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
  • Chance Calloway

    I was surprised at how wonderful this festival turned out to be. It was fun, invigorating, and COZY. Every film I saw impacted me on an intimate level, and having the filmmakers present to speak after each screening truly took the experience to the next level.

    August 2024
  • Eye Steel Film Distribution Inc.

    Thank you Chinatown Film Festival for recognizing our film and additionally it's amazing Director Karen Cho! Thank you for the Legendary Dragon - Lifetime Achievement Award and award for Best Documentary Feature.

    July 2024
  • Julie Huang

    Attending the Film Festival was an amazing and touching experience. My short screenplay, titled “Chinatown’s Got Game: the Insanity of Jeremy Lin and MSG,” received the Best Documentary Screenplay award. It was a delight to connect with fellow filmmakers and writers and participate in the Chinatown Film Festival. Many thanks to Frank and Yves, the Festival directors, for their gracious hospitality.

    July 2024
  • Patricia Salier

    What a great, heartwarming Film Festival! We are honored our short film, "Special Arrangements," was screened in the intimate theatre setting of the Hudson Theatre in Hollywood. The Festival directors, Frank and Yves, are the warmest, most caring people. We are thrilled that "Special Arrangements" won Awards! What a privilege to be part of the Chinatown Film Festival!!!!

    July 2024
  • Daniel Xue

    Great experience, so grateful that I was included in this festival! Although small in scale, everything was well organized, the judges and hosts were nice, and I got to see many unique films that I could not have found elsewhere. I also met and connected with the talented filmmakers that were part of this festival. So glad to have made the trip to attend the screenings

    July 2024