California Film Festivals Indie & Mainstream Films, Movies, Shorts

If you love independent films, you've come to the right place — California, where creativity is a commodity and festivals create a space for lesser known and emerging filmmakers and students to show their stuff. Our film festivals pay homage to the Old West, Silent Films, international filmmakers, children, pets, The Earth, Native Americans, African Americans, Sikhs, Jewish lifestyle, and even Screams around Halloween!

 

2024 Film Festivals

PALM SPRINGS: Palm Springs International Film Festival January 4-15, 2024 Prices and venues vary.
psfilmfest.org

SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Horror Film Festival January 20, 2024
sachorrorfilmfest.com
Historical Colonial Theatre
3522 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA

LOS ANGELES: Jewish Film Festival February 6, 2024
lajfilmfest.org

NEVADA CITY - GRASS VALLEY: Wild & Scenic Film Festival February 15-19, 2024
Nevada City/Grass Valley, CA Tickets: $  wildandscenicfilmfestival.org, Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires and motivates people, seeking to unite communities to heal the earth. Organized and produced by SYRCL (the South Yuba River Citizens League). 9+ venues with films and workshops empower individuals through exploration of energy, food systems, biodiversity, climate change, protection and restoration of wild lands and wild waters. A children's Saturday morning program, art shows, wine tastings, a Gala Event and awards ceremony make this a destination vacation like no other.

RANCHO PALO VERDES: Oscar Nominated Short Film Series  February 17-March 9, 2024 at Starlight Terrace Cinemas. San Pedro Film Festival Oscar Nominated Shorts Series takes place Saturday evenings. Location: 28901 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Tickets $15-45,  Dates: Feb.17 & 24, March 2 & 9, 2024

LOS ANGELES: Golden State Film Festival February 22-29, 2024
TCL Chinese Theater Hollywood
TCL Chinese 6 Theatres
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90028
goldenstatefilmfestival.com
The Golden State Film Festival takes pride in creating a fun relaxed and exciting festival for independent films.

ALBANY: Albany FilmFest 2024 date TBA
Albany Twin - Landmark Theatres
1115 Solano Avenue
Albany, California 94706
albanyfilmfest.org
International juried short and very short features emerging and established Bay Area, national, and global filmmakers. It offers two youth filmmaker categories, too.

SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Winter Film Shorts Fest February 22, 2024
Held at Tower Theatre, Sacramento, CA 95814 sacramentofrenchfilmfestival.com

SANTA BARBARA: Santa Barbara Film Festival February 7-17, 2024
sbiff.org
Celebrity premiers, panels, and VIP options for parties and reserved seating. 

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Independent Film Festival February 8-18, 2024
sfindie.com
SF IndieFest at Roxie + Victoria Theaters.

LOS ANGELES: DaVinci International Film Festival February 23-25, 2024
AMC Theatres - The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA
Tickets: davincifilmfestival.com

SAN JOSE: Cinequest - San Jose / Silicon Valley Film Festival March 7-17, 2024
cinequest.org
An award-winning selection of international and nationally recognized films / productions make this a best choice for Bay Area entertainment.

WATSONVILLE: Watsonville Film Fest March 7-10, 2024
Watsonville Civic Plaza
275 Main Street
Watsonville, CA
watsonvillefilmfest.org
Showcasing Latin and indigenous cultural traditions

REDWOOD CITY: Banff Film Festival March 8-9, 2024 Redwood City
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to the Fox Theatre in Redwood City as an in-person event on March 8 and 9, 2024. Tickets are now on sale.  $, snowlands.org

COSTA MESA: Banff Mountain Film Festival March 12-13, 2024 at Robert Moore Theatre
Participate in the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour which brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to California.  $16-20,
banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/worldtour/usa

REDLANDS: Banff Mountain Film Festival  March 15-16, 2024
Fox Event Center
123 Cajon St.
Redlands, CA
$30, sgwa.org
A World of Adventure: Experience a curated selection of short films that celebrate the spirit of outdoor exploration. From daring treks across Kyrgyzstan to the thrilling rush of kitesurfing on glacial lakes, each story is an invitation to the wild. Two Nights, Unlimited Thrills: Whether you choose the adrenaline-fueled lineup of Friday or the exploratory tales of Saturday, each night offers a unique program of films showcasing the incredible feats of adventurers and the breathtaking beauty of our planet.

SONOMA: Sonoma International Film Festival March 20-24, 2024, sonomafilmfest.org | film

LOS ANGELES: First Glance Film Festival March 14-17, 2024 at Laemmle NoHo, 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA
firstglancefilms.com

SAN DIEGO: Latino Film Festival March 14-24, 2024
sdlatinofilm.com
Volunteers needed to make this event great! The San Diego Latino Film Festival takes place at the AMC Fashion Valley 18 in San Diego's Mission Valley. For more than 20 years, the festival has offered screenings of short and feature length films from across Latin America and the U.S. by Latinos and about the Latino experience.

