TRUE ADOLESCENTS still

I had a blast at TFF. The programming was top-notch, the film-loving crowds were fantastic and the Grand is a killer venue. It's festivals like TFF that keep indie film culture alive and kicking & I can't wait to return. -- Craig Johnson, TRUE ADOLESCENTS ('10 TFF Closing Night Selection)

The Tacoma Film Festival is featured in Moviemaker Magazine's 2012 edition of 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee!

Moviemaker Magazine
Established in 2006, the Tacoma Film Festival was created and developed by the passionate individuals behind Tacoma's only non-profit art-house movie theater, The Grand Cinema (www.GrandCinema.com). The Grand (TFF's primary venue) is one of the Puget Sound region's strongest outlets for both international and local independent filmmakers, and works hand-in-hand with the festival to connect our neighborhood with even more dynamic and entertaining films. We bring films from all over the world to our festival, but we particularly encourage filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest to submit their work. We strive to invigorate and support our film community by putting on the Tacoma Film Festival every year. This also provides a platform for our neighborhood filmmakers to share their work. The Grand's impact reaches beyond our city limits as well: The Grand's staff started a new annual event in 2010, and coordinated with Filmmaker Magazine to host the first-of-its-kind film series for the filmmakers named in its 25 New Faces of Independet Film issue. We look forward to continuing this special event, as we aim to further support up-and-coming indie filmmakers and their work.

In past years, TFF has screened films (including the major Music Box releases NORTH FACE and YOUNG GOETHE IN LOVE, IFC Films' " COLD WEATHER and THESE AMAZING SHADOWS, as well as the acclaimed local films, THE OFF HOURS and THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF LITTLE DIZZLE) at several venues around the city. Some TFF alumni encountered great success at our festival, and in projects following their screenings in Tacoma:

- Theatrical  engagements & special screenings:

  • The 2008 Audience Choice Winner, WIENER TAKES ALL, played at the Grand Cinema for two weeks following the festival.
  • Most recently, The Grand Cinema booked LOSING CONTROL (a 2011 sell-out audience favorite) for a theatrical run at the Grand Cinema in March 2012! 
  • A 2010 audience favorite, FANNY ANNIE & DANNY had a New York City theatrical run in December 2011!
  • The 2010 Audience Choice Award winner, WHEEDLE'S GROOVE was broadcast on PBS in November 2011!

- Nation-wide distribution success with subsequent film projects:

  • Drake Doremus, director of the TFF 2009 selection, SPOONER, recently saw his latest film (LIKE CRAZY) open with incredible numbers in its Fall 2011 nation-wide release by Paramount Vantage)! 
  • The 2010 Best Feature winner, EARTHWORK (starring John Hawkes), was distributed in May 2011 by Shadow Distribution!

- Awards and nominations:

  • The 2011 winner for Best Animated Film (THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE) won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Animated Short!
  • The 2011 selection, THE EAGLEMAN STAG, won the 2011 BAFTA for Best Animated Film.
  • The 2011 Opening Night film, NATURAL SELECTION, was nominated for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards for Best Female Lead and Best First Feature!
  • The 2011 selection, THE REDEMPTION OF GENERAL BUTT NAKED was nominated for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary!

No matter where your filmmaker endeavors take you, everyone with the Tacoma Film Festival is dedicated to supporting you and your work.

Nearly 1/2 of the films had a filmmaker present at their screening in in each of the past 3 years. We make every effort to program TFF so that as many filmmakers can attend their screening as possible. The number and quality of films in TFF has improved every year, and we very much look forward to welcoming you to our best festival yet in October 2012.

Each year TFF recognizes the best-of-the-best with our Grandie Awards. In 2012 we will celebrate the:

  • Best Short (Narrative) Film
  • Best Short Documentary
  • Best Animated Film
  • Best Regional Film
  • Best Feature Film
  • Best Feature Documentary Film
  • Audience Choice (Filmmakers not from the Pacific Northwest are eligible for this award; winner chosen based on audience votes.)
  • Local Audience Choice Award (Filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest are eligible for this award; winner chosen based on audience votes.)

Films will be placed in competition at the sold discretion of the Tacoma Film Festival, based on the comments of our experienced panel of judges and film reviewers. All winners will receive a cash prize.

Festival Staff: 

Philip Cowan, Grand Cinema Executive Director

Laura Marshall, TFF Director

Rachel Marecle, Director of Events and Sponsorships

Zach Powers, Marketing Director

Jen De Hart, Volunteer Coordinator

Office phone: 253-572-6062

Office fax: 253-572-0130

tacomafilmfestival@gmail.com

Interested in volunteering for the festival? Email us! We depend on the work of our loyal volunteers to put on a successful fest every year. We'd love your help!