UPDATE: We have disabled International submissions at this time as we have received a far greater amount of films in this category than we're able to program. Still accepting all other submissions. Thank you.

PLEASE READ: Before submitting, please review the "Rules & Terms" section. We do four (4) cycles each year centered around cultural heritage. The purpose is to promote and celebrate various cultures. Please be certain your film is aligned with the theme/cycle you are submitting to. Films that are not theme appropriate will be disqualified. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH CYCLE:
Our MAY 2021 showcase will take place online and celebrates Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander cultures. Films may cover a range of genres but we prefer family friendly, educational, uplifting and inspiring selections. Submitted films highlighting these basic themes are strongly encouraged and preferred. We are also open to smart, "outside-the-box" thrillers that support the basic theme (but no horror slashers or gore, please).

NOTE: Recently, there has been an uptick of assault against Asians and Asian Americans in the United States. We are especially interested in films that address this issue or films that offer first-hand narrative or perspective on what it's like being Asian in America during this time.

DUE TO COVID-19 AND ONGOING EFFORTS TO PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING, WE WILL HOST SHOWCASE DATES ONLINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

OUR CITY:
Huntington Beach is a seaside city within Orange County in Southern California. Known for its beautiful beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing, it earned the nickname of Surf City USA. This event is sponsored by the Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force.

MISSION & BACKGROUND:
The Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force (HRTF) promotes and celebrates diversity in Huntington Beach through education and understanding. The Huntington Beach community-wide effort to promote human dignity is an important element in building a better community. In support of this mission, we are hosting cultural showcases throughout the year.

CULTURAL CINEMA SHOWCASE:
We host a series of cultural cinema showcases each year in celebration of Black History Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, National Hispanic - Latinx Heritage Month, and Native American - First Nations Heritage Month. Using the arts as a bridge, we curate and select a variety of films - narrative, documentary, animation, web/new media/experimental, shorts and super shorts (3 minutes or less) - to share with the local community.

Awards & Prizes

Award Laurels and announced on our website.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
1. All films must be produced, shot and/or completed AFTER Jan. 1, 2017.
2. You may not submit more than TWO films during a showcase cycle. If you submit more than two, the other films after the first two will be disqualified.
3. You may only submit in up to TWO categories. If you attempt to submit in more than two categories, all submissions will be disqualified.
3. If you previously submitted a film that was not selected, you may resubmit if it meets all of the submission guidelines of the current showcase cycle.
4. If your film previously screened in the showcase or received an Honorable Mention or award in any other category, you may NOT submit the same film again.

TIME LIMIT:
1. All film/video projects must be 20 minutes or less, TRT, including end credits.
2. Any submission over 20 minutes will be automatically disqualified.
3. The TRT (total run time) limits of all films include the complete end credits.

SUBTITLES:
1. If your film includes non-English language, please include subtitles within the film or an option to turn them on via other platforms.
2. Films without subtitles will be accepted but may not be ranked as high if the screeners are unable to understand the context.

ACCEPTABLE FORMATS/LINKS:
1. FilmFreeway, Vimeo, or YouTube. Any other format and the project will be labeled as "Incomplete."
2. After 2 or more days of being "Incomplete" the project may be disqualified.
3. If submitting a password-protected project, please be sure the password is correct. Projects with incorrect passwords may be disqualified.

ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH CYCLE:
Our MAY 2021 showcase will take place online and celebrates Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander cultures. Films may cover a range of genres but we prefer family friendly, educational, uplifting and inspiring selections. Submitted films highlighting these basic themes are strongly encouraged and preferred. We are also open to smart, "outside-the-box" thrillers that support the basic theme (but no horror slashers or gore, please).

NOTE: Recently, there has been an uptick of assault against Asians and Asian Americans in the United States. We are especially interested in films that address this issue or films that offer first-hand narrative or perspective on what it's like being Asian in America during this time.

All films must be submitted online via FilmFreeway. You may also submit links for Vimeo and YouTube where your projects are featured via FilmFreeway. However, please remember to include passwords, if necessary.