HOLLYWOOD: Westflix March 15-16, 2024
hw.com/westflix/
Celebrate the best short films produced by high school students throughout California. The films are showcased in an evening screening at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood and followed by a day of workshops with industry professionals at Harvard-Westlake School, the sponsor of WestFlix.

SONOMA: Sonoma International Film Festival March 20-24, 2024
sonomafilmfest.org
Founded in 1997, The Sonoma International Film Festival is an international event that takes pride in showcasing emerging talent and featuring unreleased films. What distinguishes SIFF from other film festivals is its walkability. All six screening venues are located in and around SIFF Village.

SAN FRANCISCO: International Ocean Film Festival April 12-14, 2024
Cowell Theater, Fort Mason
San Francisco, California
intloceanfilmfest.org/events
Independent ocean-related films from all over the world include themes ranging from ocean adventure, science, marine life and sports to ocean coastal cultures. The films should entertain, educate and encourage active participation in ocean-specific environmental efforts and better ocean stewardship.

HOLLYWOOD: Hollywood Short Fest April 19-21, 2024
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
7936 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, California 90046
filmfreeway.com/HOLLYWOODSHORTSFEST
Best indie films of all genres

PASADENA: Pasadena International Film Festival April 4-11, 2024
Laemmle Playhouse 7
673 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, California 91101
pasadenafilmfestival.org
From the elegant black tie Great Gatsby Gala Opening night, to the diverse, informative panels, to the top quality screenings in an actual mainstream movie theatre

SAN LUIS OBISPO: SLO International Film Festival San Luis Obispo April 25-30, 2024. $, slofilmfest.org
MovieMaker Magazine's Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee
Festival Headquarters 1003 Osos Street
Hollywood & Vines Festival Tent 1035 Higuera Street
Historic Fremont Theater 1025 Monterey St.
Mission Cinemas 1025 Monterey St.
The Palm Theatre 817 Palm St.
Downtown Cinemas 888 Marsh St.
Park Cinemas 1100 Pine St.
King David Masonic Lodge 859 Marsh St.
Octagon Barn 4400 Octagon Way
Bay Theatre 

BEVERLY HILLS: Archer Film Festival April 17, 2024
The Writers Guild Theater
135 S Doheny Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
archerfilmfestival.org
The Archer Film Festival is a high school student film festival dedicated to empowering female filmmakers.

SAN CLEMENTE: Beach Cities Inspirational Film Festival April 25, 2024
beachcitiesinspirationalfilmfestival.com
Student Films, Documentaries, as well as Commercial Feature Films which include the depiction of a character who is afflicted with emotional, mental, or physical challenges. A Challenge, Disability, Handicap is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions.)

MORGAN HILL: Poppy Jasper International Film Festival April 10-17, 2024
The Granada Theater
Morgan Hill
Venues in  Morgan Hill | San Martin | Gilroy | Hollister | San Juan Bautista, CA
pjiff.org

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES: Universe Multicultural Film April 26-28, 2024
$, umfilms.org
RHCC Community Center, 735 Silver Spur Rd. Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd. Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Fred Hesse Community Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Blv. Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca 90275
Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Universe Multicultural Film Festival ( UMFF) is a jewel for cultural exchange through cinema art. UMFF screening 100+ films from 30+ countries, produce 5 industry panels and film market that bring real result each year.

HOLLYWOOD: Classic Film Festival April 18-21, 2024
filmfestival.tcm.com
Most Wanted: Crime & Justice in Film is the 2024 theme for this iconic film fest.

ARCATA: Humboldt International Film Festival April 18-21, 2024
hsufilmfestival.com
Oldest run student film festival, according to event

SAN DIEGO: SDAFF Spring Showcase April 18-25, 2024. Pac Arts presents a week-long presentation of Asian cinema to whet your appetite for box office hits, independent gems, documentary portraits, and other special presentations. $110 all access pass, pacarts.org

BEVERLY HILLS: Sierra Canyon Film Festival April 26, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
United Talent Agency (UTA) in Beverly Hills, CA
sierracanyonschool.org
Sierra Canyon Film Festival showcases and promotes student filmmakers from around the world. Student films ranging from high school to collegiate level are screened, and several exceptional films are recognized and awarded.

PETALUMA: Film Fest Petaluma Saturday April 30, 2024
Mystic Theatre
Petaluma, CA
petalumafilmalliance.org
Film Fest Petaluma offers an annual showcase of the best new animated and live action short films from around the world with filmmakers in conversation. Enjoy lively post-screening discussions with filmmakers after all shows. 

DANA POINT: Dana Point Film Festival May 2-5, 2024, 4 p.m. daily
Salt Creek Beach Park
33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA
$15 per screening, danapointfilmfestival.org/#DPFF
Films, Live Music, Food, Drinks, Vendors, DJ, Hula Dancers, Beach Front Movies for all ages. Festival is focused on the interaction of marine life and the humans in a celebration of the sea's splendor through cinematic storytelling. Founded by surf documentary filmmaker Lloyd Bryan Molander, and co-founded by Alex Mecl of Bruce Brown Films.

