A juried survey of new moving image arts by independent Northwest film and video makers, the Festival draws over 300 entries in all genres each year and is judged by a prominent filmmaker, curator or critic. Now in it's 36th year, the Festival provides a forum where outstanding independent work receives public recognition, critical appraisal, and an engaged and enthusiastic regional audience. Past judges have included Gus Van Sant, Matt Groening, Todd Haynes, Christine Vachon, Bill Plympton, Dan Ireland, Karen Cooper of Filmforum, B. Ruby Rich, Amy Taubin, Jim Hoberman, and John Cooper, Sundance and Outfest programmer. Generally, 30-45 shorts, features, and documentaries are screened during the Festival, then 10-15 shorts are selected for the Best of the Northwest Tour program which travels the following year throughout the Northwest to media arts centers, museums, arts councils, and universities. Total audience exceeds 6000.

For nine days and nights, all those who love film will be treated to some of the most original and engaging feature films, documentaries and short films from across Canada and around the world.