Filmmakers FAQ

What do I do once I get there? Please download our NFFTY 2019 Filmmaker Logistics Guide. It will be your go-to manual for the festival.

How do you pronounce NFFTY? “Nifty,” as in excellent, substantial, attractively smart.

How many Filmmaker Passes do I get? One free pass per film or NFFTY filmmaker, whichever is less. Filmmaker Passes are only for NFFTY filmmakers and they bring you special recognition and perks – access to all NFFTY screenings and parties, including exclusive filmmaker-only events. Filmmaker Passes are not transferable, which means that if you have more than one film in NFFTY, you cannot give your “extra” Filmmaker Pass to someone else. Additional Filmmaker Passes may be purchased – no more than four.

How do I get a Filmmaker Pass? In your acceptance email there is a link provided for you to redeem your free pass, as well as purchase any additional passes for other primary filmmakers. If you are attending Opening Night you can pick your Filmmaker Pass up on October 24th at the Mediterranean Inn from 11 AM – 4 PM or at other opening night venues the rest of the evening. After that, they can be picked up on other days at the SIFF Cinema Uptown Will Call.

Who produces NFFTY? NFFTY is a program of The Talented Youth, a socially responsible 501c3 nonprofit developed in 2007 by three young filmmakers who decided to create an organization that would develop networking and promotional opportunities for young filmmakers.

Who are all those people I’ve been getting emails and phone calls from? Most people find it amazing that we can pull off a festival the size of NFFTY with such quality, professionalism, and limited staff:

Dan Hudson – Managing Director
Kyle Seago – Co-Founder & Director of Programming
Amy Williams – Program Manager
Theresa Robinson – Festival Coordinator Intern

Where does NFFTY take place? NFFTY 2019 takes place at SIFF Cinema Egyptian, SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Film Center, Chop Suey, The Vera Project, and other venues in and around Seattle Center, north of Seattle's Downtown. The Mediterranean Inn is located directly across the street from the Uptown Cinema. The Maxwell Hotel is in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood, just north of Seattle Center.

What kind of food is there near the festival and hotel? There are dozens of food options, from fast to fine dining, all within a few blocks of all NFFTY events. There are also two large grocery stores. Metropolitan Market is the closest grocery store, equidistant from both NFFTY 2019 Partner Hotels.

What should I wear for the Opening Night Gala? This is our flashiest night so look your best – but no need to go overboard. It is a nice event, but Seattle is a casual city. No matter what, you will fit in.

Are there awards or prizes? There are Jury awards for each film category, Audience Awards for each screening, and New Talent Awards for three age categories - plus some unannounced awards that you’ll have to show up to Closing Night to find out about! All winners receive a plaque, with some awards also containing cash prizes or gear.

Should I bring postcards or posters for my film? Only if you want, but there isn’t really space for posters. Postcards can be placed in the SIFF Cinema Uptown lobby or handed out on Opening Night.

Who do I contact with additional questions? filmmakers@nffty.org. Please try to limit phone calls to our office to critical questions or emergencies, and we promise we will get back to you via email promptly.