The Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF) is the largest South Asian film festival in the United States. TSAFF is headquartered in the beautiful Pacific Northwest city of Seattle in Washington State and its surrounding cities.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic placed an unprecedented strain on the world and the arts community. In response to the crisis, Tasveer led the Coalition of South Asian Film Festivals (CoSAFF). CoSAFF was a first-of-its-kind event that brought together seven well-established South Asian institutions from across North America. The virtual festival ran for 15 days, presenting online screenings of thought-provoking films & forums on South Asia and its diaspora, to engage viewers in dialogue on the issues of human rights, social/political/economic justice, and representation, garnering about 45,000 views.

In our 16th year, Tasveer South Asian Film Festival will have a hybrid film festival with in-person and online screenings.

TSAFF is produced by a nonprofit arts organization 'Tasveer' founded in 2002. TSAFF provides a platform to South Asian storytellers from around the globe, through films, workshops, monologues, and panel discussions. We believe film can be a powerful medium to bridge ideas and communities and create deeper understanding through stories, in order to foster a happier and healthier world.

* TSAFF 2021 will take place under The Tasveer Festival which will combine two major festivals — Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF) and Tasveer South Asian LitFest (TSAL).
* All events and decisions are subject to future changes considering the unforeseen COVID-19 situation and in compliance with CDC guidelines.

All selected filmmakers of non-distributed films will be paid an honorarium. The festival reserves the right to waive the honorarium.

Awards & Prizes

Tasveer Emerald Award:
Awarded to highly accomplished filmmakers in Recognition of Significant Contribution to South Asian Film and Diaspora Stories.

Archana Soy Audience Award for emerging directors:
Best Narrative feature
Best Documentary
Best Short

$50 Honorarium is available to each filmmaker participating in a post-film QnA.
$1000 Best Narrative feature (only to non-distributed films, in the competition)
$1000 Best Documentary (only to non-distributed films, in the competition)
$500 Best Short (only to non-distributed films, in the competition)

Rules & Terms

Tasveer invites the submission of films on themes related to South Asia and its Diaspora. Feature films, shorts, documentaries, web series, music videos, VR/360 films, experimental films, and animations of any length.

The 21-day South Asian film festival, the largest in the US, will foster an atmosphere of creative inquiry, filmmakers and audiences will engage in lively discussions, forums, and other collaborative interactive formats.

South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and its various Diasporas across the world.

ELIGIBILITY

-- All works must be related to South Asia and/or its Diaspora. This includes films made by filmmakers of South Asian origin, as well as those by non-South Asian filmmakers that focus on a South Asian theme.
-- Films that are not in English must have English subtitles.
-- We prefer Seattle premieres, though not required.
-- All works must have been released in 2019 and after.
-- To be eligible for a student film submission, either the school name must be in the credits or the filmmaker must be currently enrolled in school.
-- Films already available online will only be selected in exceptional cases as determined by the selection committee. In general, we do not screen films that are already available online.
Exceptions could be discussed via email to festival directors at tsaff@tasveer.org.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill out the submission form on FilmFreeway by choosing the appropriate category.
2. Pay the Entry Fee.
3. Send a preview copy of your film via an online link. The link must be non-expiring

SELECTION PROCESS

The Director of Programming, Executive Director, and a selection committee of professionals and community members preview each film and make programming decisions. If accepted, we will notify filmmakers via email by the dates listed on the form.

IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED

1. We do not pay a rental fee for the programmed work. Please let us know in advance if your film is being acquired by a distributor.
2. We do not provide airfare & stay for every filmmaker who is selected for the film festival.

Selection is based on our discretion.
Upon being selected, we will ask you to send the following:
1. Film Stills;
2. Director's photo;
3. Links to a Press Kit;
4. Film trailer if one exists;
5. Exhibition format of the film - You will be responsible for paying for one-way shipping if it is being mailed. Return is not guaranteed. Digital delivery is preferred.
5. Online link for press preview;
6. The exhibition format should arrive at the notified address 4 weeks prior to the start of the festival.
7. Due to numerous problems with DVD submissions, we are no longer accepting DVDs for exhibition format. We accept high-quality MP4 and DCP formats. Please reach us if you have a concern or question regarding the format.
22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Chandana Prasanna

    Despite the COVID situation, the festival was well organized.

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • Hassan Zaidi

    I cannot describe my feelings and gratitude in words for all the people I met at Tasveer Film Festival.
    Although divided borders today, Artists and Filmmakers from South Asia always find a way to reunite and celebrate their South Asian solidarity through arts and filmmaking.

    I am very Thankful to Tasveer Film Festival and it's organizers and volunteers. Thank you for the award and appreciation.

    I am honoured to meet and share panel discussions with amazing senior filmmakers who are working towards the betterment of the society specifically South Asian society.
    I will cherish these few days for years to come.

    January 2020
    Helpful
  • Shivaani Sharma

    Tasveer is one of the most authentic and inspiring festivals that I have been to. Their team is earnest and committed to cultivating a quality environment that is reflective in the films and filmmakers who attend. It truly is a festival I hope to be back at every year.

    December 2019
    Helpful
  • Anjan Bose

    Would love to be a part of it again and again...

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • Kesav Wable

    The folks at Tasveer are really out here trying to support up and coming filmmakers and storytellers from the sub-continent. Privileged and honored to call myself a Tasveer alum!

    November 2019
    Helpful