BEVERLY HILLS: Beverly Hills Film Festival May 1-5, 2024  TCL Chinese 6 Theatres beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com | film
TCL Chinese 6 Theatres
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90028
beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com
BHFF features emerging filmmakers and screenplay writers and supports their career goals. Beverly Hills Film Festival hosts over 44,000 attendees and brings together 100s of media from around the globe

MALIBU: Malibu International Film Festival May 18, 2024
malibufilmfestival.org  filmfreeway.com/malibu
Malibu Film Festival showcases the best in American and international cinema. The Festival schedule includes free outdoor screenings, parties, receptions and other special events.

AVALON: Catalina Island Museum Silent Film Festival May 2024
Avalon Casino Theatre
CatalinaMuseum.org

MENDOCINO: Mendocino Film Festival May 30-June 2, 2024
mendocinofilmfestival.org
Cinema in the Vineyards at Mendocino Film Festival with its signature program of films.

SANTA MONICA: Sunset Film Festival May 2024
Promenade Playhouse
1404 Third Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
sunsetfilmfestival.com
Sunset Film Festival seeks hidden gems and visionary filmmakers with fresh voices  bigger fests often overlook.

SACRAMENTO: Sacramento French Film Festival June 7-9, 2024
Tower Theatre
2508 Land Park Dr.
Sacramento, CA
sacramentofrenchfilmfestival.com
The SFFF fosters friendly relations between American and French people through the universal language of art. The SFFF organizes other events throughout the year, like a popular Winter Short Film Screening. The SFFF celebrates the artistic, cultural, social and historical values of films.

LOS ANGELES: Indian Film Festival June 27-30, 2024
indianfilmfestival.org
Regal LA Live,  A Barco Innovation Center in Los Angeles 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
18th Annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles is the premiere platform for the latest in cutting-edge global Indian cinema and bridges the gap between the two largest entertainment industries in the world - Hollywood and India. More than 20 films from the Indian filmmaking community across the globe feature three world premieres, two North American premieres, two U.S. premieres, and 11 Los Angeles premiere screenings. The impressive lineup represents 9 languages, and includes a diverse collection of female and first-time filmmakers along with festival alumni returning with their latest projects. Enjoy Opening and Closing red carpet Galas, as well as a Closing Awards ceremony. 

HOLLYWOOD: Holly Weird Film Festival July 28, 2024
Venue not confirmed:
California Institute of Abnormal Arts
11334 Burbank Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA
$, facebook.com/hollyweirdfilmfest/

PALM SPRINGS: Palm Springs International Film Festival Short Fest
psfilmfest.org
With a year-round program of screenings and special events, the PSIFS hosts two major annual festivals and presents monthly Special Member Screenings of contemporary international films, many with special guests attending for post-screening Q&A's.

LOS ANGELES: New Media Film Festival June 5-6, 2024
The Landmark
10850 W. Pico Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA
newmediafilmfestival.com

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (SFJFF) July 18-August 4, 2024
jfi.org
Presented by the Jewish Film Institute, the largest and longest-running festival of its kind  exploring the complexities of Jewish life around the world. 40,000 filmgoers and industry professionals participate in three weeks of inspiring films, events, panels and parties. Screenings take place at the historic Castro theatre in San Francisco and venues throughout the Bay Area.

NEVADA CITY: Nevada City Film Festival June 21-23, 2024
nevadacityfilmfestival.com
NCFF brings top independent film, music and comedy, along with thousands of attendees, international filmmakers, and industry guests to the historic Gold Rush era town.

SAN DIEGO: San Diego International Kids' Film Festival August 23-25, 2024
sdkidsfilms.org
Schulman Auditorium 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, CA
Senior Center 799 Pine Avenue Carlsbad, CA
Howard Brubeck Theatre 1140 West Mission Road, San Marcos, CA
The Links at Summerly Golf Course 29381 Village Pkwy, Lake Elsinore, CA
Held at various theaters around San Diego, the festival provides aspiring young filmmakers with an opportunity to communicate to an international community, engaging young viewers with positive media. This year, the SDIKFF received more than 150 films from over 30 countries. Jenna Pekny sings the national anthem at the opening gala; Chalet Lizette Brannan and Zander Rice host. Larry Poole will represent the San Diego film maker's welcome to the international film makers.

CALABASAS: Calabasas Film Festival September 18-22, 2024
calabasasfilmfestival.com
Aannual festival showcases major film premieres, student films, documentaries and top quality film selections from all genres that are guaranteed to entertain. CFF provides the community an opportunity to connect over mutual passions for film and television while enjoying local culinary arts and entertainment. CFF is also dedicated to honoring the future of the industry by empowering young filmmakers with a platform for outreach through student screenings and events. The Calabasas Film Festival will always be where the heart of film lives.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD: Cine Fest  September 12-15, 2024
nohocinefest.com
Premiere event for independent cinema from all over the world.

LOS OLIVOS: The Naturetrack Film Festival October 4-6, 2024
naturetrackfilmfestival.org
Close to 60 films from over 20 countries igniting passion for nature at this inaugural event held at multiple venues.  

