SUBMIT YOUR FILM

Photo by Deja View Photography

2024 Film Submissions Closed

Port Townsend Film Festival has been called “Sundance by the Sea,” known for its legendary hospitality and strong filmmaker support. We invite all filmmakers to submit their films for inclusion in our September film festival.

In addition to bringing amazing films to our seaside village, filmmaker participation in PTFF is designed to provide a village of community and connection that can enhance our “alumni filmmakers’” development and career.

The filmmakers selected for screening at PTFF receive substantial benefits:

  • Eligibility for cash prizes, jury, and audience favorite awards

  • Life-long fee waiver for future submissions

  • Ongoing newsletters regarding projects by other PTFF alumni

  • Invitation to return to future festivals as instructors at Filmmaker Forums for further networking and education opportunities

  • Eligibility for Filmmaker Residencies in Port Townsend

  • Eligibility for PTFF Producing Grants of up to $100,000 for new film projects

Morgan Neville, by Deja View Photography

Past PTFF Filmmakers & Guests

"If you had told me that there was a movie-crazy town on the tip of the Olympic Peninsula, I wouldn’t have believed you. But somehow Port Townsend is a real movie mecca. As a filmmaker, I can’t think of a place more energized around the idea of film. PTFF is the driving engine of a community of people who love movies. What the Festival has created is a treasure, to be re-discovered every year.”
—Morgan Neville, Academy Award-winning director and Special Guest 2017 PTFF

“Port Townsend Film Festival is in a league of its own. The programmers wrap filmmakers in the exquisite charms of this seaside town, from classic car escorts, drinks, and dinners on the pier, to panels with lively discussions on why we make films. It's an enchanting experience being there.”
—Jan Haaken, Director Our Bodies, Our Doctors

“We call PTFF ‘Xanadu!” Would return in a heartbeat!”
—Chris Cooper & Marianne Leone Cooper

2024 Submission deadlines

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Submissions Open: January 1, 2024

  • Final Deadline: April 19, 2024

  • Festival date: September 19-22, 2024

  • Fees depend on your submission date

Go to FilmFreeway for more info and to apply.

Check out PTFF’s Short Screenplay Contest!

NEW FILM CATEGORY in 2024 - Island & Peninsula-Produced Short Film, AKA LOCAL Short

PTFF encourages short film submissions from San Juan Islands/Olympic Peninsula-based filmmakers. While PTFF presents films from around the globe, we also have the goal of supporting local filmmakers. PTFF will feature the chosen films in our festival program and other marketing materials. When submitting on FilmFreeway, click on LOCAL Short Film on the right drop down menu for more guidelines and info.

  • PTFF filmmaker alums pay no fee at all EVER — email christy@ptfilmfest.com with your name, the year you screened at PTFF, and your film title to receive a single-use waiver code.

We look forward to seeing your work!

Danielle McClelland, Executive Director
Jane Julian, Programmer
Christy Spencer, Program Manager