Everywhere around the world, Chinatown has been a place where anyone, no matter who they are, can rediscover the gems of Asia through its people, cultural heritage, food and festive events.

Here at Chinatown Film Festival, we aim to celebrate the vibrant history of Asian cinema as well as discover emerging talents in the contemporary landscape of filmmaking around the globe.

Chinatown Film Festival is a Los Angeles based film organization. We focus on independent, no low-budget filmmaking with originality, showcasing films and creative projects from auteur filmmakers, underrepresented voices and marginalized groups.

Our annual film festival has live screenings featuring filmmakers’ Q&As and an awards ceremony to help recognize the next generation of upcoming talents.

At Chinatown Film Festival, both the audience and filmmakers will have an opportunity to networking and connect with fellow industry professionals here in the heart of Hollywood.

We look forward to celebrating films from all over the world!

Special awards

🏮Legendary Dragon Award (Lifetime Achievement)

🏮Golden Dragon Award (Best Picture)

🏮Best Director Award

🏮Independent Spirit Award

🏮Certificates of Recognition in different genres and categories

Best Narrative Short
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Foreign Short
Best Foreign Feature
Best First Short
Best First Feature
Best Student film
Best Video Art
Best Experimental Film
Best Animation
Best LGBTQIA+ Film
Best Arthouse Film
Best Music Video
Best Dance Film
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Thriller
Best Horror
Best Sci-fi
Best Fantasy
Best Action
Best Scripts/Plays
Best Trailer
Best New Media/Web Series

Chinatown Film Festival PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT:

Submissions of artists’ and independent film from any part of the world are welcome.

Works-in-progress will be considered, provided they will be completed prior to the Festival.

We place no restrictions on your work in terms of premiere status or whether your work has been made available online.

Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker and each entry may be entered in multiple categories.

The participant represents and warrants that she/he/they has full legal right and authority to submit the film/video project for consideration by Chinatown Film Festival. Filmmakers are responsible for the copyright of their own materials.

Films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English.

By submitting your film, you allow Chinatown Film Festival to use parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster/stills) for promotional purpose.

Please do NOT send physical DVDS to us, unless we specifically request from you. Please use this platform to submit all needed materials we need to showcase and promote your film.

Entry fees are non-refundable. 

LIABILITY

The participant agrees to hold Chinatown Film Festival and its sponsors harmless in any and all matters pertaining to the consents, licenses, and approvals of the film/video project. The participant understands that her/his/their submissions are in no way a guarantee of acceptance into Chinatown Film Festival.

You (The participant) agree to indemnify us (Chinatown Film Festival) and hold us and our employees,  juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, owners, affiliates, and partners harmless from all claims and liability associated with your participation or entry to Chinatown Film Festival.

Although every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage to materials while in the possession of the festival, Chinatown Film Festival is not responsible should any materials be damaged while in transit to or from, or while in the possession of the festival.

The filmmaker certifies to have full rights. Producer will indemnify the organizers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

I (The participant) understand that there will be no financial or other remuneration for showcasing the film, either for initial or subsequent transmission or playback. 


I (The participant) represent that I am at least 18 years of age, have read and understand the foregoing statement, and am competent to execute this agreement.

Chinatown Film Festival reserves the right to update the festival’s terms and conditions at any time.

I (The participant) have read the terms and conditions appearing herein, and agrees, without exception, to all the terms and conditions stated above.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jonathan Chen

    My experience at the Chinatown Film Festival was a delight! The festival organizer, Yves, was warm and clearly did her research on the filmmakers, leading insightful Q&A sessions after each film was screened. The program was engaging and fascinating, with wonderful films of all different genres and I enjoyed connecting with the other filmmakers. The festival volunteers were also bright and welcoming, helping the event run smoothly. I highly recommend submitting your films to this festival and joining this community.

    March 2026
  • Richard Chan

    The Chinatown Film Festival was truly a heartfelt and meaningful experience. What stood out the most was the organizers’ genuine passion and deep sense of responsibility toward cultural preservation and storytelling. It didn’t feel like just another festival—it felt like a community carrying history, identity, and voice forward.
    The team was incredibly warm and attentive throughout the process. There is a certain sweetness and sincerity in how they engage with filmmakers, which made the entire experience feel personal rather than transactional.
    Curatorially, the selection reflects a refined and thoughtful taste. The films presented were not only diverse, but also carried a strong cultural and emotional depth, demonstrating a clear vision behind the programming.
    I’m also honored that my film was awarded Best Picture, which made this experience even more special and unforgettable. It’s encouraging to be recognized in a space that truly values cultural narratives and artistic integrity.
    Highly recommended for filmmakers who care about meaningful storytelling and authentic cultural dialogue.

    March 2026
  • Carol Hall

    I really enjoyed the festival. The warm welcome and atmosphere were conducive to networking. The lineup was diverse. Thank you for choosing The Jeweled Bird sizzle reel as Best Trailer and thanks to the audience for giving it the Audience Choice award.

    March 2026
  • Martyna Czaplak

    It was an absolute joy to attend this festival with our short doc, The Prop Master's Dream. The hosts put together a thoughtful program with filmmakers' Q/A and awards ceremony. The intimate setting allows for meeting the other participants and festival volunteers. I hope to see this festival grow and flourish! Thank you for selecting our film for Best Documentary Short and also for recognizing our director April Liu with the incredible Lifetime Achievement Award!

    March 2026
  • Kim Le

    So honored to have been invited to attend and he selected for an award. Chinatown Film Festival welcomed my family with such warmth and grace and truly showed how important community is to them with every action. Thank you!

    April 2025