Movies, parties, fun. That's what we do!

Full digital projection and sound including an IMAX, epic parties at waterfront estates, VIP/filmmaker lounge during the festival, all in the unique waterfront town of Gig Harbor! Our goal is the make the Gig Harbor Film Festival a must-attend on the festival circuit promoting fun from the opening night screening to the final awards.

"Gig Harbor is a world class film festival in every respect. The care and attention that they give to filmmakers, their beautiful screening venue that shows off the highest quality production values of our films, the charm of Gig Harbor itself - not to mention its proximity to Seattle. I could go on and on. The programming is well-considered, and I discovered some real gems at this festival. They are true champions of indie film."
Clare O'Connor (Director/Actor) Kind Mother

"I can't say enough positive things about the Gig Harbor Film Festival. The communication leading up to the festival was clear and concise. The festival is extremely well managed and truly focuses on the filmmakers. They offered interesting and relevant industry led break out sessions meaningful to film people of all levels. 
The community and volunteer involvement was stellar, offering food and drinks throughout the day, a central location to meet people and something you don't see at all festivals; filled seats!."
Melissa Davey (Director) Climbing Into Life

"This was my first time attending the festival and it is instantly my favorite festival to attend. Tons of energy, informative panels, high quality films, and stupid nice parties. The kind of festival that makes you want to make something just to submit to it next year. :)"
Philip Lybrand (Director) Destroy All Humans

"One of the fastest growing independent film events in the Northwest, the Gig Harbor Film Festival will run the last full weekend every September. Located just south of Seattle on the South Puget Sound, Gig Harbor has rich heritage, culture and charm reflected in the warm and enthusiastic reception shown towards filmmakers and audiences.

The Gig Harbor Film Festival is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization as defined by the IRS.

Please visit www.gigharborfilm.org or call: 253-682-9585 for additional information.

Awards & Prizes

All films submitted and exhibited are eligible for the following award categories.
Best Narrative Film (Feature & Short)
Best Documentary Film (Feature & Short)
The Founders Award (Given to a film that has challenged our thinking and broadened our social awareness. Founders Award nominees inspire hope and action and remind us of the persistent good of humankind.)
Made in Washington (Projects made in Washington state, or by local key cast/crew members)
Best Director
Best Actor

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms
Gig Harbor Film Festival (GHFF) - Gig Harbor, Washington September 24-27, 2026
All genres accepted.

Submission Categories:

Feature Film = 50 minutes or longer runtime
Short Film = 49 minutes or less runtime
Made in Washington (Film must be at least partially filmed in Washington, or at least one key member of the cast/crew must be from Washington State)

Submitters must provide a Preview Screener as a link on either FilmFreeway.com or Vimeo.com including passwords. DVD, Blu-ray, or hard-drive copies of Preview Screeners will not be accepted or viewed.

All entries must be in spoken English or English SUBTITLED.

Films selected for exhibition during the 2026 festival, and entered under the Student Fee pricing will be required to forward a copy of a Student I.D. (valid at the time the film was produced) of either an Executive Producer, Producer or Director as listed in the on-screen credits. If no valid Student I.D. is submitted, payment to cover additional costs will be required by the Final Deadline. If not received, the film will not be exhibited and any entry fees previously paid will be forfeited.

Submitters whose films are chosen as an Official Selection for the 2026 Festival will be notified via email by June 30, 2026.

Upon acceptance as an Official Selection, the Submitter must send an DCP Exhibition Screener (DCP) by August 1, 2026. If the filmmaker is unable to provide a DCP we will make one for you at no charge to the filmmaker. Any Exhibition Screeners not received in the GHFF office by August 15, 2026 will be eliminated from the festival and all application fees will be forfeited.

The Official 2026 Gig Harbor Film Festival trademark and bug are the copyrighted property of GHFF and as such may not be used as a marketing or title card element without the express approval of the GHFF Executive Director. As such, any film accepted and exhibited during the 2026 Gig Harbor Film Festival has automatic approval for its use only when used to promote the submitted film in the edited form exhibited during the 2026 Festival.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Gig Harbor Film Festival is hereby granted the irrevocable right to utilize excerpts from any film submitted and accepted for Exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes in various forms of media, online or mobile formats or social media and in any and all other such formats that exist now or may exist in the future.

Individuals or Corporations submitting any film for consideration hereby warrant that they are legally authorized to commit the film for Previewing and possible Exhibition in the Festival and understand and accepts the requirements and regulations as listed above.

Individuals or Corporations submitting any film for consideration shall indemnify and hold harmless the Gig Harbor Film Festival 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 Preview or Exhibition Screeners entered.

GHFF in no way guarantees the Exhibition of any Submitted film nor its placement in the festival schedule.

123 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • R.J. Sullivan

    I loved everything about attending this festival. My film was screened in a very comfortable theater and the sound and visuals were ideal. All of the organizers and volunteers were friendly and helpful. There was an amazing filmmaker/VIP party, great food, and I felt very well taken care of. I highly recommend submitting and definitely attend if you have a film screening at this festival.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Tom Van Avermaet

    I was fortunate to attend the festival this past edition with my short film Hearts of Stone, which was nominated for Best Short Film. The hospitality throughout the festival was truly top-notch, from the multiple screenings of our block to the lively and engaging Q&As. I was very lucky to have Ann Rowberg as my host—she, along with the entire festival team, was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and welcoming.

    There were fun interviews with Natalie and Tara, fantastic party locations, and an overall atmosphere that made the entire experience unforgettable. The programming, led by the amazing Josh Hope, was excellent and truly showcased the festival’s high standards.

    It’s a blueprint for how a festival should be run, and I’m sure it will continue to flourish in the years ahead. I certainly hope to return one day with another project.

    November 2025
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  • Robert Ham

    This is my second time at this festival and was beyond impressed both times. For our 2025 showing of our film Zzaslow K-427 we won the first ever Founders Award along with a cash prize and I was blown away. They are kind, professional and welcoming. Also they get great attendance on all of the screenings, all three (one encore) screenings were full for both of our films. Also Gig Harbor is so beautiful. THANK YOU Gig Harbor Film Festival. Can't wait to return.

    November 2025
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  • Gretchen Mahkorn

    This is an INCREDIBLE Film Festival. It was such an honor to have our film "i hope you're happy" screen here. The communication before, during, and even after the festival is great! The hospitality at the festival is unmatched. The events really allowed for filmmakers to network with each other and their audiences. The setting and city of Gig Harbor is gorgeous! This is a festival I highly recommend and would love to return to!

    October 2025
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  • John Gray

    Can't say enough good things about this festival. Great lineup of films that I was proud to be among. Super friendly staff who were so helpful - an absolutely fantastic theater (Galaxy) with great sound and projection, and the screenings were very well attended. I'm really glad I made the trip. Highly recommend!

    October 2025
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