Twin Cities Film Fest

Overview

The Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) is a non-profit arts organization based in Minneapolis. It functions as a hybrid festival, offering both online and in-person theater screenings, primarily focusing on independent cinema. The festival has been a key platform for celebrating independent films since its inception in 2010, providing a regional showcase for accomplished independent films and artists[1].

Activities and Events

TCFF operates throughout the year, not only hosting its core October festival but also organizing year-round events such as premiere screenings, training sessions, networking expos, filmmaker mixers, and script readings[1]. The festival includes educational events and in-depth post-screening Q&A sessions, further enriching the film experience for attendees.

Award Categories

TCFF offers several awards to recognize and honor exceptional films and performances. These include:

• Staff Awards: Best Feature Award, Robert Byrd Best Documentary Award, Best Short Film Award, Bill Cooper Best MN Feature Award.
• Indie Vision Awards: Awards for Performance, Achievement, and other notable aspects of filmmaking.
• Audience Awards: For Feature Films, Documentaries, and Short Films.
• "Fun is Good" Bill Murray Comedy Shorts Award: Honoring comedic excellence in short films[1].

Submissions and Eligibility

Films submitted to TCFF must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Films completed after January 1, 2023, are eligible for the 2025 TCFF.
• Feature-length and short films can be submitted regardless of premiere status, but priority is given to films without prior public screenings in the Twin Cities.
• Films must not have been broadcast or publicly available online before exhibition[1].

Educational and Distribution Opportunities

Beyond the festival itself, TCFF serves as a year-round visual arts education organization. It provides opportunities for industry talent development, offering educational resources and networking opportunities to expand careers and support thought-provoking content[1].

[1] https://filmfreeway.com/TwinCitiesFilmFest [2] https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/arts-entertainment/your-guide-to-minneapolis-st-paul-international-film-festival/ [3] https://mspfilm.org/mspiff/ [4] https://mspfilm.org/mspiff44/ [5] https://twincitiesfilmfest.org