The Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF) is the largest South Asian film festival in the United States and one of the two largest in the world. TSAFF takes place annually in the beautiful Pacific Northwest city of Seattle in Washington State and its surrounding cities. In 2020, our 15th year, TSAFF will take place over 15 days, presenting 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.

The theme of In 2020 there will be a special focus on South Asian diaspora stories.

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.

* The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented strain on the arts community. If you are a filmmaker or artist impacted by COVID-19 and would like to submit your film to our festival, we at Tasveer would like to support you. Here's a special 50% discount for submission.

Use Code: 50covidTSAFF2020

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
Best Documentary
Best Short

Rules & Terms

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

The 12­-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 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 Washington State premieres, though not required.
-- All work MUST be a Seattle premiere.
-- All works must have been released in 2019 and after.
-- To be eligible for a student film submission, either school name must be in the credits or 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 format.
21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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
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  • 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
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  • Anjan Bose

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

    November 2019
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  • 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
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  • Richa Rudola

    THE best festival experience I've had in the last couple years. Tasveer's festival team is made up of lovely human beings who really care about filmmakers and their films. The best surprise was seeing how engaged Seattle is - they love their art and come out in big numbers to show their support! What more can a filmmaker ask for if both their work and they are appreciated by the audience and the festival. I can offer no greater compliment than to say I would like to return in future years even if my work is not showing. Thanks Tasveer and see you next year!

    October 2019
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