2026 TVFF Competition winners announced
TVFF 10 years, 2017 to 2026Tuscarawas Valley Film Festival
Night 4 · September 24

TVFF
Competition

A short-film category for independent filmmakers, film clubs, first-time directors, and experienced teams. Selected films screened on the festival's final night, September 24.

See the winners

2026 results

And the winners are.

Congratulations to this year's winning filmmakers, and thank you to everyone who shared a short film with the festival.

First placeSmall TownMoni Wood
Second placeReal Maple SyrupEric Swinderman
Third placeShaveDeacon Polen

2026 reference

How the competition worked.

The 2026 entry window is closed. These were the rules for filmmakers who entered individually, with a team, or through a film club.

Who can enter

  • Filmmakers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome.
  • There is no school, grade, county, or residency requirement.
  • Filmmakers may enter individually, as a team, or through a film club.
  • Filmmakers from inside and outside Ohio are welcome.

Film requirements

  • Maximum runtime is 20 minutes.
  • There is no required theme.
  • Please submit original work and music, footage, images, and other material you have permission to use.
  • Films may be created on any camera or device.
  • Submit a viewable cloud or streaming link and include the password when required.

How films were considered

  • Story and creativity.
  • Technical execution, including visuals, sound, editing, and pacing.
  • Originality and overall audience impact.
  • Suitability for the festival program.

Entry fee and screening

  • A complete 2026 entry included the film information and the $25 entry fee.
  • Films without a completed entry fee were not considered for the program.
  • The festival board reviewed submissions and built the Night 4 program.
  • Selected films screened on September 24.

Night 4 at Quaker Cinema

We closed the festival with original work.

Selected TVFF Competition shorts shared the final-night program with a special No Limits Film Club presentation.

Final-night programNo Limits + TVFF Shorts
No Limits Film Club and TVFF Competition

Original films on the big screen

Night 4 brought community filmmaking and selected competition shorts together at Quaker Cinema.

See the Night 4 lineup

Thank you, filmmakers.

Watch for details on the 2027 TVFF Competition.

Look back at the 2026 lineup