COVID-19 Update

The current pandemic has changed how many things are done, including film festivals. The Seattle True Independent Film Festival for 2020 will continue on but with a different structure. This year, STIFF will consist of an array of different presentation formats including online screening, small pop up theaters, on demand personal kiosks, and conventional screening as part of a season wrap up event when it is again safe for large gatherings.

Please check out http://2020.trueindependent.org and our social media for the latest information.

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Submissions are now open for STIFF 2020! Submit your film early for the lowest rates and to qualify for early acceptance!

What is STIFF?
The Seattle True Independent Film Festival is a filmmaker-focused festival dedicated to finding today's emerging independent storytellers and helping them develop into the filmmaker that they want to become.

Where is STIFF?
The festival will be held at the Seattle Film Institute just north of the downtown Seattle core.

Why is STIFF?
In 2005, the Seattle True Independent Film Festival was started by a group of local filmmakers as a way to showcase independent films which were typically ignored by traditional "independent" film channels.

What types of submissions are you looking for?
The categories listed on this page indicate the genres we typically build film blocks around, but we are always open to screening quality content, even if it defies easy categorization. Feel free to submit anything you feel strongly that we should look at. If your submission can fit into more than one category, pick the one that you think it best represents and we will make sure that it is placed in an appropriate block if accepted.

What about emerging media projects?
After its first ten years of existence, STIFF began to incorporate projects such as virtual reality, augmented reality, video games, and other alternative media. In 2020, STIFF will return to its roots as a film-only festival. The proper presentation of both film and emerging media projects are equally demanding, and they have vastly different requirements and skill sets to present. In order to make sure that each is given the attention it needs, we have split them into two separate events. We will distribute more information about the emerging media festival as it becomes available, so be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter.

How much does it cost to submit to STIFF?
The submission fees vary depending on the type of project. Please see the prices in the category listing on this page. The earlier you submit, the lower the submission fee, so make sure to enter your film before the next deadline passes. Submitting a film entitles you to a filmmaker festival pass, allowing you into any screening on a space available basis. We periodically run specials which discount the price of submission so keep an eye on your social media and newsletters.

If I don't get into the festival, can you tell me why?
As filmmakers ourselves, we understand the value of feedback. Please send an email to contact@trueindependent.org after the festival is over and we will be happy to provide feedback from our screening team.

STIFF is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless STIFF from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • DANIEL V.A. 海龍

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OFFICIAL SELECTION. Our Staff is highly honored to have Our work screened at such an awesome festival. BEST WISHES AND LOVE TO ALL.

    April 2021
  • Alex Stout

    A few years ago I would have given this festival 5/5 stars. I get the pandemic changed everything last year, but I was led to believe an online event would take place in lieu of a traditional festival. I had a short film selected which I was very pleased to hear, but afterwards like many others who have already shared I received zero communications. No notification as to when my film would played during the event or even when the event was to take place. I go no invitations, no tickets, no laurels, absolutely nothing. I've attended this festival for three years and screened three films here, and those events were awesome. This sudden "ghosting" of STIFF has left me thoroughly disappointed in them. The previous organizers I was in contact with no longer work at the festival, so perhaps this all can be chalked up to a change in management? Attending STIFF used to be a highlight of my year. I really do hope they can get back up and running again to its former glory. STIFF used to present itself as a starting point for fresh new filmmakers to enter the festival circuit, and I fear now that Seattle filmmakers have lost a valuable resource. And if anyone from STIFF reads this, please do send me an email. I'd love to know what happened.

    March 2021
  • Deactivated Users

    They did nothing for festival, completely nothing. Not even laurals. Website was taken down.

    January 2021
  • Was not able to attend sadly but I am so grateful my film was selected and they were very good at keeping me updated on what was goin g on

    January 2021
  • 도회 박

    best festival in the world!!

    January 2021