The Diwa Filipino Film Festival is a community-centered film festival celebrating the Filipino Spirit wherever it resides, by exhibiting films from the Philippine islands and beyond.

In addition to our annual film festival every October, we also hold free screenings as part of Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival every June, as well as community screenings throughout the year.

Diwa Filipino Film Festival is fiscally sponsored by Shunpike and made possible through the support of 4Culture.

Awards & Prizes

Joann Aquino Award - Feature Length
Joann Aquino Award - Short Film
Audience Choice Awards

Rules & Terms

- Filmmakers of all skill levels are encouraged to apply. Anyone can join, as long as your work is about the Filipino or Diasporic Filipino experience.
- Narrative, documentary, and experimental films are welcome. Although we prefer short films, we will accept films of any length. Feel free to submit as many films as you want!
- E-mail the director for waiver codes for qualifying films (your work is about the Filipino or Diasporic Filipino experience).
- Accepted films may request e-certificates of participation by request after the festival.
- Diwa may also contact filmmakers for permission to screen their films in community screenings.
28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Andres Luz

    Thank you, Diwa Filipino Film Festival of Seattle, for recognizing my music video, BULOSAN: ON AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, Part 3 with an HONORABLE MENTION for the 2025 festival! You also have my great appreciation for including BULOSAN in the 2026 Diwa at Pagdiriwang Filipino Film Showcase this June. Thank you for your communication in keeping me informed of the events happening at the film festival. I am very happy to recommend you to my colleagues for your continued support of independent filmmakers who contribute to the expressive richness of the Philippine diaspora. All my best wishes to you for continued success!

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much, Andres! Wishing you all the best as well!

  • Chiara Cox

    Thank you Diwa for a well planned festival that raises awareness of Filipino themes and topics through film. One of the biggest fan bases for Evelyn Mandac was in Seattle, so it is wonderfully fitting that my documentary on her was selected to be part of this year’s lineup. I am very grateful for having had this opportunity to have the DIWA platform to share her life work with more Filipinos in your area. Maraming Maraming Salamat po at Mabuhay!

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Chiara! We really appreciated the film and our community enjoyed learning about Ms. Evelyn Mandac!

  • Chance Calloway

    Beautiful festival with beautiful selections.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for sharing your film with us, Chance! Our community enjoyed it :)

  • Howling Gale Entertainment

    We're deeply honored each time our work is recognized by the Diwa Filipino Film Festival. This celebration of storytelling continues to uplift and empower Filipino American filmmakers, and we're proud to be part of its legacy. Mabuhay!

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much, Howling Gale! Keep up the good work!

  • Maria Picar

    We were bummed we were not selected for this years' festival, but the festivals' organizers promised to screen our film in June for one of their other festivals/events. The communication and the date to notify us of submission was on point. We love to have also been chosen as an "Honorable Mention" for our film "Brown Baby Boomer: Growing up Filipino in Vallejo" Thanks you Diwa Filipino Film Festival for your consideration!

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Maria! We look forward to screening your film in June! Happy Filipino American History Month!