Thomas Edison Film Festival (TEFF) is an international touring festival with an abiding commitment to the short form. We seek out and celebrate independent and innovative short films. Not a conventional destination film festival – we are a socially conscious traveling festival, reaching out to diverse audiences with provocative, timely, and compelling new works.
TEFF is proud to be an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival for animation and experimental shorts. We provide a platform for accomplished and emerging artists emphasizing artistic excellence and promoting empathy and engagement through films that both teach and entertain.
Our annual collection of international films is screened to audiences throughout the world virtually and in person. In-person venues in the US include the National Gallery of Art, DC; Lewis Center for the Arts – Princeton University; Anthology Film Archives; Glimmerglass Film Days, Cooperstown, NY; Hoboken Historical Museum; Syracuse University; University of Delaware; Savannah College of Art & Design; Towson University; University of Colorado – Boulder, Long Beach City College; and many more.
TEFF offers a variety of in-person and on-line events throughout each touring season. Given our extensive annual tour throughout the US, opportunities to meet and greet audiences are considerable. Please note - We DO NOT offer fixed stipends for travel, housing or speaking at TEFF events. We DO NOT provide rental or screening fees. TEFF notifies filmmakers if their film has been chosen to screen at either an in-person or virtual event.
The collection is perpetually available for online screening and a work description of each winning film is included in our annual print and digital booklet - a comprehensive and scholarly publication which lists and describes the selected works and awards.
TEFF is pleased to announce a Student Filmmakers category as part of the 45th Annual Festival Tour. This new addition to TEFF is open only to students attending a US college or university. Student filmmakers MUST upload their official college ID as part of the submission process.
TEFF INDEPENDENT & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS:
*Jury's Stellar Award for Animation
Jury's Stellar Award for Documentary
*Jury's Stellar Award for Experimental
Jury's Stellar Award for Narrative
Jury's Stellar Award for Screen Dance
Global Insights Stellar Award - Demonstrating insight into global issues
DEAI Stellar Award - Demonstrating insight into diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
Jury's Choice Award - 1st prize
Jury's Citation Award - 2nd prize
Director's Choice Award - 3rd prize
Honorable Mention - 4th prize
*Please note - The Jury's Stellar Awards for Animation and/or Experimental are eligible for Academy Award® consideration.
TEFF COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY AWARDS:
Jury's Stellar Award for Animation
Jury's Stellar Award for Documentary
Jury's Stellar Award for Experimental
Jury's Stellar Award for Narrative
Jury's Choice Award
Jury's Citation Award
Made in New Jersey Award - Students only. Film must have been created (shot, edited, etc.) primarily in the State of NJ.