Local Sightings focuses on films and moving-image work from the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia and the Yukon. Presented annually by Northwest Film Forum in Seattle, the festival accepts work by regional filmmakers or productions with a majority of their activity in the region. Its competitive programme spans narrative, documentary and experimental films, with curated shorts, features, special presentations, workshops and panels.
The 29th edition dates are 18–27 September 2026 at Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Avenue, Seattle. This edition is entirely in person. The festival’s jury recognises narrative and documentary features alongside narrative, documentary and experimental shorts.
Awards and prizes
The Northwest Film Forum programming team selects films eligible for competition. Local and national jurors choose award-winning shorts and features. Prizes can include cash grants, screening opportunities, production and post-production services, equipment access and other industry benefits. The 2026 jury awards recognise Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short and Best Experimental Short, with honourable mentions.
Festival rules
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All types of moving image media are eligible; projects must be finished within 18 months from start date of the festival, and the filmmaker(s) must live in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, or the Yukon Territories) or have had the majority of their production (over 50%) based in these states. Local Sightings does not require festival premiere status, though it is welcome.
NOTE: Please complete all required questions, as your form will not submit if any fields are left blank. If something does not apply, write N/A.
FESTIVAL FEES
Please be aware that submission fees help NWFF cover fees associated with screening, programming, and exhibiting Local Sightings. Your nominal submission fee helps us support our continued work in presenting the best regional films to our community.
A limited number of waiver codes are available to those from communities that have historically lacked access or equitable representation in media. Please contact rajah@nwfilmforum.org for details.
NOTIFICATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Local Sightings will inform all entrants no later than August 3rd whether their film has been selected for the Festival.
FILM LENGTHS
Short films in all categories fall under 30 minutes; anything above that length would qualify as a feature film.
FILE FORMATS
Films must be sent to us as H.264 files for online screening. Additional format options available for in-person screenings of feature films.
SUBTITLES + CAPTIONS
If your film has English subtitles, they must be burned into the film file. If your film has captions, please provide these as a .srt or .vtt file (if you prefer them burned in, that is fine!). If your film does not have captions, we will offer you resources to create an accessible experience for virtual audiences.
QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
Please direct all submissions inquiries to alison@nwfilmforum.org
