Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) 2026

Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) has opened its call for submissions for the 52nd annual, scheduled from 7-17 May, 2026 at SIFF Cinemas and venues throughout the city.

Continuing its 52 year history, the Festival will spotlight new voices alongside established directors, films from more than 80 countries, sensational hit independents, and films that have yet to break through to the US audiences.

Every year, SIFF gives out the Golden Space Needle Audience Awards for Best Narrative Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Director, Best Performance, and Best Short Film, and the Lena Sharpe Award for Persistence of Vision (presented by Women in Film Seattle, this audience award is given to the feature film by a woman director that receives the most votes in our Golden Space Needle balloting). In addition, SIFF sponsors nine (9) juried awards, awarding over $30,000 in cash prizes.