The Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) announces Nominees for the Inaugural Pacific Northwest Short Film Award and Screening at NWFF.
Each year, the Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) honors Pacific Northwest filmmaking as part of their annual awards. For the first time, this effort will include a category to recognize achievement in short films.
A nominating committee carefully considered shorts released throughout the year whose primary production took place in the Pacific Northwest and selected five finalists. SFCS will show these nominated films in collaboration with NWFF, bringing the best short films the PNW has to offer.
The nominees are:
- Style: A Seattle Basketball Story (dir. Bryan Tucker)
- A Fateful Weekend (dir. Tony Doupe)
- Shelly’s Leg (dir. Wes Hurley)
- Charlotte, 1994 (dir. Brian Pittala)
- Songs Of Black Folk (dir. Justin Emeka & Haley Watson)
The Seattle Film Critics Society’s inaugural Pacific Northwest Short Film Award Nominee slate boasts incredible stories that celebrate the creativity, community, and spirit of our region. Chosen by a panel of film critics and programmers, these bold, original, and often heartfelt short films from local filmmakers exemplify exceptional work in cinematic artistry and regional storytelling.
SFCS is beyond proud to champion these films, the filmmakers who made them, and the PNW by hosting a series of screenings with Q&As featuring the talent behind each film’s production. In addition to our previously-announced feature film screenings at SIFF, we will be hosting an evening celebrating short films at Northwest Film Forum on November 19 with many of the filmmakers present to discuss their work.
The winner will be determined by a vote of the full SFCS membership and announced alongside SFCS’s annual awards on December 15, 2025.
SHORT FILM SCREENING EVENT
📽️ Information about the screening is available at NWFF
🗓 Wednesday, November 19
🎟 Tickets available to the public, followed by a Q&A session with talent from all nominated films.
🔗 https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6744254
ABOUT THE NOMINATED FILMS
Style: A Seattle Basketball Story
Dir. Bryan Tucker
The untold, storied history behind one of America’s most elite youth basketball programs and its humble beginnings in Seattle’s Central District.
Director Bryan Tucker is scheduled to attend.
A Fateful Weekend
Dir. Tony Doupe
As news of Kennedy’s assassination unfolds, a seven-year-old boy tries to make sense of the grief blanketing his family and the world beyond.
Writer and Executive Producer Ronald Canfield is scheduled to attend.
Shelly’s Leg
Dir. Wes Hurley
An imaginative look back at the founder of one of Seattle’s first openly gay spaces, told through archival footage, animation, and detailed recreations.
Director Wes Hurley is scheduled to attend.
Charlotte, 1994
Dir. Brian Pittala
Set in 1994, a young woman (Charlotte) gets a visit at work from her younger sister (Sydney) who has come seeking answers to a growing rift in their family.
Director Brian Pittala is scheduled to attend.
Songs of Black Folk
Dir. Justin Emeka & Haley Watson
Songs of Black Folk unites top Black musical talent on one Pacific Northwest stage, launching a powerful new tradition and era for Black artists against the meaningful backdrop of Juneteenth.
Editor David Faddis is scheduled to attend.
The Seattle Film Critics Society is an association of professional critics working to facilitate a community that supports local productions and festivals; enhances public education, awareness, and appreciation of cinema; and strengthens the bonds of critical dialogue as it pertains to the cinematic arts.
Further information about the Seattle Film Critics Society’s annual awards can be found at seattlefilmcritics.com/upcoming-awards
Contacts: seattlefilmcritics.com | @seattlecritics | press@seattlefilmcritics.com