National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY)

# National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) NFFTY, founded in 2007, is a Seattle-based festival showcasing emerging directors age 24 and younger from around the world. The festival takes place each spring - the 2026 edition screened more than 250 films over four days in March, with an additional virtual festival window - and submissions for the next edition open each summer through FilmFreeway. ## What You'll Do - Submit a short film in one of six categories: Narrative, Documentary, Music Video, Animation, Experimental, or Episodic - Compete for festival selection, awards, and industry exposure - If selected, screen your work for large audiences at Seattle venues such as SIFF Film Center, or via the virtual festival - Connect with hundreds of other young filmmakers at panels and events ## Who Should Apply Any filmmaker 24 or younger, including high school students; no film school affiliation is required. Entry fees are tiered by deadline: $30 (early, Aug 8, 2026), $40 (mid, Sep 18), $50 (regular, Oct 30), and $60 (final, Dec 11, 2026). ## Outcomes Selected filmmakers gain a nationally recognized festival credit, awards eligibility, distribution and industry connections, and community with the largest cohort of young directors in the country. Many alumni have gone on to professional film careers.