The Tacoma Film Festival celebrates current independent film from around the globe. Our primary focus is to present the best in contemporary independent filmmaking and to connect filmmakers and their work with appreciative, receptive audiences.
Now entering it’s 17th year, the Tacoma Film Festival has grown from a small regional festival into a welcoming, interactive haven for regional and international filmmakers, industry professionals, students, fans, critics, and creative entrepreneurs.
Named by MovieMaker Magazine in 2020 as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World”, from 2011-2018 TFF was also included on their annual list of “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee”. In recent years, the Tacoma Film Festival has built a reputation as a low-key setting where indie film fanatics can meet up-and-coming creators and witness the future of film. Years before Naima Ramos-Chapman became a writer and producer for HBO's critically acclaimed series, Betty, she won her first award in Tacoma. Past participants also include the likes of Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld (High Maintenance); Terence Nance (Random Acts of Flyness); John Wilson (How to with John Wilson); and Julia Garner (Ozark).
Here is what others are saying about TFF:
"The ultimate indie film festival." - Seattle's CityArts Magazine
“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
"It's encouraging to see festivals that strive to find a balance between the avant-garde and more traditionally focused narrative and documentary films, and Tacoma really manages to bring these worlds together in ways that allow the viewer to see they aren’t that different at all.” - Sky Hopinka, for MovieMaker Magazine’s “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World”
“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/cinematographer
"As independent cinema decentralizes from traditional locales like NYC and L.A., spaces like TFF become ever more important to foster the diverse networks and discourse needed to advance independent film.” — Nicholas Pilarski, filmmaker
Highlights from 2021:
- In October 2021, TFF returned to screenings in the cinema, where over 150 independent films were presented over eight days to audiences across the US and within Washington State. Our programming presented films that featured innovative storytelling, creative non-fiction, and wonderful works of animation.
- Over 50 films from the festival were made available to audiences online concurrent with our cinematic screenings.
- TFF continues to be a vital space for emerging filmmakers. 17 of the 22 features screened in 2021 were either the director’s first or second feature-length film.
- We expanded our “Late Night” programming with three programs of short films, two features, and a new award dedicated to this category.
- Programs featuring films from the Pacific Northwest greatly increased with seven feature-length films and six short film programs.
Forthcoming for 2022:
- TFF will increase the number of feature-length narrative and documentary films throughout the 8 day festival.
– The return of our filmmaker housing program where we hand-select wonderful community members to host filmmakers.
– The Veldt VR Studio returns for its sixth year where a diverse selection of virtual reality works will be 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.
Over $6300 in cash awards will be distributed to 30 films of all categories including four audience awards.
All awards except Audience Choice decided by a jury composed of filmmakers, film programmers, critics, and/or industry professionals.
For a complete list of awards, please see tacomafilmfestival.com
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Derek Schneider
March 2022 -
Dan Schwert
January 2022 -
November 2021
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michael lavine
November 2021 -
October 2021