HOLLYWOOD: American Film Institute  Festival October 23-27, 2024
An annual program of the American Film Institute, AFI Docs brings Hollywood icons, emerging artists and audiences together to experience global cinema documentaries in the movie capital of the world.

NEWPORT BEACH: Newport Beach Film Festival October 17-24, 2024
newportbeachfilmfest.com
Big Newport
300 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA
Other theaters, venues: Lido Marina Village
Sherman Library & Gardens
The Lot 2, The Lot 7
The New Port Theater
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Time Night Club
Triangle 3, 4, 5, 6
VEA
The 25th annual Newport Beach Film Festival.

LONG BEACH: QFilm Festival September 13-15, 2024
Art Theatre
qfilmslongbeach.com
The longest-running film festival in Long Beach, California, with one of the largest LGBTQ populations in the state. QFilms Long Beach is THE queer film festival to see.

SANTA ANA: Viet Film Fest October 11-13, 2024
The Frida Cinema
Santa Ana, CA
vietfilmfest.com
Viet Film Fest is the largest international festival promoting Vietnamese culture, stories, and artists through film. Viet Film Fest 2023 returns in-person in Orange County, California, and virtual screenings will be available internationally (pending geolocation permissions from filmmakers) to increase accessibility for audiences to watch the films, experiences, and stories about the Vietnamese community.

 

 

Past festivals
FRESNO: Reel Pride Film Festival September 29-October 1, 2023
Historic Tower District venues: 
THE TOWER THEATRE 815 E. Olive Avenue
VISTA Theater 1296 N. Wishon Avenue 
Fresno, CA
reelpride.com
Dedicated to LGBT films, filmmakers

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Latino Film Festival September 28-October 15, 2023
Roxie Theater Sept. 28-Oct. 1 & 7-8, 2023
3117 16th Street
San Francisco, CA
Roxie Theater - Landmark's Opera Plaza Oct. 2-Oct. 8, 2023
$, cinemassf.org
 The 15th San Francisco Latino Film Festival 
Cine+Más SF presents the San Francisco Latino Film Festival and other film events during the year. The Festival features virtual and in-person film screenings, visiting filmmakers, panels, meet-ups and more. It showcases the work of emerging and established filmmakers from the US, Latin America, Spain and Portugal. It is a celebration of the latest work coming out of the 20+ countries and the diaspora with which we share a bond.

SAN DIEGO: San Diego Italian Film Festival October 3-14, 2023
Balboa Park
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego, CA
$, sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com
FORWARD is 2023 theme. Eight films screened in person and 13 virtual short film selections.  The San Diego Italian Film Festival is about more than just movies—it is about identity, history, and a shared appreciation of Italian culture and great cinema. In a word, it is about community, a place for a diverse audience of film lovers and those who appreciate Italian culture. Movies and special events are presented year-round, celebrating Italian film and cuisine.

LOS ANGELES: LA Fashion Film Festival "NOSTALGIA" October 13-14, 2023
Location: TBA
lafashionfilmfest.com
LAFFF is a dazzling showcase of how fashion, beauty and tech are blending to create a visionary retail experience. At the same time, it pushes brands to further engage and connect with consumer.

LOS ANGELES: OH Scares November 11, 2023, 12 p.m.
Tickets: lasfsc.com
LAPAC
Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory
Promenade Playhouse
10931 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
$8-10, lasfsc.com/ohscares2023.html
 Scary films from around the world. Watch them all, and meet filmmakers in person!

BEVERLY HILLS: STORYTELLA October 20-29, 2023
$12-100, docla.org Tickets go on sale Sept.20, 2023 venue TBA
Parajanov-Vartanov Institute screens and award Fiction films in an official sidebar of the institute's signature annual festival DOC LA, which has traditionally programmed fictional stories alongside the documentary competition.

HOLLYWOOD: Colcoa French Film Festival October 19-22, 2023
theamericanfrenchfilmfestival.org
DGA Theater
Hollywood, CA
Where French culture shines! Founded by The Franco-American Cultural Fund, this year, four documentaries  screened will compete for the 2023  documentary  award. From women’s rights to creative ways to address adult mental illness to a landmark case addressing rights and ethics of euthanasia to a profile of a powerful but forgotten figure in African-American history are in the lineup.

SEAL BEACH: Seal Beach Film Festival October 28, 2023, 5:45 p.m.
J. H. Mcgaugh Elementary
Seal Beach, CA
$tickets, sealbeachfilmfest.com
Awards are presented in 30 categories including Best of Show, Best Feature, Best Short, Best Actor & Actress and Best Supporting Actor & Actress and Best Screenplay.

LOS ANGELES: Awareness Film Festival  October 3-9, 2023 + October 27-28, 2023 in Tehachapi
LA Live Regal Cinemas
1000 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, California, 90015
$60 day pass, awarenessfestival.org
TEHACHAPI:  Awareness Film Festival October 27-28, 2023
Historic BeeKay Theatre
Tehachapi, CA
$, awarenessfestival.org
Non-profit organization Heal One World is holding its annual,  Awareness Film Festival to inform and inspire audiences through a program of films on Ecological, Political, Health/Well Being and Spiritual topics. Filmmaker Q&A's, filmmaker panels, as well as conscious art and music highlight this unique showcase of Documentary & Narrative Features, Short Films, Music Videos and Public Service Announcements. Any net profits from this event will go completely to charity, including partner organizations.

