The California Women’s Film Festival is deeply honored to celebrate women filmmakers, artists and writers by providing a showcase and networking forum in the heart of Hollywood.

The CWFF understands how important it is to hear and see the educated, entertaining and diverse stories of women from around the globe. We provide a platform so these voices can be heard and shared with audiences that want to be inspired. The California Women’s Film Festival accepts all projects that has at least one woman in one of the key production positions: (Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, Lead Actress, Etc......). Projects that are produced and/or directed by men are accepted as long as there is a lead female protagonist and/or the story is based around women. The California Women's Film Festival operates as a biannual event. Our Winter season will be held in January and our Summer season will be held in July.

Best Director
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actress
Best Actor

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Documentary
Best Student Film
Best Foreign Film
Best Animation
Best Music Video
Best Experimental Film
Best Short Screenplay
Best Feature Screenplay

Audience Award 1st, 2nd & 3rd

California Women's Film Festival General Rules
-Projects must have at least one woman in one of the key production positions: (Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Lead Actress, Etc......).
-Projects that are produced and/or directed by men are accepted as long as there is a lead female protagonist and/or the story is based around women.
-All genres are accepted.
-Works in progress should be clearly marked on the screening copy.
-Submissions in languages other than English must be subtitled or
dubbed.
-The entry fee is per category.
-Entry fee is non-refundable.
-Fee waivers are not available.
-DVDs must clearly be labeled with FilmFreeway tracking ID and contact
info.
-Our Festival will consist of Award presentations, red carpet photos,
-screenings and Q&A sessions.
-For more information please contact us at info@calwomensfest.com
-Please do not send paper press kits with your screener unless requested.
-DVDs will not be returned.

I agree to the terms outlined in the General Festival Rules for the California Women's Film Festival. The California Women's Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. 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. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless California Women's Film Festival 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
  • Chloe Owens

    Such a nice experience to be around women filmmakers. We were in an amazing film block. Thank you for choosing W.I.L.S.D.M as Best Short Film! The trophy is gorgeous, we really appreciate it!

    January 2024
  • The screenings and award presentations were great experiences. I felt special and love the beautiful trophy I received.

    January 2024
  • Barry Samson

    What an excellent Festival! Great Vibe! Great Audiences! Fantastic Live Screening and Panel Discussion! We are so proud that our film "Cats and Husbands" Won the 1st Place Audience Award! The California Women's Film Festival is an excellent experience not to be missed!

    January 2024
  • Ayelette Robinson

    Wow! What a gem of a festival. Fantastic films (loved every one), fantastic moderation, warm and supportive vibe, and perfect location. Will definitely attend again.

    January 2024
  • Cathy Cahlin Ryan

    A wonderful experience all around. An honor to be part of this festival, it was professionally run and a lot of fun. The company of films in the block that mine was in was very very strong. Great job to all.

    January 2024