WINTER EDITION LIVE SCREENING is subject to Toronto's COVID-19 restrictions.

***QUARANTINE CATEGORY FOR WINTER 2020 - RULES HERE:
-THRILLER or HORROR GENRE ONLY
-Must be made from March 1, 2020 onward
-5-15 minutes in length
-RESPECT local laws on COVID restrictions

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COUCHFF is an IMDb-eligible quarterly event committed to highlighting and showcasing the very best films from around the globe. We welcome filmmakers to submit to our Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Editions.

***WE ONLY SCREEN THE BEST FILM FINALISTS FOR EACH EDITION*** Semi-Finalists are eligible for awards but are NOT screened.

**FINAL DEADLINE for the WINTER EDITION: December 20, 2020**

Films so good we can't get off the couch!

We are ready to see films - great films that would knock our socks off.

We are ready to see some talent - exquisite talent that would make us laugh, make us cry, scare us or make us think.

We are ready to give awards - IMDb-eligible awards that recognize the best in many categories. This means that any nominations and awards you receive through our festival can be linked/added to your IMDb profile!
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We are ready to screen the best of these films at the 401 Richmond Building in Toronto - and yes, THE SCREENING ROOM HAS A COUCH!

******OUR PARTNER FESTIVALS******
Continental Film Festival (IMDb-eligible awards)
FilmFreeway.com/ContinentalFF

Alternative Film Festival (IMDb-eligible awards)
FilmFreeway.com/AltFF

Minute Madness Toronto (60-seconds films only!)
FilmFreeway.com/MinuteMadnessTO

6ix Screams International Horror Film Festival (IMDb-eligible awards and horror films only!)
FilmFreeway.com/6ixScreams

300 Seconds Short Film Festival (IMDb-eligible awards and 5 minutes and under only!)
FilmFreeway.com/300SecSFF

Awards & Prizes

ONLY ONE WILL BE CROWNED BEST FILM OF THE FESTIVAL PER EDITION

Each of our submission categories will receive awards in the BEST of each genre (animation, comedy, drama, experimental, fantasy, horror, mystery, period piece, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller and others that may not fit in these.)

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All films submitted will be watched and judged by our committee of industry professionals.

NOT SELECTED - We thank you for submitting but your film was not selected at this time.
SEMI-FINALIST - Your film is eligible for a host of awards and will undergo a private jury screening. *You can list this as an IMDb nomination.
FINALIST - Your film scored among the top films, is eligible for awards and will be screened at our live event. *You can list this as an IMDb nomination.
AWARD WINNER - Your film has won an award and a PDF certificate and personalized laurel will be emailed to you. *You can list this as an IMDb win.

Rules & Terms

The Couch Film Festival (CouchFF) is a quarterly event celebrating great films from around the globe. Editions are held in September (FALL EDITION), December (WINTER EDITION), March (SPRING EDITION) and June (SUMMER EDITION).
Each edition screens the Finalists at a live event held at The Burroughes Building, Toronto.
CouchFF accepts films 120 minutes in length and under in narrative, experimental, documentary and animation styles.
CouchFF accepts the following genres: animation, comedy, drama, experimental, fantasy, horror, mystery, period piece, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller and others that may not fit in these categories.
All entries must have an online screener via the FilmFreeway platform, Vimeo or YouTube.
All entries must be in English or have English subtitles.
All Semi-Finalists are eligible for awards but will not be screened at our live event. You can list this as an IMDb nomination.
All Finalists are guaranteed to be screened at our live event and are also eligible for awards. You can list this as an IMDb nomination.
A Winners' List will be posted on our website. You can list this as an IMDb win.
CouchFF does not pay screening fees for chosen films.
CouchFF submission fees are non-refundable. In the event of a withdrawal by the filmmaker, you may contact us to discuss your options at couchff@asianonamission.com.
64 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gwendolyn Audrey Foster

    Very honored to be awarded Best Experimental by the Couch Film Festival for my short 16mm hand made direct animation film, "Mass for Shut-ins." A great selection, well curated and well done and a wonderful opportunity in the days of the pandemic. Thanks for supporting and showcasing truly avant-garde and experimental film!

    September 2020
    Helpful
  • Mike Messier

    nice of Couch Film Festival to accept my short The Hospital Bed into their Summer 2020 Festival. Their website has all the Winners, Finalist and Semi-Finalist listed nicely! https://mikemessier.com/2020/08/08/mikes-the-hospital-bed-semi-finalist-in-couch-film-festival/

    August 2020
    Helpful
  • Michael Davis

    An amazing festival for independent filmmakers with so many categories for micro films. Timely notifications, kind staff, and a great experience. We're thrilled you loved our made in quarantine horror short Sleep Talk. Highly recommended festival and we hope to be back again soon!

    July 2020
    Helpful
  • Jon Tierney

    Thank you so much for the honor, Couch Festival team. It was an enjoyable experience.

    July 2020
    Helpful
  • Tempest Montgomery

    Thank you for your designation of "Semi-Finalist" for Lo/ve! Punctual and communicative!

    July 2020
    Helpful