SAN RAFAEL: Mill Valley Film Festival October 5-16, 2023
mvff.com
SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER
1118 4th St., San Rafael
BAMPFA
2155 Center Street, Berkeley
CINEARTS SEQUOIA
25 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
THE ROXIE
3117 16th Street, San Francisco
LARK THEATER
549 Magnolia, Larkspur
SWEETWATER MUSIC HALL
19 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley
MVFF welcomes more than 200 filmmakers and guests from around the world. In 2023 there are 293 films showing in  6 cities & venues through the Bay Area. The event has hosted such luminaries as Nicole Kidman, Dustin Hoffman, Ang Lee, Mira Nair, Amy Adams and Steve McQueen.

Horror Scream Films mostly in October & November include classics such as Rocky Horror Picture Show and Halloween.

OAKLAND: Drunken Film Fest October 8-13, 2023
drunkenfilmfest.com
Oct.8 The Double Standard
Oct.9 Stay Gold
Oct.10 Telegraph
Oct.11 Temescal Brewing
Oct.12 Eli's Mile High Club
Oct.13 Continental Club
Drunken Film Fest screens the best new short films from around the world at different bars, showcasing many of Oakland's distinct businesses and neighborhoods, all free and open to the public.

RED BLUFF: Death's Parade Film Fest October 21, 2023
Prime Cinemas
Red Bluff, CA
$, deathparadefilmfest.com
The festival features short films and feature films from around the world, with an emphasis on paranormal, psychological and body horror, found footage, experimental, killers, monsters, zombies, gore, and dark comedy.

LOS ANGELES: Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles October 11-15, 2023 at Regal L.A. Live. IFFLA hosts a lineup of narrative films, documentaries and shorts showcasing the industry's cutting-edge South Asian filmmakers! Spy thriller, Vishal Bhardwaj's, KHUFIYA, starring Hindi film superstar Tabu, is a theatrical world premiere which opens the festival. This year IFFLA will showcase 24 films (6 narrative features, 2 documentary features, 16 shorts) from 13 countries and in 14 languages, including the world premiere of Atul Sabharwal’s Berlin, and the North American premieres of Varun Grover's dramedy All Indian Rank, Dominic Sangma's Garo language film Rapture, and the Malayalam film Aattam (The Play) by Anand Ekarshi. Plus, the LA premiere of Joram by Devashish Makhija. $15-up, indianfilmfestival.org

HOLLYWOOD: Screamfest October 10-19, 2023
TLC Chinese Theatre on 3rd Floor of Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland)
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA
$individual tickets, Festival badges range from Day Badge $52, to Weekend $130, to full Festival access $309. screamfestla.com
Largest and longest running horror film festival in the United States, the Sundance of Horror, showcases new genre films from around the world. This year's Opening Night film DIVINITY stars Stephen Dorff, Moises Arias, Jason Genao, Michael O’Hearn, Karrueche Tran and Emily Willis, with Scott Bakula and Bella Thorne.

LONE PINE: Lone Pine Film Festival "When Cowboys Were King" October 5-8, 2023
lonepinefilmfestival.org
Cost: $25-up
Celebrity Stars, Star Panel discussions, film screenings shot in the area, Star Parade, Rodeo, arts and crafts, cowboy church and unique movie-site guided tours, live stunt demonstrations and more. 2023 film festival explores silents,  the B-grade Westerns of the early 1930s to the early 1950s, low-budget 'oaters' as they were called; and expand upon the Golden Age of the Westerns - 1940s to 1960s.

SAN DIEGO: San Diego International Film Festival October 18-22, 2023
$18-450, sdfilmfest.com
AMC UTC Theatres La Jolla
4425 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA
Opening Night Party & Screening is at  Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park
SDIFF is a leading stop on the independent film festival circuit for world premieres, new studio releases, and the best in independent filmmaking. From Opening Night to Culinary Cinema, Filmmaker Panels and over 70 Film Screenings, the San Diego International Film Festival invites the public to participate in glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers. 

PALO ALTO: United Nations Association Film Festival "SOLUTIONS" theme October 19-29, 2023
International Documentary Film Festival,
Free screenings - $, unaff.org

• Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto,
• Stanford Research Park, 3215 Porter Dr, Palo Alto
• Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto
• Bechtel International Center Assembly Room, 584 Capistrano Way, Stanford
• Roble Arts Gym, 375 Santa Teresa Street, Stanford, CA
  Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, and at Stanford University

See 60 documentaries at one of the oldest documentary film festivals in the US. In 2023 the 26th UNAFF spotlights current events from across the globe, including Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, US and Vietnam.

HOLLYWOOD: Animation Is Film Fall 2023 TBA
Hollywood, CA
Tickets: animationisfilm.com
The Festival will present a highly selective showcase of the best animated films from around the world, plus red carpet, filmmaker Q&As, special events, receptions, and both juried and audience awards.

