Script Contest! We are offering free one-page feedback with every submission this year to encourage more of you to write. We have opened submissions, but we don't know if the date will be definite with everything going on. Most likely November for Native American Month. Tribal Film Festival seeks Indigenous films from around the world. We host 1 to 4 LIVE screenings per year. TFF plays an important part in pushing for the accessibility of Indigenous films with inspiring and uplifting stories that entertain and educate. Indigenous films only!
One day of screenings in Tahlequah, but three other events in Tulsa during the year. Please be open to being selected to these.

SHORTS are great! Our audience loves shorts.
We know that, as filmmakers, we have an unlimited amount of stories to tell and to preserve. Therefore we have partnered with TribalTV for super-distribution and to extend our reach globally.
***We only screen films submitted through FilmFreeway, or Festival Focus, no credits or waivers or favors, nor do we pay for films to be screened. No refunds. That is not fair to the filmmakers/producers who submit. This levels the playing field for anyone and everyone. Every submission gets viewed. Every script gets read by professional readers in the industry. The exception to this rule are films co-produced by TribalTV, Tribal film Festival filmmaking Bootcamp or films that come from our affiliates or partners. Still- we do not pay for films, simply we do not have the budget for that :/ Thank you for understanding.
Script contest again this year. ALL genre categories do not have to be indigenous. We are looking for great stories/scripts. Winner gets a filmed table read, live Facebook feed. Submissions are open now.

$200 Quick Film Budget coupon award to Best Picture and Best Short (More awards being added, check back) What sets us apart? Automatic Distribution on TribalTV.
All films submitted will be ELIGIBLE* for a non-exclusive deal with TribalTV. TribalTV is a multi-platform distributor of Indigenous films with inspiring and uplifting stories, including documentaries, feature films, series, music videos, animation, 3D, in all genres. TribalTV believes it is time filmmakers started being more in charge of their revenues rather than going through the series of middlemen standing in between filmmakers and their audience. TribalTV places the filmmakers first, as the filmmaker, you will retain your rights in a non-exclusive three-year distribution deal. Tribal Film Festival is a portal into the broadband channel TribalTV and is announcing the opportunity to have every film submitted to Tribal Film Festival a chance to achieve a worldwide audience through Amazon and ROKU. *Films will go through QC prior to be selected for distribution.
Script contest! The company we partnered with to read scripts came under fire, so now we are doing our script reading in house. ALL genre categories do not have to be indigenous. We are looking for great stories/scripts. The winner gets a filmed table read, live Facebook feed. One page feedback on each script. Submissions are open now. A great way to know if your script is producible, what works/doesn't work, if the story, structure, the plot makes sense. Make sure you use correct formatting.

Films must be Indigenous stories.
Filmmakers do not have to be indigenous to submit.

SCRIPTS can be ANY genre.
They must be in a screenplay format. No plays.
They do not have to be indigenous stories or Native storylines.
The Winning script prize is a "live facebook feed" table read with local actors & filmed.
The winning feature and the short script get the title and laurels. Last year the winning short went on to obtain a grant based on winning our contest. Stepping stones to success.
You must own the content you are presenting or have the right to submit. No nudity, pornography, or ultra-violent material of any kind.

DCP, Project file format only for festival screening.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • bristol mac donald

    A wonderful film festival with great communication. I was honored to have won best pilot/short script.

    September 2019
    1profile
    Response from festival:

    Congratulations Bristol, let us know what happens with your script.

  • What a great festival! The staff were welcoming and helpful, the venue was great and the attendance was good. We had the festival premier of our new documentary at the Tribal Film Festival Summer Event in mid-August and couldn't have asked for a better experience.

    August 2019
    1profile
    Response from festival:

    It was a pleasure to host your documentary and your guests.

  • C.A. MacFinn

    Terrific festival distinguished for creating an important Native venue for creative work. Honored to have had the opportunity to have my films participate!

    September 2018
    1profile
    Response from festival:

    Anytime! Your films are always welcome at our fest.

  • Geoffrey Calhoun

    A nice Fest with great communication and responds swiftly to any questions.

    September 2018
  • A unique, welcoming and engaging festival! I was very proud to have won best feature and flew out to OK to meet Celia and many other film makers and attendees. The script read was lots of fun and the actors gave a very enthusiastic performance. I felt so welcomed and a valuable part of the festival all weekend. I met some incredible people with amazing voices. From film makers to VR producers, actors and more. It was amazing to be so immersed in the Native American community, who made me feel like they've known me all my life! A larger venue would make this, already fun and inspiring festival, absolutely amazing. I was very glad I attended and I look forward to next year!

    November 2017
    1profile
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your review, you were such an asset to our festival. You helped out in every way possible. And yes, we do have a bigger venue in Tulsa - growing!