What's the DIFF?

It’s the DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF), but also a question many independent filmmakers will ask themselves as they browse and filter through dozens, if not hundreds, of festivals online — what makes DIFF stand out from the others?

Well, it starts with our brand — our name.

The way we see it, Leonardo da Vinci was the epitome of the divergent and creative mind— a luminary—and so we aim to recognize much of the same at our premier, boutique film festival. Creatives who break boundaries and draw us into new worlds.

Like many festivals, we set out to honor the best in independent cinema from around the world and do so by taking into account the full scope of creative integration in any given project. From performances to color correction; score to sound design, our Jury is tasked with assessing each film based on an overall cohesiveness as it relates to storytelling. In addition, DIFF shines a very important light on screenwriting through our sister brand, STORYLINE℠ with annual competitions, as well as an all-new Jr. Leo event at DaVinci Film Institute, produced by the company's 501(c) 3 the DaVinci Film Foundation Inc.

DaVinci's founder and the Board of Directors are intimately familiar with and appreciate the full cycle of, independent filmmaking and the demands therein. From the perils of financing, through the distribution of any given work — the process is often complex and unforgiving. Most of these creative projects can take a short lifetime to complete and whether or not any given work is showcased at DIFF, we encourage all to keep pressing forward. Persistence is key to success in this business.

FESTIVAL FORMAT:

DIFF qualifies Vitruvian Selections™ annually in narrative feature and short formats, documentary, animation, and screenwriting categories, who are then invited to screen at DIFF's live showcase event held annually in Los Angeles, California. Vitruvian Selections™ are in competition for the festival's Leo Award.

Projects will screen at our red carpet event for family, friends, and industry professionals, followed by filmmaker Q&A and a VIP After Party, where DIFF presents physical awards to the winners.

We understand you have many options in festivals, and we appreciate your interest in the DaVinci International Film Festival. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Experience the DIFF.

DaVinci International Film Festival
davincifilmfestival.com

Awards & Prizes

- VITRUVIAN SELECTION™
- LEO STATUE (Best of Fest: Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Screenwriting)
- CERTIFICATE & WINNERS LAUREL
- SPONSORS prize package / CloudSwag
- DIFF ALUMNI NETWORK

Rules & Terms

Entrants must fully comply with these Entry Rules & Regulations, including deadlines, film length, entry material(s), and accepting terms prior to submission, as well as those listed below. For STORYLINE (screenwriting) competition, please visit storyline.davincifilmfestival.com for a full list of rules and qualifications:

1. All non-English speaking films must be presented in their original version with English subtitles.
2. Short Film Entries should not exceed 40 minutes in duration including titles and credits.
3. Films previously entered into DIFF are not eligible for re-entry in subsequent years.
4. All submissions are screened and evaluated by the DIFF Preview and Selection Committee, appointed by the Festival Director. Their reports are final and confidential. Long and short format films that are received by DIFF and given Vitruvian Selection status, will be screened at our Live Event Showcase Event.
5. In the event of a film is withdrawn, DIFF will not refund or return any materials.
6. ONE ENTRY FEE PER CATEGORY. The same film can be entered into more and one category, but each category requires a separate entry fee. If the filmmaker chooses to enter more than one category with the same film, please add an incremental numerical addendum in brackets after the title; i.e. "Film Title" (1), "Film Title" (2), etc. as the system requires this differentiation in the case of multiple entries with the same title.
7. Student filmmakers are encouraged to apply but must present their valid Student ID in order to benefit from DIFF's student discount. Enrolled High School students are encouraged to apply through the DaVinci Film Institute.
8. All entries should be submitted via the FilmFreeway.com portal. Please DO NOT send us any material unless requested.
9. Unfortunately, we DO NOT accept works in progress at this time.
10. Unscripted entries must first accept DIFF submission Policy prior to entry. Please visit https://davincifilmfestival.com/release-form/ NO EXCEPTIONS. Once the Release Form is submitted, an email will be sent directly with a password to continue your submission.
11. STORYLINE (screenwriting) competition series must review eligibility and rules at storyline.davincifilmfestival.com prior to submission.
12. DIFF DOES NOT OFFER ANY WAIVERS OR REFUNDS

Thank you and good luck!
45 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dennis Ford

    We were treated exceptionally well at the DaVinci film festival by Chadwick and Holly. They provide phenomenal support for independent filmmakers. It was a real pleasure to show our film, Firestorm ‘77: The True Story of the Honda Canyon Fire. A highly recommended festival and a great experience.

    September 2022
    Helpful
  • Ari Frenkel

    Awesome festival - supportive, professional, with a great eye for quality filmmakers. Was so fun to see my film screened at the Grove. Will definitely submit again!

    September 2022
    Helpful
  • Tony Lugo

    Love this festival! Will be submitting again!

    December 2021
    Helpful
  • Pacha Movie

    Wonderful festival. Heartfelt communication and live screening. We are so glad that our film "PACHA" has been selected

    October 2021
    Helpful
  • Adam Crow

    DaVinci International Film Festival is fantastic filmmakers supporting filmmakers - an amazing event; it is an honour to be part of it. This festival makes you feel special, and empowers you to want to do more! My first short film screened at DaVinci, and they embraced and supported my first feature film too! It was like coming home.

    October 2021
    Helpful