MOUNTAIN VIEW: Epic Animation Comic Game Fest October 28-29, 2023
1080 Linda Vista Ave.
Mountain View, CA
eacgfest.org

LOS ANGELES: Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival November 1-5, 2023
dtlaff.com
 Regal L.A. Live cinemas
Los Angeles, CA
Established in 2008 in the historic heart of the Film Capital of the World, the independent film festival showcases independent cinema in the historic center of downtown L.A. and its unique cultural diversity.  15th annual edition of DTLA Film Festival Set in one of the defining urban centers of the world, DTLA Film Festival (Downtown Film Festival has as its mission to exhibit a wide array of independent film and filmmakers from throughout the U.S. and abroad with a primary focus on those that explore the history, architecture, cultural diversity and contemporary social and political issues of the modern urban landscape.

MOUNTAIN VIEW / PALO ALTO: Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival October 15-29, 2023
svjff.org
4 in person screenings and the rest is virtual, watch online.

CHICO: Independent Film Festival October 28, 2023 virtual online watching
 Chico, CA
ciffcalifornia.org | chicoindie.com

SANTA MONICA: American Film Market October 31-November 5, 2023
$795-1395, americanfilmmarket.com
Multiple venues and events
Academy Award Nominations for Films Represented at the American Film Market

SAN DIEGO: SDAFF Asian Film Festival November 2-11, 2023
UltraStar Mission Valley
7510 Hazard Center Dr #100
San Diego, CA 92108
pacarts.org
Pac Arts presents the, a week-long mini-festival to whet your appetite for box office hits, independent gems, documentary portraits, and other special presentations. Venues Include: San Diego Natural History Museum, UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center 510 Hazard Center Dr #100, UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley Marriott Mission Valley, UCSD Price Center Theater, Digital Gym Cinema Museum of Photographic Arts. 

OJAI: Ojai Film Festival November 2-6, 2023
ojaifilmfestival.com
Ojai Art Center
Ojai, CA
Enriching the Human Spirit Through Film, Ojai Film Festival is dedicated to promoting and supporting the art of the motion picture through the presentation of an annual multi-day festival in which films submitted by filmmakers throughout the world are publicly exhibited at several venues in and around the picturesque Ojai Valley.

HOLLYWOOD: Red Nation Film Festival November 1-11, 2023 in cinemas
rednationff.com
Fine Arts Theatre
Beverly Hills, CA
Dedicated to Native Americans in film
November 1 Only One Water Summit and Concert Series
November 2 Native Film Market Economic Development on Native Land
November 3-11 In-person Film Screenings
November 12 RNCI Red Nation Awards @ Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles Beverly Hills, Streaming on Red Nation Television Network
November 13-17 The Conversation Series (virtual) Streaming Streaming in conversation with filmmakers, actors on Red Nation Television Network
November 18-30 Film Program at Home Streaming on Red Nation Television Network
November 30 American Holocaust Memorial

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival No updates or announcements as of 9/19/23
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda
Los Feliz Theatre, 1822 N. Vermont
TLC Chinese Theatre, 6925 Hollywood Blvd.
$Free-11.50 approx., hbrfest.com
Diverse mix of 10 Brazilian feature films, Documentary and shorts.

LOS ANGELES: Zed Fest Film Festival November 2023 dates TBA
NoHo Arts
Zed Fest Film Festival & Screenplay Competition was founded in 2010 to encourage and support independent filmmakers, who work in the horror, suspense, science fiction, drama, action, adventure, and art house genres.  
Lammle Noho 7 5240 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood Ca, 91601
Gray Studios LA 5250 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Tickets: zedfest.org

STUDIO CITY: Studio City International Film Festival August 31-September 7, 2023
studiocityfest.com
Laemmle
5240 Lankershim Blvd.
Hollywood, CA
Studio City International Film Festival takes place near CBS Studios and a few miles away from Universal Studios and Warner Bros.

LOS ANGELES: LA Live Film Festival November 18, 2023
LA Live
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
filmfestlalive.com
One of the largest screens in California, with the highest resolution Barco Projector available today and the best surround sound showcase winning films in all their glory.

LOS ANGELES: Israel Film Festival November 1-15, 2023
israelfilmfestival.org
Screenings of over 40 narrative films, documentaries, and television series, as well as short films.
Past venues have included: Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills and the Laemmle Town Center 5 Theatre in Encino.

NAPA VALLEY: Napa Valley Film Festival tba
Multiple venues, multiple cities
$, napavalleyfilmfest.org

HOLLYWOOD: American Film Institute Film Festival October 25-29, 2023
TLC Chinese Theatre
TLC Chinese 6
Roosevelt Hotel
$, fest.afi.com
An annual program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST brings Hollywood icons, emerging artists and audiences together to experience global cinema in the movie capital of the world. Closes in 2023 with Bradley Cooper's MAESTRO

BURBANK: The CTN Animation eXpo Nov 16-19, 2023
Burbank Airport Marriott Convention
2500 North Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA
ctnexpo.com
Creative Talent Network eXpo brings together a hand picked group of vendors, artists, studios, and schools to connect, educate, share, celebrate, and explore the possibilities of the community and the industry.

