The US-distributors value Seattle as an excellent "testing" festival. Participating films qualify for the Independent Spirit Awards. Several panel discussions in the festival Forums complement the program which traditionally attracts a large local audience.

SIFF is a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards® in all three short film categories.

New Directors Competition (first and second time directors without US distribution, US$ 5 000)
New American Cinema Competition (US$ 5000)
Documentary Competition (US$ 5 000)
Short film - Live Action (US$ 2 500)
Short film – Animation (US$ 2 500)
Short film - Documentary (US$ 2 500)
Golden Space Needle Award-Best Short
Audience Award - Best Feature
Audience Award - Best Director
Audience Award - Best Actress
Audience Award - Best Actor
Audience Award-Best Documentary
WaveMaker Award

Films must have been completed no earlier than January 2023
Entries may not publicly screen (theatrically or at a Film Festival) in Washington State, or be broadcast (televised) anywhere in the U.S. (including VOD and On Demand services) . Theatrical runs following presentation in SIFF may be excepted from this.
Films may appear outside of Washington State at other film festivals or theatrically prior to SIFF screenings.


Selection Media Type: Secure Online Screener

Screening Media Type: DCP

Audio language: original

Subtitles language: english

Premiere Requirements

Regional premiere required.