The Tasveer Film Festival (TFF) is the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival, based in Seattle, Washington. For two decades, it has been a vital platform for showcasing diverse and compelling South Asian stories, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and inspiring social change.

Celebrating its 20th annual edition this year, TFF offers a dynamic hybrid experience, blending the energy of in-person screenings with the accessibility of digital presentations. Beyond film screenings, the festival serves as a creative hub—hosting industry panels, networking events, and conversations that connect filmmakers, artists, and audiences.

Founded in 2002, Tasveer has grown from a grassroots initiative into a powerful force for cultural dialogue and artistic expression. More than just a film festival, TFF leverages the power of visual storytelling to bridge cultures, challenge perspectives, and build a more connected global community. Through curated films, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, TFF continues to elevate South Asian narratives and amplify diverse voices on a worldwide stage.

Awards & Prizes

Tasveer Audience Choice: Narrative Feature
Tasveer Audience Choice: Documentary Feature
Tasveer Audience Choice: Short Narrative
Tasveer Audience Choice: Short Documentary

Tasveer Film Festival Award: Best LGBTQI Film
Tasveer Film Festival Award: Best Cinematography
Tasveer Film Festival Award: Social Justice
Tasveer Film Festival Award: Best Actor
Tasveer Film Festival Award: Best Actress

Tasveer Jury Award: Narrative Feature
Tasveer Jury Award: Documentary Feature
Tasveer Jury Award: Short Narrative
Tasveer Jury Award: Short Documentary

TASVEER EMERALD AWARD

This is awarded to highly accomplished filmmakers for their significant contributions to South Asian film and diaspora stories.

Note: Awards are subject to change.

Rules & Terms

20th Tasveer Film Festival will foster an atmosphere of creative inquiry, encouraging filmmakers and audiences to engage in lively discussions, forums, and interactive formats.

South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

- Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.
- Films must be directly related to South Asia and/or Diaspora. This includes:
- Films made by filmmakers of South Asian origin.
- Films by non-South Asian filmmakers that focus on South Asian themes.
- All films must have English subtitles and closed captions.
- A Seattle premiere is required.

DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA
Submissions may be disqualified if they:

Fail to meet the eligibility requirements.
Lack of proper English subtitles/closed captions.
Do not provide the required submission materials in time.
Have already been publicly released online without prior approval.

SELECTION PROCESS

- A selection committee of industry professionals and community members will review all submissions.
- If accepted, you will be notified via email by the dates specified on the submission platform.
- The festival reserves the right to reject any film or not preview a film entirely if it does not align with Tasveer’s vision and programming objectives.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

- Submit your film via FilmFreeway, selecting the appropriate category.
- Pay the entry fee to complete your submission.
- Provide a preview copy of your film via an online screening link (non-expiring).
- Vimeo links with download permission are strongly recommended.

If submitting a rough cut or work-in-progress, please indicate this in the submission form.
Re-submissions of previously submitted films will not be considered unless significantly modified.

IF YOUR FILM IS SELECTED

-Screening fees: Tasveer does not pay rental fees for programmed films. If your film is acquired by a distributor before the film festival, please inform us immediately.

-Travel & accommodation: While we strive to support filmmakers, we are unable to provide airfare and lodging for all selected filmmakers.

-Filmmaker Q&A & in-person screenings: While every selected film is important to us, we cannot guarantee in-person screenings or Q&A sessions for all films.

Upon selection, you must provide the following materials:

High-resolution film stills
Director’s photo
Press kit links
Film trailer (if available)
Online press preview link
Exhibition format file (must be delivered at least 2 weeks before the festival).
54 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Santosh Ram

    My Film The Story of Yuvraj and Shahajahan was in 19th Tasveer Film Festival 2024 . This is a great platforms for filmmakers like me .Thank You.

    November 2024
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  • Gavin Seal

    I am so grateful to the amazing community and the stunning presentation of Brotherly at the SIFF Uptown Theatre.

    Tasveer, the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival, provided a truly memorable experience.

    A huge thank you to Rita, Farah, and the entire Tasveer team for creating such an inspiring and vibrant festival and for welcoming us with such warmth and professionalism.

    Kudos on an exceptional celebration of South Asian stories from around the world :)

    November 2024
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  • Ritvik Dhavale

    Tasveer was such an incredible festival experience! It's their 19th year and it seems like it's growing with each coming year. If you are a South Asian filmmaker you must apply and attend. You'll walk about with 100s of new friends and connections.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Ritvik. Hugs and love

  • Jyoti Nisha

    I couldn't attend the festival but my film "Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Now & Then" received a great response, and won Best Feature Documentary Honourable Mention Award. I am truly grateful to Rita Meher and the entire team of Tasveer for choosing my film. It's a great honour!

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Jyoti Nisha for the acknowledgement. <3

  • Renuka Shahane

    Tasveer was unforgettable. To play on a sold out opening night at the iconic PACCAR Imax theatre was an amazing honour. Not only did my film "Loop Line" get a great response, but it won two awards, Best Short Narrative Honorable Mention and the Best Animation Award. I would really like to thank Rita, Shailaja, Farah, Anterpreet, Anushree, Sanhitha, Anupama, Bibi, Milin and all the volunteers at Tasveer. I cherish the work Tasveer puts in for South Asian films and South Asian Filmmakers.

    October 2024
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