Call for Films SAAFF 2027 Is Open

Written By Aaron Yeung

The 15th Seattle Asian American Film Festival is officially accepting submissions. Starting August 1, filmmakers can submit short and full-length work to SAAFF 2027, our milestone 15th edition, returning to Seattle May 21 to 23, 2027, in person and online.

For fifteen years, SAAFF has been the only festival in Seattle dedicated to pan-Asian American voices, perspectives, and histories. Every year, that program is built from the films you send us. If you are an Asian American or diasporic Asian filmmaker, or your film speaks to the Asian American or diasporic experience, we want to see it.

What we are looking for

We accept narrative and documentary work, both shorts and full-length, including animation, music videos, and experimental films. Films should have a completion date of 2024 or later. Non-English films need English subtitles or no dialogue. All premiere statuses are welcome, including films already streaming or in distribution.

Key dates

  • Submissions open: August 1, 2026

  • Regular deadline: September 30, 2026

  • Late deadline: November 10, 2026

  • Festival: May 21 to 23, 2027

Fees

Submission fees start at $20 for shorts and $30 for full-length films, with discounted rates for FilmFreeway Gold Members. Submitted to SAAFF before? Email programming@seattleaaff.org for a returning-filmmaker discount code.

Ready when you are. Submit your film at bit.ly/submit2SAAFF.

Full guidelines, eligibility details, and category fees live on our Filmmaker Resource page.

Aaron Yeung
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