CHECK OUT OUR FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHT SERIES ON INSTAGRAM @couchfilmfestival

FALL EDITION: September 29, 2021 - Although highly unlikely since Toronto is entering the Step 3 reopening stage at the end of July, the Fall Edition live event could still be cancelled due to COVID restrictions in Ontario. If this is the case we will inform all submitters before the event date.

QUARANTINE CATEGORY GENRES for EACH REMAINING 2021 EDITION:
FALL 2021 - Sci-Fi / Fantasy /Supernatural
​WINTER 2021 - Action / Suspense / Thriller

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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.

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 recognizes 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!

******OUR PARTNER FESTIVALS******
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.)

Award-winning filmmakers will be posted on our Filmmaker Spotlight series on Instagram beginning on April 12, 2021.

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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.
HONORABLE MENTION (BEST FILM NOMINEES ONLY) - 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.
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 **not applicable to 2020-21 dates if prohibited by COVID regulations** 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.
172 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Skyler Thomas

    I was honored to have my short film "Eschaton" selected and given an honorable mention by the Couch Film Festival! The communication was top notch and the concept is very nice as well! I fully recommend this festival to any filmmaker!

    July 2021
    Helpful
  • Didier MULLERAS

    Very happy to have been part of this Festival,  with dance films from my "DFC dance for camera project" (COLONY,  DRESS CODE, HOME 23.20, FLOW, WAITING ROOM ). Being selected/awarded was a great honor. Great communication and feedback. Wish you all the best for your next events.
    Didier Mulleras
    choreographer - visual artist - film maker (France)

    July 2021
    Helpful
  • Claire Svendsen

    We are very honored our short film “The Corona Effect” and our Lead actress has been awarded ’Best Actress’ in our category. Wonderful communication and easy access websites

    July 2021
    Helpful
  • McKenna Nalow

    A wonderful festival! Such a great opportunity!

    July 2021
    Helpful
  • Lazarus Gerofotis

    Amazing film festival. Great communication. Excellent social media. Thank you for awarding my short film "Panphobia" as Best International Drama Short Film (1-5 minutes).

    July 2021
    Helpful