We want to give creatives something to look forward to in the new year and be inspired
First AND last weekend of the year in Portland, OR!

Audience Favorite
Jose's Favorite
Featured Feature

FILM FESTIVAL INFO
Audience Favorite is submitted by the audience at the end of the screening, we count and determine placement and the winner gets a trophy, runner ups get a pretty little certificate.
Jose's Favorite is determined by Jose, you get a pretty ribbon that you can pin to yourself.
"Featured" Feature is reserved for the feature-length film we screen at the festival

We're so excited to see your film! We currently have three categories of film blocks:
1. The social hour and screening, informal, shown on a projector after the social hour
[for films under 25 mins]
2. The 3×30 block [films around 30 mins] is formal, screening at a local movie theater with a Q&A after
3. The "featured feature" [a film over 50 mins] is formal, screening at a local movie theater with a Q&A after

We prioritize local projects when curating the film blocks but we'd love to have you join us!

THEATER/PLAY FESTIVAL INFO
We currently have three categories of plays that will be featured in the festival:
1. The mini-play-a-thon plays [typically under 15 minutes]
2. The 15 to half [hour] plays [exactly what it sounds like, 15-30 minutes]
3. The "featured" play headlining the mini-play-a-thon
[over half an hour but ideally less than an hour long]

We prioritize works written by local playwrites, especially if you BYOCast&Crew ;)

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Vittorio Caratozzolo

    Very happy to have been (virtually) your guest with our selected «School Beasts». Next year we'll try again to surprise you!

    April 2026
  • This was an AWESOME festival and Kelsea was AMAZING!
    I can't wait to send her a press kit for our next project!

    January 2026
  • Armen Zilic

    I wasn't able to attend in person, but I'm so fortunate that my film was selected for the Start Fresh Festival! Communication was very clear and timely, and Kelsey was very accommodating. The events present a nice variety and do a good job of representing several art mediums. I highly recommended for student and indie filmmakers!

    January 2026