PLEASE READ COMPLETE RULES & TERMS BELOW.

***WE ONLY SCREEN THE BEST FILM FINALISTS (the judges' favourites) FOR EACH EDITION - THESE TITLES ARE POSTED AT THE TOP OF THE 'WINNERS' PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE ON EACH EDITION'S NOTIFICATION DATE***

All other Nominees remain eligible for awards but are NOT publicly screened.

FALL ‘26 EDITION
JULY 6 - Open for submissions
SEPT 21 - Final Deadline
SEPT 23 - All submitters notified via email (through FilmFreeway)
SEPT 25 - Awards results for the 15-Second Story and 1:00-5:00 Minutes Categories
SEPT 26 - Awards results for the 5:01-20:00 Minutes Category
SEPT 27 - Awards results for the 20:01-45:00 Minutes and 45:01-120 Minutes
SEPT 29 - Screening of the Best Film Finalists (in-person event) and the crowning of the Best Film of the Festival winner

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.

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.)

********************************************************************

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.
NOMINEE - 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 live at our 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 Best Film Finalists at a live event

*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 films labeled Not Selected [FilmFreeway Judging Status label NOT SELECTED] are not accepted to the festival.

*All Category Award Nominees [FilmFreeway Judging Status label NOMINEE] are eligible for awards but will not be screened at our live event. You can list this as an IMDb nomination.

*All Best Film Finalists [FilmFreeway Judging Status label FINALIST] are guaranteed to be screened at our 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.
458 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jorge Morais

    The Couch Film Festival is one of those festivals that really knows how to build a community around independent filmmakers. Even though our animated short In Half wasn't selected for an award, we're genuinely happy to have been part of the festival.

    The communication was excellent from start to finish, clear, friendly, and professional. On top of that, they do an amazing job on social media, keeping filmmakers and audiences engaged throughout the event. That kind of effort makes a real difference, especially for those of us following the festival from afar.

    Not every festival ends with a trophy, and that's perfectly fine. What matters is being part of an event that truly supports independent cinema and treats filmmakers with respect. The Couch Film Festival absolutely does that.

    We're grateful for the experience, wish the festival continued success, and would happily submit our future work again. If you're looking for a festival that cares about filmmakers and creates a great atmosphere, this one is definitely worth it.

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • ManLor Film

    Wow, what's a wonderful surprise to have our film in the best writer category. Thank you so much!

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Troy Schaffer

    Our second experience with this festival was just as outstanding as the first! We were honored to receive the Best Cast award for The Committee of Five. Excellent communication, a wonderful experience, and a festival we highly recommend to fellow filmmakers.

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Max Slocum

    Thank you for selecting our film "Stay in the Car". We are honored to receive the award for "1:00-5:00 Minutes - Best Scifi/Fantasy/Supernatural".

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Caleb Gales

    Thank you so much for featuring our short film “Three Days in Summer”. We were honoured to receive an award for Best Director as a filmmaker duo! CFF is a lovely festival!
    -Sarah & Caleb

    July 2026
    Helpful