🎬 TASVEER FILM MARKET (TFM) – 3RD EDITION

TFM returns to connect South Asian and diaspora filmmakers with financing and industry opportunities. Held alongside the 21th Tasveer Film Festival—the only Oscar-qualifying South Asian festival in the world—TFM welcomes submissions from South Asian filmmakers worldwide. For more details - visit tasveerfestival.org/tasveer-film-market

📅 EVENT DATES: October 13–15, 2026
At Tasveer Film Center, 4812 Rainier Ave South, Seattle WA 98118

🎥 Categories for Submission
1️⃣ Feature Narrative (Development Projects & Open to all South Asian filmmakers Globally)
2️⃣ Feature Documentary (Post-Production Projects ONLY & Open to all South Asian filmmakers Globally)
3️⃣ Tasveer Film Fund: Opens June 22nd (Short Film Fund to North American Residents only)

TASVEER SELECTS [OPEN TO FILMMAKERS WORLDWIDE]
1️⃣ Feature Narrative (Development Projects only) 2️⃣ Feature Documentary (Post Production Only)
👤 Who should apply: Producer/Filmmaker (solo or team) pitching to investors, producers, studios, distributors, public funds, and digital platforms. Narrative Feature must be in Development Stage & Feature Documentary must be in Post Production stage.
🎯 What to expect: Two days of pitching, mentorship, & industry meetings for Tasveer Market Select participants.
🎟 To apply, go to the Market Select category dropdown on the right hand side -> Submit Now.

3️⃣ TASVEER FILM FUND: The Tasveer Film Fund is North America's leading grant and mentorship program dedicated to advancing original short films and emerging filmmakers from the perspective of South Asian Stories.
👤 Who should apply: Mid-level directors with 3+ years of experience, having completed at least three short films.
🎯 What to expect: 9 shortlisted filmmakers will pitch LIVE in Seattle. From these, 4 winners will be selected to produce their films. Completed projects must submit a rough cut to Tasveer no later than April 4, 2027, with the world premiere at the 2027 Tasveer Film Festival.

Awards & Prizes

🏆 Awards & Funding

Tasveer Market Select - 5 finalists will be selected to pitch live and one winner will receive a grant.

Tasveer Film Fund: 9 finalists will be chosen to pitch live and 4 winners will receive $35K each to produce their short film

Rules & Terms

MATERIALS TO SUBMIT:
🎬For Films in Development:
-Original Screenplay, Logline, Synopsis, Bios, Look Book, Budget, Partners/Talent, Timeline, Distribution Plans.

🎬 For Films in Post-Production (Additional Requirements): Film Press Kit, Rough Cut Screener, Teaser/Scenes, Budget Breakdown, Premiere Status, Timeline.

🎬For the Tasveer Film Fund: Full screenplay (5–20 pages max), Logline, Short synopsis, Director’s statement. Director & Producer bios, Visual treatment / lookbook, Budget top sheet, Detailed line-item budget (mandatory), Production timeline (must complete first cut by April 1st). Optional: attached talent or partners

✅ ELIGIBILITY FOR TASVEER FILM MARKET PITCH
Open to all South Asian filmmakers around the globe.
The script must be completed, we do not accept only treatments.
The story must have either the lead, primary character or HOD be South Asian.

✅ ELIGIBILITY FOR TASVEER FILM FUND PITCH
Must center around the perspective of South Asian stories, characters, cultures, or diaspora experiences
Narrative short films only
Final scripts must be completed at time of submission
No production may have started
Open to all backgrounds aligned with Tasveer’s mission
Must be a mid-level director with 3+ years of experience, having completed at least three short films.
Must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada with a valid visa at the time of submission.
Total budget must be the grant amount of $35,000 USD MAX
Budget must be a complete line-item breakdown
Applications exceeding $35,000 will not be considered

EVALUATION CRITERIA (for both):
🎬 South Asian Relevance
✨ Originality & Innovation
📖 Storytelling Quality
🎭 Narrative Arc / Key Character Journey
🌍 International Production Potential
🎨 Artistic & Design Value
💰 Market & Commercial Potential
🎥 Production Value
🏆 Producer/Studio Track Record
🗣 Pitch Quality
⚖️ Gender Balance (Within Storyline)
🌏 Diversity & Inclusion (Within Storyline)

NOTE: Only original projects or licensed adaptations are eligible. Plagiarized works or lack of legal paperwork for adaptations will lead to immediate disqualification.

Official selections for the Tasveer Film Market and Fund will be announced by September 2026.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Renuka Singh

    Seattle’s Tasveer Film Festival is among the most welcoming I’ve attended. Filmmakers, staff, and audiences are genuinely open, curious, and ready to talk craft and celebrate film. The space feels inclusive, and I left inspired, supported, and energized. I also met wonderful people I know I’ll stay connected with for a long time. And the afterparties are awesome. I will be going back for sure!

    October 2025
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  • Dini Parayitam

    I had such a great time participating in the Netflix-sponsored Short Film Pitch Fest at Tasveer Film Market. It was truly an honor to share space with such talented filmmakers and storytellers, and I felt incredibly supported and seen throughout the process. Tasveer fosters a space where bold, exciting stories can thrive, and it was inspiring to witness the range of voices and perspectives that came through. And the films—what an absolute joy to watch! Such fun, sharp, and deeply moving work. Grateful to be part of this community.

    February 2025
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  • Ambarien Alqadar

    Great festival and a very good festival market with a focus on South Asia. This is a rare and one of its kind festival market where my project was selected and I recommend it highly.

    October 2024
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  • Pallavi Somusetty

    Tasveer gave us a chance to pitch our film and meet other like-minded South Asian filmmakers. I'm grateful for the opportunity.

    October 2023
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  • Janki Parekh

    Amazing program to help emerging South Asian filmmakers in the U.S. So glad I submitted!!!

    November 2020
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