The North Idaho Film Festival (NoID) is more than just a celebration of cinema; it’s a movement dedicated to breaking the norms of traditional film festivals and creating a space where bold, untold stories can thrive. Our mission is to champion the power of storytelling, recognizing its profound influence on culture and society. We believe that film, as the most powerful medium, has the ability to shape minds, challenge perspectives, and inspire change.

At NoID, we are committed to providing a platform for storytellers whose voices might otherwise go unheard. Our festival is a haven for those who push boundaries, explore unconventional narratives, and challenge the status quo. We seek to highlight stories that aren’t being told elsewhere and to host the visionaries who tell them.

Our festival is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of North Idaho. We celebrate the region’s unique heritage with special categories that resonate with our local audiences—showcasing the beauty of our wilderness, the importance of conservation, and a strong appreciation of our national identity, innovation in film, and the values of faith. NoID is a place where families can enjoy films together, where thinkers can engage with challenging ideas, and where creatives—both serious and playful—can showcase their innovative storytelling styles.

As we grow and evolve, the North Idaho Film Festival is destined to become a launchpad for the stories and storytellers our culture desperately needs. We are committed to ushering in a fresh wave of creativity, providing the wind before the storm, and ensuring that the power of storytelling remains at the heart of our community. Join us on this journey as we bring new, daring narratives to life and celebrate the art of film like never before.

North Idaho Film Festival Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Awards & Prizes

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2025 WINNERS LIST
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Thank you to all who submitted to the NoID Film Festival, we are so pleased with all the great talent out there and were thrilled to hand out the following awards!

Overall Film Awards
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NoID Audience Award - RECOLLECTION $1000
Best Feature Film Award - AMERICAN COMIC $500
Best Short Film Award - AUDIO DESCRIPTION $500
Best Documentary Award - THE PANONE GUY $500
Honorable Mention - THE POWER TO MOVE $250

Individual Awards
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Best Director Feature - Daniel J. Clark, AMERICAN COMIC
Best Director Short - Bill Marsilii, GUNPOINT
Best Actor Feature -Joshua Burges, ANYWHERE
Best Actress Feature - Haley McFarland, ANYWHERE
Best Actor Short - Romy Malviya, GUNPOINT
Best Actress Short - Olivia Cordell, INFINITY!
Best Writer Feature - Chandler Chavez, AMERICAN STREAM
Best Writer Short - Luke J. Salewski, AUDIO DESCRIPTION
Best Cinematography Feature - Max Jordan, RECOLLECTION
Best Cinematography Short - Akanksha Shyam, INFINITY!

Congratulations to all!

Rules & Terms

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.All films must be primarily English speaking or in English subtitles.
2. National category open to residents of the United States only.
3. Idaho category must fulfill one of the two following criteria:
At least one of the top 5 positions (Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Producer, actor) must be a resident of Idaho OR the film must be set in Idaho.
4. All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless if the film is accepted to the festival or not.
5. Submission of a film does not guarantee acceptance of the film into the festival.
6. Official selection of a film into the festival does not guarantee the film will be screened or win first, second or third place.
7. Winners will be determined by our panel of judges and announced during festival.
8. If you submit content to the festival and we accept your content into the festival, you agree to let us show the content at the festival during the screening(s) and to clip content from your submission to create advertisements for the festival in the form of festival highlight reels, festival trailers, stills, etc. without compensation. These materials are only used to promote the festival or future festivals.
9. You retain all rights to your film and acceptance into the festival does not equal an endorsement of any individual filmmaker or film by NoID.
10. Submission of your film and attendance of the festival are at your own risk. NoID will not be responsible for any losses, damages or hardships incurred by you in association with the festival.
11. If the festival cannot proceed due to a Force Majure event, an earnest attempt will be made to reschedule the festival. If that cannot happen and the event is canceled, NoID will not be responsible for any damages or hardships incurred by the filmmaker.

FILM FESTIVAL GENERAL TERMS>>>>

All films must be the original work of the filmmakers and all filmmakers must have the necessary rights to publicly screen your film.

Films that have secured distribution are only qualified to enter if there are no exclusive rights to publicly screen film elsewhere in theaters, online, OTT or broadcast.

The North Idaho Film Festival reserves the right to change programming without notice.

What the Lawyers always say: All participating filmmakers release the festival (NoIDFF) from any and all liability for submissions. Entrants understand the submitted materials will be securely-held by the festival; every effort will be made to protect and control access for viewing. NoIDFF assumes absolutely no liability for theft, violations of copyright or piracy of submitted content.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Luke J. Salewski

    The North Idaho Film Festival is a small, but wonderful festival. Matt, Calvin, and the rest of the staff are very warm and welcoming and have done a fantastic job of fostering community and bringing a nice spread of independent films to a town that would otherwise not have the opportunity to see them. I was truly grateful to be a part of this festival and I look forward to coming back. I am also excited to see it grow and would recommend film makers submit their films to this lovely festival!
    - Lee Pugsley & Luke Salewski

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Markham Samuels

    Thanks so much North Idaho Film Festival for having us as part of the festival! It was wonderful to be recognized and to participate this year! Thanks again from everyone on the "Firecrow" team :)

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Chandler Chavez

    This is one of the most well run festivals I've ever been a part of. They are communicative, kind, and have a passion for filmmaking that most festivals don't. They may be a smaller operation, but they really make you and your film feel seen, and their technical presentation is flawless. Coeur d'Alene is a beautiful town, and if you're fortunate enough to be selected for this festival, you'll absolutely fall in love with it. Couldn't recommend this festival more.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Chandler, your film was incredible!

  • Adam Seidel

    An incredible film festival that should be on every filmmakers list. Matt is a true gentleman and a great festival director.

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • H. Nelson Tracey

    It was a huge honor to be a part of the 2024 North Idaho Film Festival. This is an up and coming film festival that is driven by people who love movies and care about independent film. I cannot wait to see where it goes in the years to come, it's off to a great start with even bigger horizons ahead. 100% worth the submission fee and now a part of my "must submit" festival list!

    January 2025
    Helpful