CHICO: Animation Chico  October 21, 2023, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
$5-up, animationchico.com
Chico Theater Company
166 E Eaton Rd # F
Chico, CA 95973
Animated films from established and upcoming artists from around the world showcasing the latest techniques in animation and innovations in technology, combined with compelling and entertaining storytelling.

VENICE: Garifuna Film Festival November 2023 expected date
November 2023 California.
Electric Lodge Theater
1416 Electric Avenue
Venice CA 90291
garifunafilmfestival.com
Celebrating Garifuna, Caribbean and indigenous cultures from around the world!

NORTH LAKE TAHOE: Tahoe Film Fest November 30-December 3, 2023
tahoefilmfest.org
Important environmental films showcase and celebrate the efforts of everyone who helps to maintain the beauty of such a pristine lake and its surroundings.

SACRAMENTO: Sacramento International Film Festival August 18-20, 2023
sacramentofilmfestival.com
Sacramento Film Festival is produced under the umbrella of the California Film Foundation.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD: (San Fernando) Valley Film Festival August 1-8, 2023
valleyfilmfest.com
Laemmle NoHo7, in the heart of NoHo, on Lankershim Blvd.

LOS ANGELES: Lift-Off Film Festival July 31-August 28, 2023
liftoff.network/ los-angeles-lift-off-film-festival-2023/
Streaming video on demand platform

LOS ANGELES: Silicon Beach Film Festival September 7-15, 2023
Cinemark 18 and XD Playa Vista
6081 Center Dr HHLA Howard Hughes Center
12746 West Jefferson Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90094
siliconbeachff.com
Silicon Beach Film Festival is a three year Independent film festival located on the west side of Los Angeles. The festival focus on promoting independent filmmakers from around the world and features shorts, features and documentary's. The festival also focus on technology and film highlighting innovative app's and tech companies. Silicon Beach is home to film studios and tech giants such as Google, Youtube, Snap, Sony and many others.

SAN DIEGO: Filmout San Diego LGBT Film Shorts September 7-10, 2023
filmoutsandiego.com
Celebrate the year's best films relevant to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In addition to film screenings, the festival features special appearances by filmmakers and actors. Screenings are held at the Observatory North Park, a historic theater in the heart of one of San Diego's trendiest neighborhoods.

VENICE: Fine Arts Film Festival June 10, 2023
FAFF
fineartsfilmfestival.com
Showing the finest films in the world about art, photography, collectors and artists of all mediums in and out of their studios, galleries, museums, public art, and alternative art spaces. This includes video art, curated as a Film or a Virtual Reality medium.

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Black Film Festival June 15-18, 2023
sfbff.org
San Francisco, California
African films only -- films shot in Africa. Experimental, Feature, Multimedia, Music Video, Narrative Fiction, New Media / Web, Short, Television Festival Dates

LOS ANGELES: Greek Film Festival June 1-9, 2024
Regal LA Live
Los Angeles, CA 
lagff.org
Los Angeles Greek Film Festival showcases cinema from Greece and filmmakers of Greek descent.

HOLLYWOOD: Cinecon Classic Film Festival August 31-September 4, 2023
Old Town Music Hall
140 Richmond St.
El Segundo, CA
$, cinecon.org
Cinephiles (archivists, authors, collectors and film fans,) gather over Labor Day Weekend to celebrate five days of classic film screenings, special programs, celebrity guests, and the best movie memorabilia show in the nation. Cinecon is dedicated to showcasing unusual films that are rarely given public screenings. 

VACAVILLE: Ag Art Film Festival September 13-17, 2023
agandartfilmfestival.com
Celebrate some of the things in life that nourish us: agriculture & art - through cinema. The Ag & Art Film Festival supports small farms and farmers and the humane treatment of all living beings - including farm animals.

 

LOS ANGELES: Global Film Festival Awards January 6past
Ongoing monthly competitions and awards with Best of the Year selections, as well.
 gffawards.com
The GFFA Public Event in Los Angeles celebrates the  Best of Year competitions. Winners have the opportunity to meet with other artists, producers, managers, and agents.

SAN DIEGO: Jewish Film Festival February 13-23past
sdcjc.org/sdjff/
Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
Jacobs Familly Campus
La Jolla, CA
Celebrating 30 years.

BALDWIN HILLS: Pan African Film Festival February 11-23past
$, paff.org
Billed as the Largest Black Film Festival in America, this event features African American actors, filmmakers and films. A cultural journey.

HOLLYWOOD: Reel Independent Film Festival February 12-24past
LA Live
Los Angeles, CA
hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com
Hollywood Reel Independent Film Fest (HRIFF) is a high-profile event with well known actors and producers participating and submitting their original works.

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco International Jewish Film Festival February 24-29, 2024
eastbayjewishfilm.org
Catch films in Bulgarian, Farsi, French, German, Hebrew, Spanish and English.

