The Tasveer Film Festival (TFF) is the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival, based in Seattle, Washington. For more than two decades, it has been a vital platform for showcasing diverse and compelling South Asian stories, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and inspiring social change.

Celebrating its 21st annual edition this year, TFF offers a dynamic experience in person, blending the energy of in-person screenings with the accessibility of digital presentations. Beyond film screenings, the festival serves as a creative hub (Tasveer Film Market)—hosting industry panels, project pitches, networking events, and conversations that connect filmmakers, artists, and audiences.

We accept live action, animation, shorts, and features.

Founded in 2002, Tasveer has grown from a grassroots initiative into a powerful force for cultural dialogue and artistic expression. More than just a film festival, TFF leverages the power of visual storytelling to bridge cultures, challenge perspectives, and build a more connected global community. Through curated films, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, TFF continues to elevate South Asian narratives and amplify diverse voices on a worldwide stage.

Awards & Prizes

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

Tasveer Film Festival Award: Best LGBTQIA+
Tasveer Film Festival Award: Best Cinematography
Tasveer Film Festival Award: Social Justice
Tasveer Film Festival Award: Best Actor
Tasveer Film Festival Award: Best Actress

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

TASVEER EMERALD AWARD

This is awarded to highly accomplished filmmakers for their significant contributions to South Asian film and diaspora stories.

Note: Awards are subject to change.

Rules & Terms

The 21st Tasveer Film Festival will foster an atmosphere of creative inquiry, encouraging filmmakers and audiences to engage in lively discussions, forums, and interactive formats.

South Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

- Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2025.
- Films must be directly related to South Asia and/or the Diaspora. This includes:
- Films made by filmmakers of South Asian origin.
- Films by non-South Asian filmmakers that focus on South Asian themes.
- All films must have English subtitles and closed captions.
- A Seattle premiere is required.
- Film must be under 2hrs (exception based on discretion)

DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA
Submissions may be disqualified if they:

Fail to meet the eligibility requirements.
Lack of proper English subtitles/closed captions.
Do not provide the required submission materials in time.
Have already been publicly released online without prior approval.

SELECTION PROCESS

- A selection committee of industry professionals and community members will review all submissions.
- If accepted, you will be notified via email by the dates specified on the submission platform.
- The festival reserves the right to reject any film or not preview a film entirely if it does not align with Tasveer’s vision and programming objectives.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

- Submit your film via FilmFreeway, selecting the appropriate category.
- Pay the entry fee to complete your submission.
- Provide a preview copy of your film via an online screening link (non-expiring).
- Vimeo links with download permission are strongly recommended.

If submitting a rough cut or work-in-progress, please indicate this in the submission form.
Resubmissions of previously submitted films will not be considered unless significantly modified.

IF YOUR FILM IS SELECTED

-Screening fees: Tasveer does not pay rental fees for programmed films. If a distributor acquires your film before the film festival, please inform us immediately.

-Travel & accommodation: While we strive to support filmmakers, we are unable to provide airfare and lodging for all selected filmmakers.

-Filmmaker Q&A & in-person screenings: While every selected film is important to us, we cannot guarantee in-person screenings or Q&A sessions for all films.

Upon selection, you must provide the following materials:

High-resolution film stills
Director’s photo
Press kit links
Film trailer (if available)
Online press preview link
Exhibition format file (must be delivered at least 2 weeks before the festival).
58 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Toshio Sekine

    Thank you for screening our Japan–U.S.–India co-production, Shambhala Story. Tasveer Film Center is a wonderful venue.

    Although we could not attend in person, we truly appreciate the warm welcome given to our staff. I was also pleased to meet founder Rita Meher-san in Tokyo last year, and felt that Tasveer clearly reflects her vision and strength.
    We wish Tasveer Film Festival continued success.

    January 2026
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  • Usman Ally

    A big thank you to Tasveer for hosting our film Émigré/Americana. We were honored to take part in Tasveer's first film festival in their new space, which was a huge success considering the understandable growing pains that come with shifting to this beautiful theatre building.
    We met some really great fellow filmmakers, producers and industry professionals who now feel like collaborators and supporters. A great sense of community and what a joy to see so much of our beautiful south asian culture and narrative on the screen. Looking forward to next year!
    Thank you Rita, Lisa et al!

    October 2025
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  • Razid Season

    Amazing festival! I have attended all five days and watched almost all the films! They are visually rich, intense, and powerful. This festival is a true hub of all South Asian artists and filmmakers from around the world. I had an incredible experience there. I would like to thank Rita Meher, Farah, Usma, and all the staff of Tasveer for this meaningful festival and for creating a platform to support indie films and filmmakers of the South Asian diaspora. My film 'Elijah' ended up winning an award at the festival, and it is my honor to have received this award. Thank you, Tasveer!

    October 2025
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  • Shehroze Khan

    I could not be more impressed with Tasveer. The sense of community was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The calibre of films and filmmakers was simply some of the best South Asian-made art I had seen. Most of all, Rita (the founder) is a real trailblazer and has purchased an entire theatre dedicated to South Asian art all year around, and by attending the 20th Tasveer Festival, I got to witness the very first year that the festival took place in this Tasveer Film Centre - and it was just so special to get to attend a festival in a space that feels fully dedicated to you - a space where you truly feel you belong. This is more than a festival. It's a cultural milestone.

    October 2025
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  • Santosh Ram

    My Film The Story of Yuvraj and Shahajahan was in 19th Tasveer Film Festival 2024 . This is a great platforms for filmmakers like me .Thank You.

    November 2024
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