About the Film Festival
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
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.
Subject ：
Video Format ：MPEG4 DCP
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.
Categories and fees
Fiction
Video length ：40 - 300
40 minutes or longer will be considered feature length. It could be a fiction film or a feature documentary. For student fees, either the school name must be in the credits or the filmmaker must be currently enrolled in school.
Fiction
Video length ：1 - 39
Shorter than 40 minutes will be considered a short film. It could be a short fiction film or short documentary. For student fees, either the school name must be in the credits or filmmaker must be currently enrolled in school.
