Submission Process:

The Root Experience is looking for folks in these areas (Apply to one or multiple!):

• Vendors (Any discipline)

• Performers (Any discipline)

• Filmmakers

• Artists to submit to the Gallery Exhibit

• Models (Fashion Show)

• Volunteers

Awards & Prizes:

We believe in honoring the energy, time, and spirit you pour into your art.

Artist Honorariums: We do not believe in asking creators to share their lived experiences for free. Every film and project that receives an Official Selection will receive a financial honorarium.

Community Reinvestment: This festival is a shared ecosystem. Your submission fees do not disappear into administrative voids; they are directly reinvested into the festival itself to elevate the space, fund our youth programming, and amplify the impact of these stories.

Connection Over Competition: We are not here to rank our stories against one another. At this time, we do not give out trophies or declare category "winners." Our focus is simply on creating a powerful, equitable platform where every selected narrative is witnessed and celebrated.

Honorarium:

Each performer, filmmaker, gallery exhibiting artist, model, and facilitator that receives an official selection will receive an honorarium. We currently do not have honorariums for vendors at this time, but find other ways to spoil you in the meantime.

Rules & Terms:

#1. All filmmakers must reside in The Pacific Northwest. The Root Experience defines The Pacific Northwest as Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, British Columbia (CAN), Yukon (CAN), and Alberta (CAN).

#2. You must live in the United States of America or Canada.

#3. All filmmakers must identify as BIPOC. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Pronounced “bye-pock,” this is a term intended to center the experiences of Black and Indigenous groups that demonstrate solidarity between communities of color.

The term “BIPOC” is more descriptive than people of color or POC. It acknowledges that people of color face varying types of discrimination and prejudice. Additionally, it emphasizes that systemic racism continues to oppress, invalidate, and deeply affect the lives of Black and Indigenous people in ways other people of color may not necessarily experience. Lastly and significantly, Black and Indigenous individuals and communities still bear the impact of slavery and genocide.

#4. Films must be in MP4 ONLY.

How to Apply:

Are you a performer, vendor, or gallery artist wanting to submit? Fill out this quick submission form (click the button “Submit Here” to direct you to the form).

For filmmakers, if you are submitting a film you will submit your film in FilmFreeway (click the "FilmFreeway Logo”to direct you our profile).