Experimental Forum is an international film and video art festival showcasing experimental film and artists’ moving image from auteur filmmakers and innovative video artists from around the globe. Our aim is to provide a supportive platform for the exciting and challenging work that is outside the scope of mainstream film festivals and art galleries.

We welcome experimental cinema pieces (abstract, narrative or documentary), video art works, essay films, artists’ moving image and media art, as well as documentary and narrative films that seek to expand, redefine or reconfigure the means and ends of their respective fields. Experimental Forum exists to provide access to, and develop audiences for, artists’ moving image work and is committed to engaging local audiences with new and/or unheard voices in film.

We are particularly interested in works made by early stage filmmakers and artists whose work is underrepresented. We provide a collaborative platform for moving image works made for the gallery and for the cinema with the aim of building a community across disciplinary and institutional faultlines.

Best Experimental Feature
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Animation Feature
Best Experimental Short
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Animation Short
Best First Feature
Best First Short
Best Student Film
Best Screenplay
Best Video Art Film

Experimental Forum is now accepting entries for its 2025 edition festival. We are open to all kinds of experimental films including documentary, narrative, experimental, animation, video art and other genres in any language, from around the world.

We’re open to old or new work and we’re happy to accept work that has already screened at other festivals.

We recommend that non-English language films be subtitled in English.

By submitting, the filmmaker warrants that they are the rightful owner of the submission and do not violate or infringe on any trademark, trade name, copyright, literary, dramatic, musical, artistic or other intellectual property or personal rights.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Experimental Forum, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Experimental Forum is hereby granted the rights to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted for promotional purposes of the festival. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements, rules and regulations.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • João Vieira

    A beautiful hidden gem of the experimental circuit right in the heart of Los Angeles. I loved the passion for truly experimental filmmaking in the middle of the industry.

    August 2024
  • Adriana Lucia Guevara

    My friends and I flew in from New York to attend the 2024 Experimental Forum Film Festival and had an amazing time. Would 100% recommend.

    August 2024
  • Ian Charles Lister

    Excellent communication with a very welcome honorable mention for my film.

    June 2024
  • Ziyi Yuan

    A really great Experimental Film Festival. Everyone is really sweet and has a great amount of passion for film! It's a great experience for me!!! Thank you soooo much!

    July 2023
  • Kat Parker

    A wonderful event run by folks with enthusiasm, energy, and knowledge. I was delighted to participate in this film festival!

    July 2023