ID: A blue starry background, with text on right: “FAQ” and a pink & orange tentacles on left with several popcorn floating around.

FILMMAKER FAQ

What is Seattle Deaf Film Festival?  

Seattle Deaf Film Festival (SDFF) is a biennial program under Deaf Spotlight for the 8th time. SDFF will feature short and feature films about and by Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing filmmakers.  

 

Do I have to be Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled or Hard of Hearing to enter the Seattle Deaf Film Festival? 

Films will be considered for inclusion in SDFF 2026 if they meet at least 2 of the following criteria:  

  • The film is made by a Deaf* filmmaker and crew; AND/OR  

  • The film features at least one authentic Deaf* character**; AND/OR  

  • The film is relevant the Deaf* experience. 

*Deaf includes Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals.  

**Authenticity means having true representation of Deaf* actors. Deaf roles must be performed by Deaf* people. If hearing actors act as Deaf* people, the film will not be considered authentic. 

If you have questions whether your film satisfies the criteria above, please contact us at sdff@deafspotlight.org.

 
Which film formats are accepted at SDFF?  

  • Short Narrative

  • Feature Narrative

  • Short Documentary

  • Feature Documentary

 

Where can I find the film submission guidelines?

You can read our guidelines on FilmFreeway and look for the section: “Rules and Terms” for the longer version.

To be considered, all individual submissions must include a completed entry form within FilmFreeway (filmfreeway.com) and an accompanying non-refundable entry fee. In doing so, all applicants certify that they have the legal right to submit and exhibit their work. The applicant is hereby responsible and liable for any breach of rights or the law in the submission and exhibition process.

There is no limit to the number of submissions per submitter, provided they are separate submissions, and the required fee is paid for each submission.

Your film must be categorized as either a short or feature film based on the film’s running time. A short film’s total run time would be 40 minutes or less including credits. The feature film will be 41 minutes or longer.

All films MUST have open captions/subtitles in English for every signed and spoken word, as well as background audio. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to provide a copy of their film with subtitles burned on, in addition to a separate SRT file as an attachment. The SRT files will be used and converted into transcripts for DeafBlind attendees. SDFF will not be responsible for accuracy of the subtitles.

Subtitles should be centered on a black background (at least 85% opacity) and should not exceed 2 lines. Visit the FAQ for more information.

GENERAL SUBMISSION CRITERIA
Films will be considered for inclusion in SDFF 2026 if they meet at least 2 of the following criteria:  

  • The film is made by a Deaf* filmmaker and crew; AND/OR  

  • The film features at least one authentic Deaf* character**; AND/OR  

  • The film is relevant the Deaf* experience. 

*Deaf includes Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals.  

**Authenticity means having true representation of Deaf* actors. Deaf roles must be performed by Deaf* people. If hearing actors act as Deaf* people, the film will not be considered authentic. 

If you have questions whether your film satisfies the criteria above, please contact us at sdff@deafspotlight.org.

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA
Submitted films must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Fits under one or more formats: short narrative, feature narrative, short documentary, and/or feature documentary)

  • Has not been exhibited at previous SDFFs

  • FilmFreeway submission form is completed by October 31, 2025

If a film was previously submitted to Seattle Deaf Film Festival in the past, but not screened, it may be eligible for re-submission. Please contact us first if you plan to re-submit your film. SDFF has the right to ask clarifying questions on any film submission.

Please do not submit films with product placements that are not essential to the story, as these will be automatically disqualified.

When will we find out if our films are accepted at the festival?

The filmmakers will be notified by January 16, 2026 via email.

How can I submit my film to the festival?  

If your film meets our festival’s criteria, please go to FilmFreeway, a website for filmmakers to submit their films to hundreds of film festivals globally. You will need to do these steps:

  • Fill out your application

  • Upload your film

  • Pay a submission fee per film

What are the submission fee options?

Deaf Spotlight wants to ensure that the online submission platform is equitable for emerging and experienced Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing filmmakers. This year, we will offer three submission fee options: Waiver (Free), Inclusion ($15), and General ($30). 

To submit your film for consideration, please read the film criteria guidelines below to learn how to submit your film to be considered for the festival. For further questions please email the Festival Director at sdff@deafspotlight.org. To request a Fee Waiver, please fill out the form. Thank you!

 

How to add subtitles to your film?  

Here’s great resources:  

 

What is a SRT File? How can I download a SRT file?  

An SRT file (otherwise known as a SubRip Subtitle file) is a plain-text file that contains critical information regarding subtitles, including the start and end timecodes of your text to ensure your subtitles match your audio, and the sequential number of subtitles. 

It's important to note, an SRT file is just a text file you would use alongside video or audio -- it does not also include the video or audio you're subtitling.  Here’s a good resource to read more.

If your film is accepted, you must submit your SRT file to us. You can download a SRT file from your video editing platforms.  

Can I help support SDFF? 

Yes, you can! Here’s great suggestions:

What if I have a question that is not covered in this FAQ?  

Email sdff@deafspotlight.org and we will get back to you.  

I would like to share my feedback, who should I contact? 

Please do share your thoughts with us by emailing sdff@deafspotlight.org.