Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival gives filmmakers the unique opportunity to build a buzz around their project along with making industry connections. We promote and market our event to studio executives, streaming services and film enthusiasts worldwide to get more eyes on your project. This years event will be held at the world famous Regal LA Live and is capped off with a red carpet awards event on the last day. Our panel of industry judges that have over a combined 40 years in the film industry will be critiquing and selecting our finalists. Our goal is to get your work in front of the people that can help take your project to the next level.

Live screening on May 2nd and 3rd, 2025 at the Regal L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles for the Finalists in ALL categories. Custom Awards for winners to be given out May 4th.

Award Categories for Short and Feature Films

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Web Series/Pilot
Best Actor/Actress
Best Director
Best Cinematographer
Best Supporting Actor/Actress
Best Sci-Fi
Best Romantic Film
Best Foreign Film
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Thriller
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best LGBTQ
Best Action Film

- If submitting one project to two categories PLEASE DO SEPARATE TRANSACTIONS. (FilmFreeway does not have the capability to update the status on just one category if it was submitted to more than one category in a single transaction.)
- Features are obligated to have a running time of 45 minutes or more to be eligible.
- Short films must be over 2 minutes and under 45 minutes of run time to be eligible.
- Films must have been completed on or after July 1, 2023.
- All genres are welcome
- Entry Fees are nonrefundable.
- Entries will not be considered without a paid Entry Fee.
- No Checks are accepted to pay submission fees. Online payments only, through FilmFreeway.com.
- Only online submissions are accepted.
- We accept short films from all regions. Non-English films must have English subtitles.
- Works-in-progress will be considered.
- We accept films shot in any format, however, submissions must be provided via online screener.
- If your film is selected we will ask you to email us still images and press kit.
- All films chosen as Finalists will grant BHIFF the nonexclusive right to screen them for the duration of the festival (May 1st - 4th) without any form compensation beyond the publicity and recognition that that Finalist receives.
- (If cash is awarded) The cash awards that the Award Winners will receive are prizes for exceptional screenwriting. They are not and should not be considered compensation for the rights to webcast or broadcast the associated films.
- All films chosen as Official Selections and Award Winners will grant BHIFF the right to use clips/trailer for promotional purposes.
- For a complete list of rights granted to the Festival related to the screening and promotion of Official Selections, see the Terms and Conditions.
- Finalists will be notified on or before March 15th, 2024.
-BHIFF reserves the right to decline naming Official Selections and Award Winners if we do not receive enough submissions meeting our standards of storytelling or production value.

Terms & Conditions:
I understand and accept the Submission Requirements.

I warrant that I am authorized to commit the film for screening.

I warrant that I have signed releases from any people appearing in my film, and have the authority to use any copyrighted materials that appear in my film, including but not limited to music, images or footage.

If my film is chosen as an Official Selection, I hereby grant the Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival (the Festival) and its funders, creators, distributors, production companies and assigns, the rights to:

Screen my film at the designated hosting location for the duration of the festival (no more than 5 days), without any monetary compensation. During that time, I further grant the above entities the rights to:

- Promote, link to and embed my film trailer in the BHIFF’s web and social media platforms and any other platforms they so desire

- Affix to the head and tail of my film bumpers, not to exceed 6 seconds each, that announce my film as a Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival Official Selection or Award Winner, potentially including a link after the end credits to bhiff.org, and a logo bug in the corner of the frame throughout.

- Use an excerpt from my film not to exceed 30 seconds for a Festival trailer and/or other promotional purposes to promote the Festival and/or BHIFF, in perpetuity and universally.

- Release, publicize and promote my name, image or likeness in association with my film.

I will indemnify and hold harmless Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival, its creators, production companies, funders and assigns, 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, defamation or publicity related to the presentation, distribution or promotion of my film.

I understand that the BHIFF, its creators, production companies and associates, are constantly creating and producing films, and may have films in existence or in development for future production that may include ideas, images, themes, stories, treatments, interviewees or characters that appear in my film, or otherwise bear a strong resemblance to my film in some other way. I hereby agree that I am not entitled to any compensation in any form based on any similarities of such film content to my film, whether real or perceived.

I am at least 18 years of age, have read and understand the foregoing Terms and Conditions, and am competent to execute this agreement.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Loved it! great time thank you

    June 2024
  • Melissa Cupp

    Beyond Hollywood was the best festival experience! Between workshops and panels with well known actors and directors, and screening at the Regal LA Live, it was such a great opportunity as a filmmaker! See you next year!

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Millie, it was so great to have you apart of the festivities. Thank you for your kind words and we hope to have you back next year.

  • Zhuzha Akova

    "Being part of BHIFF was an exceptional experience. From outstanding hospitality to seamless communication, the festival exuded professionalism. The industry panels and guest speakers added immense value, enriching our journey as filmmakers. Winning for my short film 'Klara's Box' was a moment of immense gratitude, made even more special by the supportive and friendly atmosphere fostered by the incredible team. The awards ceremony was a true celebration of creativity and talent. Thank you, BHIFF, for a remarkable experience."

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Zhuzha, thank you so much for being apart of our festival. So excited to see what you come out with next.

  • Bilal Hussain

    Thank you for selecting my award-winning short screenplay Robbers In A Wheelchair. It was sad to know that my award-winning short film Where Did The Love Go was not selected although the festival it self had asked for it for the lineup.
    Good luck with the festival in the future.

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Bilal, thank you for your review. My apologies if you interpreted our first point of contact as an ask for a specific film. Our emails encourage filmmakers to submit their most recent project, but by no means do we guarantee a Finalist spot beforehand. It's just not how we do things. All submissions have to go through our rigorous judging process and unfortunately, your award winning short film didn't make the cut. I know not being selected is tough, but leaving a not so great review for a festival YOU DIDN'T EVEN ATTEND seems a bit rough. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.

  • Thank you for choosing My Favorite Narcissist as a finalist. I am honored to have my script recognized amongst such amazing scripts. I had a blast at the festival and I look forward to the next one.

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for submitting to our festival. We're glad you had a great time and we hope to see you in the future.