film submissions

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

Submission details for the 2027 season will be announced soon.

Photo by Anthony Richards

island & peninsula short screenplay comptetition

In 2024 we launched a short screenplay competition to highlight our commitment to making the Port Townsend region a place where filmmakers are nurtured, thrive, and grow.

The winning screenplay receives a live table read during our September Festival!

Submission details for the 2027 season will be announced soon.

Photo by Brad Coulter

  • "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