50 Film Festivals worth the Entry Fee, 2014–2019 — MovieMaker Magazine
“…Rising stars would be remiss not to add it to their annual itinerary." — MovieMaker Magazine
"The ultimate indie film festival." — Seattle's CityArts Magazine
"One of the premier festivals in the Northwest." — PostDefiance.com
The Tacoma Film Festival is a celebration of independent film mirroring the diverse and eclectic sensibilities of Western Washington’s second largest city. Including selections from the Pacific Northwest and all over the world, TFF prides itself on showcasing the connectedness of local, national, and international film. It’s a great festival to connect with audiences, filmmakers, critics, and professionals because of the friendly, and collegial atmosphere throughout. The whole community gets behind the festival and makes it a really one-of-a-kind experience.
“It was one of the most diverse and current selection of films, shorts and new media that I have ever experienced in a film festival. I met people there that I will continue to be connected to for a long time.” — Juan Carlos Zaldivar, filmmaker
“The programming at TFF had such a progressive vision of cinema. The festival had a definite voice and created a warm atmosphere for filmmakers…” — Masami Kawai, filmmaker
“Very friendly, great emphasis on the films and filmmakers and creating an intimate community for film-going. Beautiful festival.” — Derek Knowles, filmmaker
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019
– 200+ films including world, US, and Washington premieres. Our programming presented films that featured innovative storytelling, creative non-fiction, and wonderful works of animation.
– It was the 4th year of our wildly successful filmmaker housing program where we hand-select wonderful residents to host filmmakers.
– The fourth edition of our Music Video program (Track 04), screened at the historic Blue Mouse Theater.
– The Veldt VR Studio. Our fifth year presenting a diverse selection of virtual reality works, exhibited in a beloved community space, and without time limits.
– Panels and workshops geared towards independent filmmakers
– Fun parties and after parties
History:
Established in 2006, the Tacoma Film Festival was created and developed by the passionate individuals behind Tacoma's only non-profit art-house movie theater, The Grand Cinema. The Grand (TFF's primary venue) is one of the Puget Sound region's strongest outlets for both international and local independent filmmakers, and works hand-in-hand with the festival to connect our city to the art of film.
Best Narrative Feature- $1000
Best Documentary Feature $1000
Best Narrative Short- $750
Best Documentary Short- $750
Best Animation $250
Best Music Video- $250
Best Virtual Reality film $250
Best Pacific Northwest feature $500
Best Pacific Northwest short $500
Best Pierce County short or feature $500
Audience Choice Awards
Filmmakers not from the Pacific Northwest are eligible for these awards. Winners will be chosen based on audience votes.
Audience Choice, Feature $1000
Audience Choice, Short $750
PNW Audience Choice Awards
Pacific Northwest filmmakers are eligible for the PNW Choice Awards. Winners will be chosen based on audience votes.
Audience Choice, Pacific Northwest Feature $750
Audience Choice, Pacific Northwest Short $500
Late Night Audience Choice Award $250
Additional awards:
Best Director, Documentary Feature $175
Best Director, Narrative Feature $175
Best Director, Documentary Short $150
Best Director, Narrative Short $150
Best Performance, Narrative Feature $150
Best Screenplay, Narrative Feature $150
Best Performance, Narrative Short $150
Best Screenplay, Narrative Short $150
Four awards for Best Cinematography (documentary feature and short films, and narrative feature and short films).
All awards except Audience Choice awards decided by a jury composed of filmmakers, film programmers, critics, and/or industry professionals.