The mission of the Awareness Film Festival is bringing awareness and to open eyes to some of our world's pressing issues: Ecological, Political, Health/Well Being and the Spirit. We showcase both Documentary and Narrative Features, as well as Short Films, Music Videos and Public Service Announcements.​ We have filmmaker Q&A's, filmmaker Panels, as well as conscious art and music.​​​​​
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The Awareness Film Festival was formed by Heal One World, a non-profit charity. This Festival is also a fundraiser for Heal One World​​. Any net profits from this event will go completely to charity, including our partner organizations.

Grand Jury and Audience Awards in Each Category, Special Jury Awards

1) All screening submissions must be online submission, some exceptions made for discs must be region one (1) or region zero (0) encoded and in NTSC format, or Windows Media, Quicktime or MPEG. If possible, send in two copies of your film if submitted on DVD. If not, the Awareness Film Festival/Heal One World will duplicate up to two additional copies of your screener for JUDGING PURPOSES only. 2) Payments made by check for entry fees must be made out to the Heal One World. 3) Please be sure to send your screener in as soon as possible, but always before the postmark deadline shown on your entry confirmation. Late submissions received after the postmark deadline will be assessed a late submission fee of $15.00 unless waived by the programming director. 4) All entry fees paid are non refundable. Checks returned due to NSF will be assessed a $35.00 return check fee and may be assigned to collections 5) Please do not send any promotional materials including press released or postcards. Your film is judged by its quality and your filmmaking abilities, not promotional materials. Press kits are required after acceptance only. 6) Please be sure to enter under the correct category. Features (feature categories Green! Stayin' Alive, Spirit, Obamanation, Finding Justice) Short-All Genre's Narrative, Music Videos, Student film-All genres, Documentary (feature categories Green! Stayin' Alive, Spirit, Obamanation, Finding Justice) Short-All Genre's Documentary. 7) There are no restrictions on distribution status. There are no requirements or restrictions for premiere status to submit to the festival. We welcome all films and genres. Films with mature content must indicate such on the DVD. Pornography is not permitted under any circumstance; there is a difference between art and pornography. The festival's management has the final say in what is considered inappropriate material. 8) All submission screeners must go through a screening process to qualify for selection. After completing the screening process notification of acceptance will be sent out by email 9) The festival will accept works in progress but the final screener must be received by the festival 30 days prior to the festival should you be selected. 10) As films are selected they are notified of selection and sent to programming for inclusion into the festival film schedule. Filmmakers are notified in the order of selection and not submission dates. Please be patient as your film goes through our screening process. We are unable to reply to emails asking if your film has been selected or where it is in the screening process. 11) The official exhibition formats for the festival are Blu-Ray and DCP. Any filmmakers wishing to have their film projected in another format other than stated must provide their own equipment at their expense during their screening, and accept all liability for such use and rental. Filmmaker provided equipment will be removed at the end of their screening and returned to the filmmaker. 12) After a film has been selected and the filmmaker is notified, the film will be listed on the festival web site under official selections. Once you are notified please send us by email a promotional photo in JPEG format only and a 25 word film synopsis for inclusion on the festivals web site, additionally, we will require several synopsis of varying lengths. You may also send a web page link to your films web site which will be linked from ours. 13) Filmmakers are responsible for the shipping of all collateral to the festival, and if so desired the return or forward shipping of the collateral after the festival. 14) Remember the promotional picture and synopsis you send us will also be used in the festivals official program. If you do not supply a 25 word synopsis your program listing will only show your title and promotional picture. 15) All entered films grant Awareness Film Festival/Heal One Worl da non exclusive limited use agreement to use film titles or trailers or film posters for festival and film promotional use only including online, print or broadcast media to promote the festival and selected films to the industry and general public. Filmmakers fully retain all rights, title and interest in their films and all intellectual Property. 16) Official selection films must provide their final exhibition copy to the festival programming department 15 days prior to the festival. This copy CANNOT BE a file, only DCP on a drive , or with exception, a BluRay disc (2 copies). 17) All selected filmmakers can possibly be provided a 5 minute projection and sound test the day of their screening at the theater prior to the first screenings of the day. We are unable to do screen or sound tests during the festivals open screening times or between screenings. 18) Please direct all questions or requests to the festival staff. Do not contact the venue directly as they are unable to reply to your requests and are not authorized to accept requests or make decisions, or provide venue information in regards to Awareness Film Festival/Heal One World. 19) Awareness Film Festival/Heal One World does not accept films with screening fees. 20) Awareness Film Festival/Heal One World is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. It also allows for the films to be used for their monthly screening series or special touring series in any year or month. Festival will retain one copy of film collateral for screening series exhibition. 21) The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. 22) The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Awareness Film Festival/Heal One World from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dorna Van Rouveroy van Nieuwaal

    Receiving an honorable mention for "Finding Enok" at the Awareness Film Festival is a profound honor, showcasing our commitment to creating films that go beyond entertainment to provoke thought and inspire change. This festival's dedication to illuminating societal issues through the lens of global independent filmmakers aligns perfectly with our mission. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to contribute to raising awareness on critical issues through the power of cinema.

    February 2024
  • Alessandra Carlino

    We were thrilled our documentary short on homelessness, Going Home was selected for this important festival. We screened at LA Regal Live in DTLA and cast, crew and friends attended. Everyone had a great time. Thank you for the wonderful experience and connections!

    November 2023
  • Thanks so much to everyone involved with the Awareness Festival. It was an honour to be selected! I think a great festival for all independent filmmakers with a message to share to consider submitting their films. my best, Dan Sanguineti

    October 2023
  • STEVE FIRKINS

    The organizer of the festival, Heal One World, is a worthy cause to support!

    October 2023
  • The Awareness Film Festival is an important and uncensored collective voice for the betterment of our global pluralistic societies and all of humanity...

    October 2023