Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF) – Year 12

The Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF), the flagship event of the non-profit Polk County Film Initiative, celebrates its 12th year in 2026. Set in the foothills of North Carolina, TRIFF transforms the town of Tryon into a vibrant hub for filmmakers, students, and film lovers, with screenings across multiple venues throughout downtown.

In addition to screenings, TRIFF offers free educational sessions through our TRIFF Education Institute that connect filmmakers and students to spark creativity, collaboration, and fresh storytelling perspectives.

Festival highlights include our signature gala at The Fitzgerald, home to TRIFF Basecamp, and a welcoming atmosphere among local shops, restaurants, and B&Bs. Attendees enjoy networking, workshops, screenings, and access to the complimentary VIP Lounge at the heart of the festival.

Our programming showcases exceptional work across feature films, shorts, and documentaries, along with our hallmark Human Rights & Dignity category. We also proudly feature Best Animation (Feature & Short) categories, as well as Student Shorts – High School & College, highlighting emerging filmmakers and their original voices.

We carefully curate films based on artistry, storytelling, and impact. Waiver requests are reviewed thoughtfully but approved selectively.

Please ensure submissions include a synopsis, director bio and headshot, production stills, and—if possible—links to your website and social media. Incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Each year, TRIFF collaborates with local artists to craft custom awards for our winners. Honorees present at the ceremony receive their trophies in person; others are responsible for shipping arrangements.

Learn more at www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and calls for entries.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes:

Judging Awards are presented in the following categories:

Best Full-Length Narrative
Best Full-Length Documentary
Best Short Documentary
Best Short Narrative
Best Student
Best Animation
Best Human Rights and Human Dignity
Best Equestrian Film
Best Overall (TRIFF Award)
TRIFF Honoree Award
Student Shorts - Middle School, High School, and College
EcoHarmony Ciné Award
Best Comedy Short
Best Comedy Long
2 13 Film-to-TV Award (2 Recipients)

A unique, handcrafted award will be given in each category, designed by our local artist community.

For national and international award winners, please ensure compliance with customs regulations, as you will be responsible for any shipping costs and customs fees.

Rules & Terms

Submission Directions and Rules for Tryon International Film Festival 2026

Thank you for your interest in submitting your film to the Tryon International Film Festival 2026, our 12th season. Please read and follow the submission guidelines and rules below carefully:

1. Submission Requirements

All film submissions must be made online via FilmFreeway with a live link to YouTube or Vimeo (include viewing passwords if applicable).

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Please include a director bio and headshot with your submission.

Each submission must include the following information:
-Name
-Production Company
-Phone Number
-Email Address
-Film Title
-Place of Residence

2. Accepted Submission Formats

All accepted submissions for TRIFF 2026 must be delivered in a standard digital format playable on a PC or Mac.

Feature films selected for screening at the Tryon Theatre must be delivered in DCP (Digital Cinema Package) format.

If your film cannot be delivered in DCP, we can provide guidance on how and where to create one.

Filmmakers are responsible for obtaining and retrieving their DCP post-screening.
DVD submissions will not be accepted.

3. Submission Method

FilmFreeway only. We do not accept submissions through any other platform.

4. Rules and Eligibility

Multiple entries are allowed but must be submitted separately.

Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

If selected, filmmakers must provide a closed caption (CC) file along with the final
screening version.

Winners will be notified via email—please ensure your contact information is accurate and
current.

Films must have been completed within the past two years.

5. Responsibility and Copyright

Entrants are solely responsible for the content of their films.

TRIFF and its affiliates are not responsible for any copyright, trademark, privacy, or intellectual property violations.

Filmmakers must hold all necessary rights and permissions for content, including music, locations, and appearances. Proof may be requested at any time.

6. Prizes and Terms for Winners

Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or substituted.

Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes, fees, or additional costs.

If a specified prize becomes unavailable, the Festival may substitute one of equal value.

Winners may be invited to participate in press or promotional activities, and the Festival may request participation from actors or other key contributors.

7. Ownership and Use of Submissions

By submitting, entrants grant the Tryon International Film Festival the right to screen their film during the 2026 season and to use promotional materials (stills, trailers, etc.) for
marketing purposes. Encore screenings may be added if screenings sell out.

We host a virtual festival on Eventive as well, but we always check with filmmakers first before including their films online — it’s entirely up to you whether to participate.

8. General Conditions

The Festival reserves the right to modify or terminate the competition in the event of
technical or other issues affecting fairness or integrity.

Participation constitutes agreement with all Festival rules and decisions.

All legal matters are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.

For updates and information, visit www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Thank you for considering the Tryon International Film Festival for your submission. We look forward to viewing your work!
88 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Paul Gilreath

    Our first festival, the Tryon IFF is a great festival in this sleepy little town amongst the beautiful Appalachians. Great networking opportunities and very nice facilities. We felt very included in the many social elements. This is a growing festival and a great stop in the festival circuit. Highly recommended.

    November 2025
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  • Barbara Doux

    My week at Tryon’s festival was truly magical. From the very first communication back home via email, the team was quick to respond, genuinely willing to help, and made everything so easy—they even helped me find a place to stay. That warmth and support continued throughout the festival. I have never felt so held and cared for at a festival before, and I was able to make valuable connections and lifelong friends. I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this experience so special. Thank you Ashley, Beau, Daniel, and everyone else I didn’t get the chance to meet, including the amazing volunteers, and the sponsors in the community. I can’t wait to come back next year! Barbara

    November 2025
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  • Johanna Beale Keller

    An amazing festival...one of the best and so well organized! Kudos to all!

    October 2025
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  • Rob Christopher

    A very friendly and fun festival, well attended by both filmmakers and and local audiences. It was a thrill to screen MY LAST MARTINI in Tryon. The hospitality was above and beyond. A very fun weekend.

    October 2025
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  • Erik Jasaň

    Thank you for the official selection of our film THE PROFESSIONAL PARENT. The atmosphere at the festival was wonderful and offered many great networking opportunities. The film is currently For Your Consideration in category Best Live Action Short Film, and I believe that participating in this festival has also helped increase its visibility. I’m grateful that my film could be part of your festival. Wishing you all the best!

    October 2025
    Helpful