TCFF was founded out of a need in Hong Kong which was lacking the prolific independent art and film scene. In 2017, the Third Culture Film Festival debuted as Hong Kong's first first truly international independent film festival and ran the following consecutive year.

Now, TCFF is back and is being resurrected in beautiful Tauranga New Zealand!

The Third Culture Film Festival is curated into themed blocks.

Preparing for TCFFNZ 2024

Past blocks:
In 2017 we had the following blocks:

-Animation, It Ain't Disney
-The Realm of the Senses
-Fairytales & Dystopia
-Love & Confusion
-The Darkness
-The Young & The Restless
-Urban Jungle
-Vision & Sound

We also had a special block curated for children.

Awards & Prizes

The TCFF will give awards

Best Narrative
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Best Abstract
Best Documentary
People's Choice award
Spirit of Hong Kong Award
Social Impact Award
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Animated Character
Best Director of Photography
Best Director
Best Editor
Best Sound Design
Best Music
Best Action Sequence
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Outliers Award
Oram-Jafri Award

UNIQUE AWARDS

People's Choice award – This will be decided by the audience that attend the festival. Attendees of the festival will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite film.

Spirit of Hong Kong Award – Given to the film that best celebrates Hong Kong in its own way whether it be location, style, humour, etc.

Oram-Jafri Award – This award is given by the festivals two founders, to the film they wish to honour. It is to be decided after the other awards have been declared, this award will go to the film they feel deserves special recognition especially if it came close in several categories but yet did not win.

-Best Animated Character - Not many film festivals have this category. We wish to honour the creativity of animators - they are not just technicians, but are also often the writers and directors of their movie. We are keen to celebrate originality and creativity.

-Best Action Sequence - Even at the Oscars, stunt men and their choreographers are still not recognised. Especially in a city like Hong Kong, the home of Bruce Lee. With a strong background of action stars that perform their own stunts from Jackie Chan to Donnie Yen. We wish to celebrate these artists with this award. This award is not limited to fight sequences, but will include nominations from dance sequences and sports.

Social Impact Award - Given to the film that best makes a comment on society or a social issue.

-Outliers Award - To be awarded to a unique film that deserves recognition for its originality, its shock factor, or its ability to make a lasting impression. A film that pushes boundaries and has qualities that are hard to quantify.

Best Abstract – Given to the best film that is purely visual, devoid of any narrative and often not figurative.

The award for 2017 was designed by Faiyaz Jafri, the designer of the 2018 award to be announced.

Rules & Terms

DEADLINES

Deadlines are as follows:
Regular deadline: TBD
Late deadline: TBD

For a greener planet, TCFF only accepts online submissions via FilmFreeway.com.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Language:
All non-English language entries must have English subtitles.

Screening or Rental Fees:
TCFF does NOT CONSIDER films that require SCREENING/RENTAL FEES.

Maximum running time, including credits TBD.

Completion Date:
Projects submitted to the Festival must have been completed TBD
Works-In-Progress are not considered.

Film submitted to or selected at previous editions are not considered.

Premiere Status:
We would love to have TCFF NZ premieres, but it is not a requirement.

Independent Production: TBD
Films produced, financed, or initiated by a major motion picture studio

Other screenings:
By submitting to the festival, you are automatically considered for any of the monthly screenings.

Rights and liability:
All entered films must be the original work of the author or authors. Multiple authorship allowed. TCFF and its organisers shall not be responsible directly or indirectly for any liability arising from any violation of any copyright laws.

TCFF is granted the right to use the submitted films and film stills for promotional purposes on the internet, television and other media. An excerpt of max. 10% of the length of each submitted film may be used for that purpose.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Suk Yin Wong

    Third Culture Film Festival is very well-organised, the hosts have a strong passion for films and created an engaging experience for participants.

    June 2017
    Helpful
  • Moema Umann

    This is a wonderful festival! I felt very honored to have my short film selected for this year's festival. Their professionalism and the quality of the films selected were remarkable. The organizers were always available to help out and offer feedback. Thank you Third Culture Film Festival!

    May 2017
    Helpful
  • Behzad moloud

    I can't attend but It is a good festival.

    May 2017
    Helpful
  • Paul Johnson

    Thanks for including "Begone Dull Care 2015" in this year's program, hope to attend next year with "Sparrow of Shaolin!"

    May 2017
    Helpful
  • Sasha Svirsky

    Great festival with interesting and offbeat program!

    May 2017
    Helpful