Stageworks Northwest Film Festival, hosted by the Northwest International Film Festival, is a public film celebration hosted by the Stageworks Northwest Theatre for its employees, volunteers, patrons, friends, and family. Held in Longview, the event serves as a community gathering that highlights independent short films, creative storytelling, and the shared passion for performing and visual arts that defines the Stageworks Northwest community.

Designed as a pre-season event for the Northwest International Film Festival, the festival provides an informal preview environment where supporters of Stageworkd Northwest Theatre can experience curated film selections, celebrate local and international creativity, and connect with the artists and organizers who help make NIFF possible. By bringing together the Stageworks Northwest family ahead of the public festival season, the event strengthens community ties while helping build momentum and enthusiasm for the upcoming NIFF program.

Awards & Prizes

Winners will receive the coveted Golden Squirrel

Rules & Terms

# Stageworks Northwest Film Festival

## Rules & Terms

The **Stageworks Northwest Film Festival** is a public, pre-season screening event hosted by the Stageworks Northwest Theatre in Longview. The event serves as a community preview and internal showcase connected to the Northwest International Film Festival (NIFF).

This event celebrates filmmakers while helping build momentum for NIFF and strengthening the creative community surrounding Stageworks Northwest Theatre.

Submission of a film through FilmFreeway constitutes agreement with the following rules.

# 1. Festival Nature

The Stageworks Northwest Film Festival is a **public screening event** intended for:

* Stageworks Northwest Theatre employees
* Theatre volunteers and production staff
* Theatre patrons and supporters
* Friends and family of the Stageworks Northwest community
* Select invited guests
* NIFF Season and Weekend Pass Holders

Attendance is **open to the general public**.

The festival functions as a **pre-season preview event supporting the Northwest International Film Festival (NIFF)**.

Selected films may be recommended, considered, or invited for screening at NIFF.

# 2. Eligibility

Films submitted must meet the following criteria:

* Filmmakers must be associated with Stageworks Northwest Theater as either an employee, a volunteer, a registered patron, or a friend or family member of either an employee, volunteer, or registered patron.
* Films must be completed within the **last five (10) years**.
* All genres and styles are accepted, including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and student films.
* Films must be submitted via **FilmFreeway**.
* Non-English films must include **English subtitles**.
* Filmmakers must hold all rights to the submitted work, including music, footage, and performances.

# 3. Submission Categories

The festival accepts films in the following categories:

* Narrative Short
* Documentary Short
* Animation
* Experimental / Art Film
* Student Film
* Local / Regional Filmmaker

Feature-length films may be accepted on a limited basis depending on programming needs.

# 4. Screening Format

Selected films must be available in a **digital exhibition format** suitable for theatrical screening.

Preferred formats include:

* ProRes
* H.264 or H.265
* DCP (optional)

Festival organizers will provide technical specifications to accepted filmmakers.

# 5. Selection Process

All submissions will be reviewed by the **Stageworks Northwest Film Programming Committee**.

Selection criteria may include:

* Artistic merit
* Storytelling quality
* Audience engagement
* Technical execution
* Fit with the mission and programming goals of the festival and NIFF

Festival programmers reserve the right to determine final selections.

# 6. Relationship to NIFF

The Stageworks Northwest Film Festival serves as a **pre-season event for the Northwest International Film Festival (NIFF)**.

As such:

* Selected films may be **recommended for consideration at NIFF**.
* Participation in the Stageworks Northwest Film Festival **does not guarantee selection into NIFF**.
* NIFF maintains its own independent programming and submission process.

# 7. Screening Rights

By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants the festival the right to:

* Screen the film during the Stageworks Northwest Film Festival event.
* Promote the film using trailers, still images, posters, or excerpts (up to 30 seconds) for marketing purposes.
* Include the film in festival promotional materials.

All rights remain with the filmmaker.

# 8. Awards (Optional)

Depending on programming and participation levels, awards may include:

* Audience Choice Award
* Best Short Film
* Best Student Film
* Festival Spotlight Award

Award categories may vary each year.

# 9. Fees

Submission fees, if applicable, are **non-refundable**.

Fee waivers may be granted at the discretion of festival organizers.

# 10. Notification

Filmmakers will be notified of selection status through **FilmFreeway**.

Selected filmmakers may be asked to provide:

* Exhibition file
* Promotional stills
* Film synopsis
* Director biography

# 11. Scheduling

Festival organizers reserve the right to:

* Determine screening times
* Group films into curated blocks
* Adjust the schedule as necessary

# 12. Liability

The festival will take reasonable precautions to protect submitted materials. However, the festival is **not liable for loss or damage to submitted media**.

# 13. Agreement

By submitting a film to the Stageworks Northwest Film Festival, the submitter confirms that they:

* Have the legal authority to submit the film.
* Accept all festival rules and terms.
* Grant the festival permission to screen the film if selected.