FORMATS & SELECTIONS:
Currently, we do not accept DCP formats. If your film is selected, you must allow us to download an MP4 file (1080 HD) or upload a digital file of your project (MP4 - 1080 HD), within 7 days. You will receive additional instructions from the showcase coordinators. Selected high-scoring submissions will have the opportunity to participate in a live, online panel to discuss their projects. If you film is selected for panel, additional information will be requested beforehand.

AUTHORIZATIONS:
By submitting a project to the Huntington Beach Cultural Cinema Showcase, the applicant confirms and warrants that s/he is entitled to submit the project to the Huntington Beach Cultural Cinema Showcase and has authorization and consent from the owners of copyright and related rights, any trademarked content and/or other subject matter of intellectual property on the content included within the submission. The Huntington Beach Cultural Cinema Showcase and all its affiliates, will not and cannot be held liable for any infringements.

Furthermore, by submitting to the HB Cultural Cinema Showcase the applicant guarantees that all rights are cleared, declares to be the owner of the rights in the work submitted and that he/she is authorized to grant rights of usage and/or to transfer it to third parties. PLEASE NOTE: If your film does not have proper releases and user rights, it may be disqualified.

HB Cultural Cinema Showcase, its representatives, authorized persons and/or employees shall not be held responsible for any unauthorized inclusion of any content that might be the basis for third parties’ claims.

The applicant shall protect and fully indemnify HB Cultural Cinema Showcase, all of its representatives, authorized persons and/or employees against all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses arising out of or in connection with claims by third parties in relation to the submission.

HB Cultural Cinema Showcase reserves the right to disqualify and exclude any film that is subject to third parties’ claims.

Please be advised, WE DO NOT PAY TO SHOWCASE, FEATURE OR SCREEN FILMS. If you have a distribution deal, by submitting to this showcase, you give us permission to display, broadcast, share, feature copyright protected content on our website and/or other online/streaming formats free of charge and without any claims of copyright or trademark infringement.
35 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lena Nozizwe

    Lovely event. Wish it were possible to network but alas COVID-19 makes that impossible.

    March 2021
    Helpful
  • Taylor Walker

    This was my first time having a film selected for this film festival. Despite the pandemic, HB Cultural Cinema Showcase made everything work. They continuously kept us updated on everything throughout.

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Taylor, thank you for your submitting AND DON'T FORGET I LOVE YOU. Well deserved High Honors for the Programmer's Selection!

  • Liesl Mulholland

    A wonderful experience and festival. I thoroughly enjoyed the panel discussion with some of the filmmakers and seeing the work of so many filmmakers on topics and subjects that are not usually mainstream. Well organised, great communication and I'd definitely recommend this festival for filmmakers to submit their work to, but also for everyone to attend. The virtual world is of course a different experience, and I look forward to when we can meet in person again. I'd definitely book a plane ticket to come to Huntington Beach Cultural Cinema Showcase.

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Liesl, thank you for gifting us with the beautiful, rich history of ARTIST IN THE BLACK: DUALING ROOTS!! We would book a flight to Canada to watch YOU film!! Looking forward to seeing what you create next.

  • Julie Boehm

    A very dedicated, great festival which I would recommend to anyone. Despite the difficult situation around Corona, the festival has set up a great live stream. The communication was always friendly and professional. A great programm with media support. Thank you very much for letting me be a part of your edition!

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Julie, thank you for your kind and thoughtful response. We were so blown away by UREKA and were thrilled to be able to chat with you. Continued success to you in all of your endeavors!!

  • Stacey Larkins

    Thank you for allowing my film to be a part of the showcase! I enjoyed the filmmaker panel, and listening to other filmmakers discuss their films and creative processes. V.C. Rhone did an awesome job moderating the panel with her insightful questions and comments.

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Stacey, congratulations on having two films selected for this showcase cycle. JABARI KEATING is a powerful and moving experience for all viewers!!