The Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF) is the largest South Asian film festival in the United States and one of the two largest in the world. TSAFF takes place annually in the beautiful Pacific Northwest city of Seattle in Washington State and its surrounding cities. In 2019, our 15th year, TSAFF took place over 14 days, presenting thought-provoking films & forums on South Asia and its diaspora, to engage viewers in dialogue on the issues of human rights, social/political/economic justice, and representation.

In 2020 there will be a special focus on South Asian diaspora stories.

The last year festival took place from September 26th - Oct 6th, 2019, in venues across the Seattle Metropolitan area, with more than 60 films and 5000 expected festival attendees.

TSAFF is produced by a nonprofit arts organization Tasveer founded in 2002. TSAFF provides a platform to South Asian storytellers from around the globe, through films, workshops, monologues, and panel discussions. We believe film can be a powerful medium to bridge ideas and communities and create deeper understanding through stories, in order to foster a happier and healthier world.

Awards & Prizes

Tasveer Emerald Award:
Awarded to highly accomplished filmmakers in Recognition of Significant Contribution to South Asian Film and Diaspora Stories.

Archana Soy Audience Award for emerging directors:

Narrative Feature
Documentary Feature
Short

Rules & Terms

Tasveer invites submission of films on themes related to South Asia and its Diaspora. Feature films, shorts, documentaries, music videos, VR/360 films, experimental films, and animations of any length.

The 12­-day South Asian film festival, the largest in the US, will foster an atmosphere of creative inquiry, filmmakers and audiences will engage in lively discussions, forums, and other collaborative interactive formats.

South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and its various Diasporas across the world.

ELIGIBILITY

-- All works must be related to South Asia and/or its Diaspora. This includes films made by filmmakers of South Asian origin, as well as those by non-South Asian filmmakers that focus on a South Asian theme.
-- Films that are not in English must have English subtitles.
-- We prefer Washington State premieres, though not required.
-- All work MUST be a Seattle premiere.
-- All works must have been released in 2019 and after.
-- To be eligible for a student film submission, either school name must be in the credits or filmmaker must be currently enrolled in school.
-- Films already available online will only be selected in exceptional cases as determined by the selection committee. In general, we do not screen films that are already available online.
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

SELECTION PROCESS

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

IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED

1. We do not pay a rental fee for the programmed work. Please let us know in advance if your film is being acquired by a distributor.
2. We do not provide airfare & stay for every filmmaker who is selected for the film festival.

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 one exists;
5. Exhibition format of the film - You will be responsible for paying for one-way shipping if it is being mailed. Return is not guaranteed. Digital delivery is preferred.
5. Online link for press preview;
6. The exhibition format should arrive at the notified address 4 weeks prior to the start of the festival.
7. Due to numerous problems with DVD submissions, we are no longer accepting DVDs for exhibition format. We accept high-quality MP4 and DCP formats. Please reach us if you have a concern or question regarding format.
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anjan Bose

    Would love to be a part of it again and again...

    November 2019
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  • Kesav Wable

    The folks at Tasveer are really out here trying to support up and coming filmmakers and storytellers from the sub-continent. Privileged and honored to call myself a Tasveer alum!

    November 2019
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  • Richa Rudola

    THE best festival experience I've had in the last couple years. Tasveer's festival team is made up of lovely human beings who really care about filmmakers and their films. The best surprise was seeing how engaged Seattle is - they love their art and come out in big numbers to show their support! What more can a filmmaker ask for if both their work and they are appreciated by the audience and the festival. I can offer no greater compliment than to say I would like to return in future years even if my work is not showing. Thanks Tasveer and see you next year!

    October 2019
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  • Supernova Design

    We had the honor of premiering our animated short at TSAFF 2019. Tasveer is an incredible festival with fantastic programming, friendly people and impeccable organization. The festival team is so invested in the visiting artists and go out of their way to create a welcoming and nourishing environment. They are deeply dedicated to their cause of promoting diverse South-Asian narratives and every single event was memorable and heartwarming. We left with fantastic feedback for our film and a lot of new friends and cannot wait to get another chance to revisit this amazing experience.

    October 2019
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  • Jesse Alk

    Right from the opening Gala, Tasveer was a great experience. This is a festival which draws a crowd, who's staff is passionate about what they do, and who are really providing a necessary service to the Seattle area, connecting them with stories they might never be able to see otherwise. The staff was warm and friendly, and the venues top-notch. And importantly... This is an ethical festival, who support the filmmakers, even when it's not the easy road. I have only respect for the staff and the festival.

    October 2019
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