The Friday Harbor Film Festival (FHFF) is now accepting documentary film submissions for its 2025 festival, taking place October 23–26, 2025, in beautiful Friday Harbor, Washington.
FHFF is seeking outstanding feature-length and short documentary films that:
✅ Entertain audiences through the power of compelling storytelling
✅ Inspire positive change and new ways of thinking
✅ Enlighten viewers with new perspectives on our planet, diverse cultures, and human experiences
✅ Encourage young filmmakers to develop their craft
If your documentary film captures bold adventures, thought-provoking issues, or heartfelt human stories, we invite you to submit!
Why Submit to FHFF?
Submitting your documentary to the Friday Harbor Film Festival offers a unique opportunity to showcase your work to an engaged and enthusiastic audience. Selected films will be screened in-theatre, accompanied by filmmaker Q&A sessions that allow for meaningful interaction with festival attendees, fellow filmmakers, and subject matter experts.
The festival attracts passionate filmmakers and dedicated film enthusiasts from the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and beyond, providing a dynamic platform to share compelling stories and connect with a like-minded community.
Beyond the screenings, FHFF offers a vibrant festival experience, including filmmaker networking events, engaging discussions, and the breathtaking beauty of San Juan Island. Filmmaker attendance is encouraged, but pre-recorded Q&A participation options are available.
Submission Window & Categories
📅 Submissions Open: Now through August 1, 2025
📅 Young Filmmakers Showcase Deadline: August 21, 2025
FHFF accepts feature-length (41+ min) and short (40 min or less) documentary films in the following categories:
🎥 Explorers & Adventures
Stories of remarkable exploration, adventure, and discovery on land, sea, and beyond.
🎥 Things to Consider
Films addressing global challenges, climate issues, scientific discoveries, and social justice topics.
🎥 Tales from the Heart
Human-interest stories that showcase resilience, extraordinary achievements, or the beauty of the natural world.
Young Filmmakers Showcase (ages 13-26) welcomes live-action or animated documentary shorts (3-15 min) created by student and young filmmakers from around the world.
How to Submit Your Film
FHFF accepts submissions exclusively through FilmFreeway. As a Gold Member Festival, we offer a 50% discount on submission fees to filmmakers who are also Gold Members of FilmFreeway.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your documentary film at FHFF 2025.
Submit today and be part of a festival that celebrates stories that entertain, inspire, and enlighten!
