Port Townsend Film Festival

Welcome to the Port Townsend Film Festival!

“A top notch festival with superb staff in a spectacular location. The PTFF team curated a fantastic film experience for audiences and filmmakers alike. We showed to a packed house on two days, paired with moderators for Q&A's that had obviously taken the time to think deeply about the issues covered in the film. I can't recommend the Port Townsend Film Festival highly enough and will definitely be back with my next film!"
~Dune Strickland [PTFF Alumni - UNEARTH (2025)]

Named one of MovieMaker’s 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, PTFF is often described as “Sundance by the sea” for its outstanding programming, legendary hospitality, and deep support for filmmakers. Nestled in a stunning Victorian seaport on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the festival offers a uniquely intimate, filmmaker-first experience where audiences lean in, conversations flow, and creative community thrives.

Our mission: Sparking Community Through Film

What makes us special?
• https://ptfilm.org/about-us
• A destination setting with passionate, engaged audiences
• Thoughtfully curated films from around the world
• Industry panels, mixers, and filmmaker-only spaces
• Legendary hospitality - including meals, events, and personal support
• A festival culture built on care, curiosity, and inclusion
• Meaningful year-round opportunities: PTFF Residency, PTFF Forum, & Producer’s Circle funding

SUBMISSION SUPPORT
Submission fees support PTFF’s operations and cash awards. While we are unable to offer broad fee waivers, we provide structured discounts and multiple deadlines to support access. In an effort to raise visibility for underrepresented voices, we offer:

LGBTQ+: Directors identifying as LGBTQ+ please use code PTFFlgbtq2026 for 25% off submission fees (all categories).

PGM: Directors identifying as People of the Global Majority / Black, Indigenous, People of Color please use code PTFFpgm2026 for 25% off submission fees (all categories).

Additional discount codes and waivers available:

LOCAL: Directors residing in the Olympic Peninsula, Kitsap Peninsula, or Puget Sound Islands may email proof of residency to receive a 30% discount code. (Eligible counties: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, San Juan.)

PTFF ALUMNI: Alumni of Port Townsend Film Festival may email their name, film title, role, and screening year to receive a single-use waiver code.

STUDENT: Directors currently registered as a film student may email christy@ptfilm.org with student ID to receive a 50% discount code.
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SPECIAL INVITATION - Latine / Latinx Filmmakers
PTFF warmly invites submissions from Latine / Latinx-identifying filmmakers. In 2026, we will feature a dedicated Latine Film Track that will showcase the diversity, artistry, and voices of Latine storytellers. If submission numbers allow, this track will feature curated screenings, community conversations, networking events, and enhanced marketing celebrating Latine-made films in our lineup.

SPECIAL INVITATION - Western Washington Short Films
We encourage short film submissions from filmmakers based in Western Washington. Selected films will be featured in a Western WA Shorts block in the 2026 festival lineup. Please review complete LOCAL Short Film guidelines and don’t forget to request your LOCAL discount code if you qualify.

SHORT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
All screenwriters living in the Olympic Peninsula, Kitsap Peninsula, or Puget Sound Islands are invited to submit to our Short Screenplay category. Rules, terms, and award details can be found below.

We look forward to seeing your work!