAT jury members have received recognition for their work on Oscar and Annie nominated films, are Guggenheim Fellows and have directed for many of the entertainment industry’s largest players from 20th Century Fox, HBO, and MGM to Netflix and more.

Our one-of-a-kind awards are created by one of Portland's favorite local artists. Many of our award winning filmmakers have commented that their PFCAT award is the best award they have ever received.
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Portland is the "Second Hollywood of Animation"

At the 2023 and 2024 festival events, PFCAT hosted the legendary animator and 2X Oscar nominee Bill Plympton. Portland, Oregon is home to some of the world’s top animation companies and animators. During one of his appearances at Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology, Plympton noted that Portland is the “second Hollywood of animation.”
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Festival History

Previously a touring festival (International Festival of Cinema and Technology), the festival rebranded in 2022 to reflect our home in Portland, Oregon.

Since its inception, the festival has screened 1500+ films including hundreds of World Premieres and Regional Premieres. And we’ve had the pleasure to host hundreds of judges and filmmakers from around the globe. PFCAT has proudly been a stop for some of the very best independent shorts, features, animations, documentaries and other projects during their festival runs. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure to screen works that range from microbudget projects to those created by the most accomplished filmmakers, featuring some of the world’s favorite actors.

Past Cities: Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney, Toronto, Paris, Quezon City, London, Sheffield, Burlington, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Portland, OR, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

Our 22 Past Venues Include: Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, CN Tower-Maple Leaf Theater, The Canadian Broadcast Centre, The Sony Theatre Culver City-LA, Fox Studios in Sydney, CNIT (Centre National des Industries et Techniques) Paris, Tribeca Grand Scene-NYC, The Ontario Science Center, Federation Square Melbourne, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Northwest Film Forum, Seattle, The Horse Hospital-London, Metro Arts, Brisbane, and Universal Citywalk Orlando.

Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology offers cash prizes spread across multiple categories. These financial awards are presented by our sponsors including the Oregon Film Office and Portland Film Office.
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Annual award commendations include:

* Best Feature

* Best Animated Feature

* Best 3D Animated Short

* Best 2D Animated Short

* Best Dramatic Short

* Best Comedic Short

* Best Student Film

* Best First-time Filmmaker

* Best Episodic

* Best Documentary

* Best Oregon Short

* Best Music Video

* Best VFX in a Short

* Best Use of Unreal Engine

* Best Microshort

* Best Animated Short Short

* Best Experimental Film

* Best Experimental Animation

* Best Children’s Short

* Best Animated Short for Children

* Visionary Use of Technology in a Short Film

* Outstanding Sci-Fi World Building

* Innovative Sound Experience Award

* Best Object Animation in a Short Film

* Best Stop Motion

* Best Dome Film

* Best Music

* Best Animated Comedic Short

* Best Acting in a Short

* Best Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality Film

* Best Sci-Fi Short

* Audience Choice Awards in several categories

Films whose productions were completed after January 1, 2023 are eligible. There are no premiere restrictions. If your film has been screened online as part of a ticketed film festival, you are still eligible.

By submitting a project to the festival, you agree that you reserve the rights to do so and are allowing the festival the rights to screen the film for a live audience. The decisions made by our judges and jury are final.

All submissions must be either a FilmFreeway online screener or Vimeo link with password. We do not accept submissions of propaganda or pornography films. Entry fee waivers are not available.

Upon submission, you agree that the festival can use your trailer, poster and stills for promotional purposes.

You must retain full rights to all aspects of the film (images, sound and music) and be at least 18 years of age. The festival is not liable for any copyright infringements. You also acknowledge that you have all the rights and clearances to exhibit your film at Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology.

We do not pay screening fees or shipping costs. Entry fee refunds are not available.

We reserve the right to update our rules and terms.

By submitting your film to Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology, you acknowledge that if the project is accepted you will sign an agreement confirming that you own all the rights to your film.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kyle Nelson

    I had the opportunity to attend all 5 days of the festival this year and had an absolute blast. I met so many great, talented people and watch a ridiculous number of fantastic films. The PFCAT team went above and beyond in making it a truly special event. I HIGHLY recommend this festival.

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    It was wonderful to have you involved Kyle and so great to hear that you enjoyed the PFCAT selections. Our team puts a lot of work into finding great films like yours!

  • Oxen Media

    Fabulous festival with amazing screenings and events- well organized and a delight to attend!

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Our team loved having you involved and hope to see you again soon. Thanks for screening your clever and innovative work with us!

  • Evren Bilgihan

    I was honored that my film was selected for competition at the 2024 Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology (PFCAT). Although our film didn’t win, my experience as both a first-time filmmaker and festival attendee was truly fantastic.

    The entire process, from the communication following the acceptance announcement to the quick responses to our questions leading up to the festival, was smooth and professional. Onsite, the well-designed brochure, the coordinated team, and clearly marked event locations all contributed to a seamless and enjoyable experience. If you're looking to compete in a festival that is both welcoming and exceptionally well-organized, I highly recommend this one!

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Evren! We deeply appreciate the kind words. Our team has been working really hard to stay hyper-organized months before the event. We believe all that advance planning helps ensure that filmmakers have a good experience, so it's gratifying to hear that all of this was noticed and appreciated. It was great meeting you and having you involved!

  • Dave Quion

    I unfortunately couldn't attend, but everything about the festival, from the communication, selection of films, and the venues seemed excellent. I was glad to be a part of it.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the positive comments, Dave. We are so glad you enjoyed the PFCAT experience even though you didn't attend. Hopefully we will have a chance to meet you in the future. Your talent definitely shined through with Buckets City, and it was very well-received at the festival!

  • Irina Arnaut

    I couldn't make the festival but the organizers were incredible in their communication and just being on top of it. So thrilled to have won an award, too. I'll definitely submit films to PFCAT in the future. Thank you PFCAT!

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Irina! It was a pleasure communicating with you, so the feeling is mutual. And, of course, it was a pleasure to screen Gary. We are glad to hear that you will submit future films to PFCAT.