The Seattle Film Festival ranks in the top 1% of more than 12,000 film festivals and creative contests around the world by FilmFreeway, according to reviews from FilmFreeway users.

We look forward to welcoming you to our 10th annual festival in 2025.

Last year, our festival expanded with additional film screenings at Seattle's historic Grand Illusion Cinema and Aegis Theater in the Queen Anne district and Belltown. We also enhanced the experience by partnering with eoFlix, allowing for more digital screenings, that were integrated into both our Program and Awards Ceremony.

Alongside filmmaker Q&A sessions, networking events, and the Getty Images Awards Show Gala, the festival features expert panel discussions. Last year, we covered key topics like distribution, indie filmmaking, script development, and post-production. 

The 2025 judging panel will be led by esteemed film critics Andres Benatar from Filmspeak.net and Bobby LePire from Film Threat.
Andres Benatar is known for his insightful reviews and deep understanding of cinema. In addition to his contributions with the Austin Film Festival and the Seattle Film festival, Andres is a published author.
Bobby LePire, a prominent film critic at Film Threat, is known for his sharp analyses and passion for independent film. His work spans a wide range of genres, bringing fresh and critical perspectives to both emerging and established filmmakers.

Seattle Film Festival attendees, official selection nominees and winners have included: Susan Sarandon, Mark Polish, Ryan Busse, Sean Astin, Bonnie McKee, Ice-T, Yukiko Mishima, Linda lew Woo, Paulina Porizkova, Xander Berkeley, Jennifer Beals, Michael Madsen, , Jeffrey Combs, Eve Austin, Gary Busey, Kristen Johnston, Krista Allen, Yorick van Wageningen, Maxim Roy, Jeremy Sisto, Kellen Lutz, Amy Gordon, Kenny Hotz, Celine Abrahams, Amber Rose Revah, Kevin Guthrie, Goran Bogdan, Steve Spiers, Margaret Cho, Fabien Caleyere, Michael Gross, Mark Webber, Fedja van Huêt, John Capodice, Mick Fleetwood, Rocky Burnett, Christopher Backus, Michael Ironside, Patrick J. Adams, David Sullivan, Bill Heck and many more.

Awards & Prizes

E-certificates (and with certain awards) physical trophies are awarded free. Physical trophies may also be ordered in all categories.

Our award categories are:

Grand Jury Award Best Feature Film
Best International Feature Film
Best U.S. Feature Film
Best Director U.S. Feature Film
Best Director International Feature Film
Seattle Film Festival Outstanding Performance Award in a Feature Film
Best Visionary Award Feature Film
Best Emerging Director Feature Film (Must be First-Time Feature Film Filmmaker)
Best Actress in a Feature Film
Best Actor in a Feature Film
Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film
Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film
Best Ensemble Cast Feature Film
Best Acting Duo Feature Film
Best Young Actor Award Feature Film
Best Young Actress Award Feature Film
Seattle Filmmaker Award (Filmmakers from Seattle Area only are eligible)
Best Screenplay Feature Film (Unproduced)
Best Screenplay Feature Film
Best Achievement in Filmmaking (Best Indie Feature made for under $100,000.)
Best Horror Feature Film
Best Rogue Feature Film
Best Rogue Director Feature Film
Best Thriller Feature Film
Best Comedy Horror Feature Film
Best Sci-Fi Feature Film
Best Animated Feature Film
Best LGBTQ Feature Film
Best Student Feature Film
Best Student Director Feature Film
Best Cinematography in a Feature Film
Best Editor Feature Film
Best Soundtrack in a Feature Film
Best Original Song Feature Film
Best Documentary Feature Film
Best Director Documentary Feature Film
Best Environmental Documentary Feature Film
Best Sports Documentary Feature Film
Best LGBTQ Documentary Feature Film
Best U.S. Short Film
Best International Short Film
Best U.S. Director Short Film
Best Director International Short Film
Best Actor in a Short Film
Best Actress in a Short Film
Best Young Actress Short Film
Best Young Actor Short Film
Best Screenplay Short Film
Best Cinematography Short Film
Best Editor in a Short Film
Best Soundtrack in a Short Film
Best Original Song in a Short Film
Best Animated Short Film
Best Thriller Short Film
Best Horror Short Film
Best Comedy Horror Short Film
Best Comedy Short Film
Best Sci-Fi Short Film
Best LGBTQ Short Film
Best Rogue Short Film
Best Rogue Director Short Film
Best Student Short Film
Best Student Director Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Director Documentary Short Film
Best Environmental Documentary Short Film
Best Sports Documentary Short Film
Best LGBTQ Documentary Short Film
Best TV/Web Series Comedy
Best TV/Series Web Drama
Best Director Comedy Web Series
Best Director Drama Web Series
Best Actor in a TV/Web Series
Best Actress in a TV/Web Series
Best TV/Web Documentary Short Film
Best TV/Web Documentary Feature Film
Best LGBTQ Web Series
Best Music Video
Best Director Music Video

In addition, we have also added new awards to keep up with our growing number of submissions.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
​
You may submit your movie for consideration in multiple categories.
To do this, simply check the box of each category you wish to submit to (you will see the fee due next to each individual category).
We do not accept any films completed earlier than 2019.

All submissions will be judged for the categories they are submitted for.
However, our jury may decide that your film should be considered for alternative categories which it was not submitted for originally. This assures extra consideration and can substantially increase your film's chances to qualify for an award.

​You must own the rights to your film, including the music and have permission of release from everyone appearing in your film.

Non-English language films will be accepted but must have English subtitles. 

Please note that, by submitting your film you agree to the following:
The Seattle Film Festival may use parts of your film for promotional purposes.
These may include trailers, scenes, still photographs etc.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
We categorically do NOT accept X-Rated  or extremist propaganda material.

​SELECTION 

All films will be screened by film industry professionals.
The semi-finalists will be personally reviewed by our festival directors.
125 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • StudioX School of Animation and Vfx

    Our entire team is truly honored and grateful to have our film recognized by your festival. Your support and encouragement mean so much to us as filmmakers and artists.

    Thank you again for your kindness. It is a meaningful experience for all of us, and we are sincerely thankful.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Zac La Roc

    One of the single best experiences we’ve had in our entire festival run with DIZZY. Michael and William are champions of cinema, and have built a spectacular community of cinephile in a great city. Can’t wait to go back!

    April 2026
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  • Ned Bellamy

    I have had the good privilege to be included in several U.S. festivals and Seattle's was....fantastic...!!!

    January 2026
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  • Vikrant Rudra

    Seattle Film Festival delivered a wonderful experience for our team. The communication was smooth and timely, and the festival team was incredibly supportive throughout the process. We truly admired the level of hospitality and the opportunities offered for meaningful networking with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals. A festival that genuinely cares about cinema and storytellers — highly recommended!

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Jeffrey Moline

    Thank you for validating the hard work and effort that went into our short musical film "Grandpa's Got A Brand New Pill'. My team is inspired to make more short films.

    November 2025
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