2026 ESMoA Video Art + Film Festival: FREEDOM

The ESMoA Video Art + Film Festival (EVAFF) is a free annual international festival organized by the Experimentally Structured Museum of Art (ESMoA) in Lawndale, California. Founded in 2017, the festival is open to filmmakers of all ages and experience levels.

Each edition is built around a specific theme and features 60-second works across categories such as animation, video art, and short film. The festival follows a hybrid format: selected videos are first screened online—where audiences can vote for their favorite—and are later presented in person at ESMoA.

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The 2026 EVAFF theme is FREEDOM.

Make a 60 seconds film and submit it to the ESMoA Video Art + Film Festival: FREEDOM! Deadline for submissions is Friday, July 10 2026 at 5pm PST.

Films will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will decide which films will be featured at the virtual screening event on the ESMoA website and at the in-person screening at ESMoA between September 21 and 26 September 2026.

Films will be judged on the following criteria:

Creativity & Originality - Does the film exhibit originality? Does the film use imaginative and creative ways to convey the theme?

Message - Is the message clear and directly related to the theme of "freedom"?

Technique - This criterion can be defined broadly by the use of audio, visuals, and technical skills.

Engagement - Does this entry stimulate thoughts and ideas? Does the film provoke an emotional response?

The jury panel will vote for Film Favorite, Animation Favorite, and Video Art Favorite. Virtual Festival Attendees will vote for the Audience Favorite Award. Awards will be announced on the ESMoA website and Social Media at the end of the screening. All ages are welcome to submit a film to esmoafilmfestival@artlab21.org.