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Huntington Beach Film Festival
hbfilmfest.com
A film festival for independent filmmakers and screenwriters, and one of MovieMaker Magazine's 20 Festivals worth the entry fee, the Huntington Beach Film Festival features award winning movies and screenplays, industry speakers, special guests, a professional panel of jury members and screeners, volunteer opportunities, and scores of excited attendees.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA: Inland Empire Film Festival  Solamonte Theaters
9200 Milliken Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
walkerentertainera.wixsite.com
Starting this year in addition to its short film screenings the Inland Empire Film Festival (IEFF) screens five IEFF judge selected Top Music Video award finalist - ietmv.com

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Berlin Beyond Film Festival February 7-13past
berlinbeyond.org | goethe.de/
The annual Berlin & Beyond Film Festival at the Castro Theatre, a presentation of the Goethe-Institut San Francisco, is America's premier festival of new cinema from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Since 1996 over 500 films have been presented to 100,000+ people.

 

HOLLYWOOD: Hollywood Comedy Shorts April 23-26past
TCL Chinese 6 Theatre
6801 Hollywood Blvd
3rd Level
Hollywood, CA 90028
hollywoodcomedyshortsfilmfest.com

SAN DIEGO: iVIE Awards & Student Film Festival 
2921 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92104
ivieawards.org
Innovative Video in Education (iVIE) Awards & Student Film Festival is a K-12 student video competition and festival conceived to encourage and reward teachers who utilize video as a project based learning tool in their classroom, and students who use film and visual literacy to demonstrate their understanding of classroom concepts.

LOS ANGELES: Comedy Screenplay Festival August 28past
Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 14
1000 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90015
festivalforcomedy.com
Billed as the #1 Comedy Festival and Contest in the World, the event offers screenwriters, novelists and storytellers at all levels fantastic opportunities and honest feedback.

LOS ANGELES: Concrete Dream Film Festival June
Revive Theater 
12420 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90025
concretedreamfilmfestival.wordpress.com
The festival program consists of arthouse, avant-garde, and experimental films incorporating components of film installation, on-line streaming, and live and in-person film projection onto the screen in the arthouse theatre.

LOS ANGELES: Universe Multicultural Film Festival June
James Bridges Theater - Los Angeles CA corner of Sunset Blvd & Hilgard Ave, 235 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90095 at UCLA. UMFF features  100+ films from 30+ countries, 5 industry panels, film market, opening gala, reception night and red carpet award ceremony. 9th Annual festival merges story & technology for the globe.   NewMediaFilmFestival.com

PASADENA: Old Pasadena Summer Cinema July 
oldpasadena.org

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Jewish Film Festival July 18-August 4past
jfi.org/
Dramatic and documentary features, television and web series, experimental and animated features and shorts about Jewish history, culture, and identity.
Festival Dates & Venues
July 19-29 Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., San Francisco
July 26-August 2  Albany Twin Cinemas, 1115 Solano Ave., Albany
July 21-26 CineArts at Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
Aug.2-5 Piedmont Theatre, 4186 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland
Aug.2-5 Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael

LA JOLLA: Fashion Film Festival July 26-27past
By invitation, ljfff.com
First fashion film festival in North America. The best from the fashion film art movement worldwide.

SACRAMENTO: Sacramento Japanese Film Festival July 19-21past
sacjapanesefilmfestival.net
Crest Theatre
1013 K Street
Sacramento, CA 

BIG SUR: Big Sur International Short Film Festival taking year off. Back in ??
Location: MIIS - Irvine Auditorium, Monterey, CA. bigsurfilm.org   

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) July 31-August 4past
TCLChinese 6 Theatres
6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Third Level
Hollywood, CA 90028
$10 screenings | $20-350 passes and parties, latinofilm.org
Co-founded by actor Edward James Olmos, the festival opens with the Los Angeles premiere of Cristina Ibarra and Alex Rivera's The Infiltrators,  among 15 features (including 10 directed by women and 3 World Premieres), 17 shorts, five episodics, two special events and two Latinx podcasts. La Mera Candelaria and Sizzle Fantastic are among  music performances nightly at the Roosevelt Theatre in the Hollywood.

JOSHUA TREE: Time Lapse Film Festival August 3past
The Premiere Event for TImelapse Filmmakers - Worldwide Joshua Tree Retreat Center 59700 29 Palms Highway Joshua Tree, California.
$15, timelapsefilmfestival.com

HOLLYWOOD: Hollywood Shorts Film Festival August 8-17past
hollyshorts.com
Usually shown at:
TCL Chinese 6 Theaters
Hollywood, CA

LOS ANGELES: LGBT Los Angeles Film Festival August 8past
Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 14
1000 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90015
lgbtlosangelesfilmfestival.com
An extension to the popular LGBT Festival in Toronto is designed to showcase the best of LGBT stories from around the world.

SAN FRANCISCO EAST BAY: California Independent Film Festival November 9-16, 2023
caiff.org
held in Morinda, Moraga, East Bay area of San Francisco at historic Orinda Theatre, Rheem Theatre and the Castro Theatre.  

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.