Seattle Asian American Film Festival (SAAFF) is the only film festival in Seattle to provide a space for Asian American voices, perspectives, and histories by screening independent films that reflect the diversity and richness of the city’s Asian American communities.

SAAFF features works by or about North Americans of Asian descent, with an emphasis on filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest. We accept films of any length and genre that were completed in 2021 or later. The non-refundable fee for regular deadline entry is $10.00 (late deadline is $15.00) and films must be submitted for review digitally on Vimeo.com or FilmFreeway's platform.

Our 12th festival will be held in late February 2024 and is planned to be a hybrid festival. Due to current events, we will update our platform and venue information at a later date.

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. A separate entry and entry fee is required for each film submission. However, previous submitters to SAAFF can have a discount code. For the discount code, please email our Filmmaker Liaison Em Choi at programming@seattleaaff.org for verification.
2. We accept films of all premiere statuses, including films that already have distribution and/or are available for streaming online.
3. All non-English language films must have English subtitles or no dialogue.
4. All accepted films must have full captions provided when sending final film files.
5. All submissions must be digital, uploaded to FilmFreeway directly or link to Vimeo preferred. Please do not send DVDs. No exceptions.
6. Access to film screeners submitted through FilmFreeway must not expire until at least March 10, 2024.
7. After selection, notification letters and further correspondence will take place via email only.
8. Images from the film's website or social media properties may be used by SAAFF for publicity purposes for this year's festival as well as future events.
9. All selected films may be excerpted (up to 2 minutes) for publicity purposes for this year's festival as well as future events.
10. SAAFF does not pay exhibition fees.
11. Films must have a completion date of no earlier than 2021.
12. Do not submit works in progress.
13. Entry fees will not be refunded.
14. All press kits, publicity info, photos, etc. will be retained as part of the Seattle Asian American Film Festival's library.
15. Acceptance into the festival also releases the film for press review.
16. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker or submission contact to ensure that all requirements are met. The festival retains the right to disqualify an entry, with no refunded fee, if submission rules are not followed.
17. The festival retains the right to disqualify an entry with no refunded fee if the contact person for a selected film fails to respond to email correspondence from the festival.

All selections will be announced in November. Please no phone calls. If you have questions, please contact our programming team at programming@seattleaaff.org.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
I, the submitter, acknowledge and agree as follows: I have read, understood, and complied with all eligibility requirements. All the statements in this document are true. In consideration for the opportunity to be selected into the Seattle Asian American Film Festival, I release and discharge Seattle Asian American Film Festival, its employees, agents, contractors, volunteers, licensees, successors and assigns from any and all claims, demands or causes of actions related to misappropriation or infringement of copyright or violation of any other right arising out of or relating to my submission hereunder. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Seattle Asian American Film Festival from any claims that arise as a result of this submission or screening of my film (should it be selected) as well as from damage to or loss of any submitted materials en route to the festival.

I have all rights necessary and am duly authorized to submit this film to the Festival. This film is not subject to any claims or litigation and is not threatened by any claims or litigation. I understand, as the authorized representative, any prizes will be awarded to the director(s) of the winning films.

Overall Rating
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Networking
  • Van Tran Nguyen

    SAAFF is a really great community-building festival, with very thoughtful politics and programming! We were so delighted to be part of their selection and would do it all over again!

    March 2024
  • Thank you so much for the official selection! We were unfortunately unable to attend, but fingers crossed we'll be able to next time!

    March 2024
  • Amazing community and festival. Highly recommend submitting. Thank you again for the opportunity to share our projects.

    March 2024
  • Kosaku Horiwaki

    My time at #SAAFF2024 was truly enchanting. I had the pleasure of connecting with numerous like-minded individuals in Seattle, all united by a profound love for cinema and the nurturing of artistic talent. SAAFF provided a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere, catering to filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

    On behalf of all the creative collaborators and supporters of our humble handmade film, "Daughters of Monster Magnet," I extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary event. #SAAFF2024 felt like a filmmaker's haven, brimming with warmth and boundless inspiration.

    Thank you for your unwavering hospitality and generosity. I already yearn for the vibrant energy of the festival and the remarkable individuals I had the pleasure of meeting.

    March 2024
  • Liang-Chun Lin

    Thank you for including A Dire Strait!

    March 2024