Since 1996, Cine Gear Expo has served film and video industry professionals by providing them the opportunity to see the newest, cutting-edge equipment; to learn about new production services; and, network with peers all within a comfortable studio lot environment. Cine Gear Expo is an acclaimed and well attended event attracting over 16,000 professionals from more than 60 countries each year in Los Angeles, California.

As we prepare for our 2026 event, we welcome filmmakers to submit their projects, with a focus on cinematography and craft, to our Film Series. Categories include Music Videos, Independent Short Films, and Student Films.

The Film Series at Cine Gear Expo is a great screening experience! We are one of the few festivals in the world to screen on a working film studio lot, and currently the only one in the heart of Hollywood. In addition to two badges, good for all screenings, selected projects will receive tickets to the VIP Party and awards ceremony, and a chance to take home amazing prize packages. For the chance to showcase your work to an audience of industry professionals, submit your film today.

Awards & Prizes

In 2025, our Jury Award wining films walked away with almost $16,000 USD in camera, lighting, gear, rentals, and servers generously sponsored by Blackmagic Design, DFI Rentals, Driving Plates, Tilta, Film Craft Studio Gear and many more. While our Audience Award winners received almost $2,000 USD in lighting and gear, from sponsors such as Nanlux/Nanlite and Fiilex to name a few.

All of our 2025 selected filmmakers received a free annual subscription to Scriptation, valued at $99 USD.

Please note: Filmmakers must be present to collect prize packages.

Rules & Terms

For Student Competition Only:
• You must be a currently registered student in order to submit your film/video and include an upload of your current Student ID card or proof of current registration. No Exceptions.
• If you are recently graduated (i.e., you graduated 2 years or less prior to screening) you must have been a student when the film was made.
• Students who began their project in school and have graduated but have not completed their project, must have completed the film within 6 months of graduation. Proof of registration or student ID required.

For All Categories:
• The applicable entry fee is nonrefundable.
• All filmmakers will be notified via email of acceptance. Please continuously check your SPAM folder as email from FilmFreeway will often go there.
• If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide a full EPK: B&W and color stills from the film; press materials; trailer or clip/teaser, and a digital poster.
• If your film is selected, film files will be due to our DCP partner, AutoDCP, no later than May 1, 2026
• The entrant will be responsible for all shipping fees.
• Titles produced in languages other than English must have legible English
subtitles.
• The selection committees’ and juries’ decisions are final.

Cine Gear Expo, Inc. reserves the right to make any necessary changes in
regulations or Film Series scheduling.

By submitting to The Film Series at Cine Gear Expo on FilmFreeway, you agree that you have read, understand, and accept our terms.

13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Michelle West

    Fantastic experience at Cine Gear! The award show was amazing networking under the clock from Back to the Future (!) and the expo itself was an absolute blast! Loved seeing our film on that gorgeous screen at Universal alongside so many other beautiful films - definitely a killer experience like no other!

    December 2025
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  • Andres Bernal

    Great experience, met a lot of amazing people, and got to check out the latest tech.

    June 2025
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  • Kirk Ryde

    A beautiful experience and an honor to be selected. The theater was top notch, the sound was fantastic, and the selection of films and music videos was inspiring, not to mention the VIP party that evening! Jeanette was a gracious host and the communication from festival staff was prompt and helpful. Couldn't ask for more. The Expo and Film Series combine to make the total experience really special. Thank you Tracey and team!

    June 2025
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  • Jennifer Marie

    This was my absolute fave experience! It was soooo wonderful! Thank you for having me and my team as part of the Film Series Competition, With the short film ‘The Ally’ the screenings and all the expo experiences was the best thing known!

    June 2025
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  • Will Maloney

    An incredible one-day festival within the CineGear Expo. A solid variety of short films, music videos, and commercials….all screened at the beautiful Steven Ross theater inside Warner Bros.

    Thank you Tracy and CineGear. Film Series should be on every filmmaker’s radar!

    June 2024
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