The Tasveer Film Festival is the leading South Asian film festival in North America, headquartered in the beautiful Pacific Northwest city of Seattle in Washington State. We are also the first and only Academy® qualifying South Asian Film Festival in the world.

In our 19th year, Tasveer Film Festival will have a hybrid film festival with in-person and online screenings, industry panels, parties, cash prizes, and a chance to meet wonderful filmmakers and artists.

Tasveer, a nonprofit film organization established in 2002, is responsible for producing TSAFF. This festival offers a platform for South Asian storytellers from all over the world to showcase their talent through various mediums such as films, workshops, and panel discussions. We firmly believe that film has the power to unite ideas and communities, and through storytelling, we can create deeper understanding leading to a happier and healthier world.

Tasveer Audience Choice Award for Independent Filmmakers

Tasveer Audience Choice: Narrative Feature
Tasveer Audience Choice: Documentary Feature
Tasveer Audience Choice: Short Narrative
Tasveer Audience Choice: Short Documentary

Tasveer Jury Award: Narrative Feature
Tasveer Jury Award: Documentary Feature
Tasveer Jury Award: Short Narrative
Tasveer Jury Award: Short Documentary

Tasveer Emerald Award
Awarded to highly accomplished filmmakers in recognition of significant contributions to South Asian film and diaspora stories.

Tasveer invites the submission of films on themes related to South Asia and its Diaspora. Feature films, documentaries and shorts.

The four-day in-person South Asian film festival will foster an atmosphere of creative inquiry with filmmakers and audiences alike. We will engage in lively discussions, forums, and other collaborative, interactive formats.

South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and its various Diasporas worldwide.

ELIGIBILITY

-- All works must be related to South Asia and/or its Diaspora. This includes films made by filmmakers of South Asian origin and non-South Asian filmmakers that focus on a South Asian theme.
-- Films must have English subtitles and closed captions.
-- Seattle premiere is required, some discretion allowed in case of non-premieres
-- All works must have been released on or after October 1st 2022. Some discretion allowed
-- To be eligible for a student film submission, either the school name must be in the credits or the filmmaker must be currently enrolled in school. Please include a photocopy of your current school. If you miss do that, your submission will be disqualified.
-- In general, we do not screen films that are already available online. Some discretion is allowed by the selection committee.

Exceptions could be discussed via email to festival directors at tsaff@tasveer.org.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill out the submission form on FilmFreeway by choosing the appropriate category.
2. Pay the Entry Fee.
3. Send a preview copy of your film via an online link. The link must be non-expiring.

*VIMEO* link is highly recommended in uploading your film.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection committee of professionals and community members previews each film and make programming decisions. If accepted, we will notify filmmakers via email by the dates listed on the form.

We reserve the right to reject any film, without giving any reasoning.
We reserve the right not to preview a film in its entirety if the film seems not to fit into our festival.

IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED

1. We do not pay a rental fee for the programmed work. Please let us know in advance if a distributor is acquiring your film.
2. We do not provide airfare & stay for every filmmaker who is selected for the film festival.
3. Though every film we select is special and dear to us, we may not be able to do an in-person screening for every film and Q&A with every filmmaker.

Selection is based on our discretion.
Upon being selected, we will ask you to send the following:
1. Film Stills;
2. Director's photo;
3. Links to a Press Kit;
4. Film trailer if applicable;
5. Online link for press preview
6. The exhibition format file should arrive at the notified address 2 weeks prior to the start of the festival.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • ruhi radke

    Thank you so much for curating such an amazing festival and including Brown Sugar! The venue for my screening was amazing and I got the chance to see some amazing short films!

    March 2024
  • Tasveer Film Festival has to be one of the best organised film festivals. The entire team is so zealous and helpful. Not just that, the festival director Rita Meher is such an amazing and down to earth person who actually went out of the way to help me personally to get me an expedited visa appointment. It's another matter I still couldn't make it to the World Premiere of our film at Tasveer, but kudos to her for doing whatever she could. The festival had a great selection of films which reflect themes of social change from all South Asian countries. The festival also brought a lot of film makers together through virtual sessions and online groups. I can never forget the impetus Tasveer has provided to me in my filmmaking journey from here on. Unforgettable experiences and inspiration for future! I'm surely coming to Tasveer again, whichever way possible in future.

    November 2023
  • Tavseer Film Festival was incredible and by far stands out as one of the best film festivals... ever. From the meticulous scheduling and lineup, to the individual care and attention given to each filmmaker, the Tasveer team, staff (and especially Rita!) have surpassed all my expectations. The venues were fantastic, and especially loved the IMAX theatre and PacSci center! The lineup and groupings of films was also so delightful to see, with all films having a common social thread or issue that they spoke to. The Q&A's and Industry events were a great place to network, connect and learn from peers, and I truly have never seen so many filmmakers and staff be so invested and caring about the work. Truly a home for South Asian filmmakers. Congrats on the Oscar Qualifying status and thanks for having the Alone Alone Alone on a Wide Wide Sea team!!!!

    November 2023
  • O P Srivastava

    A festival by a passionate group of film enthusiasts.

    November 2023
  • Sean Cruser

    Very communicative and well planned festival! Amazing experience.

    October 2023