WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD
Step into the heart of Hollywood and experience a film festival built for true storytellers. The Hollywood Indie Festival is more than a showcase-it's a celebration of bold vision, creative risk, and the independent spirit that drives cinema forward.

WHY HOLLYWOOD INDIE FESTIVAL STANDS OUT
- A Stage for Unfiltered Creativity: We champion films that dare to be different. Here, creative freedom is paramount-no formulas, no studio mandates, just your authentic voice on the big screen.
- Diverse Programming: From narrative features and documentaries to animation, genre films, and experimental shorts, our lineup reflects the full spectrum of independent filmmaking. Every story, perspective, and style is welcome.
- Real Industry Connections: The festival is a hub for networking, bringing together filmmakers, producers, distributors, and film fans. Our panels, Q&As, and social events are designed to spark collaboration and career opportunities.
- Spotlight on Emerging Talent: We believe in discovering and nurturing new voices. Whether you’re a first-time director or a seasoned indie veteran, this is your platform to be seen and heard.

THE EXECUTIVES WATCHING YOUR FILM
We don't use interns to screen your life's work. If you submit a film, it will be evaluated by:
An Executive Producer with 4 EMMY® Awards
An Emmy-Nominated Producer who has developed projects for FOX, Disney, and HBO
An EMMY® Award-Winning Director whose indie work is currently on HBO and PBS
A working SAG-AFTRA Actor and MFA Director

THE WRITERS READING YOUR SCRIPT
We know how frustrating it is to send scripts into the void. Your screenplay will be read by:
A working screenwriter recognized by the Austin Film Festival
A Bestselling Author and practicing attorney

THE EXPOSURE YOU NEED
A festival should be a launchpad. Beyond our live events, networking hubs, and Q&As, all Official Selections are actively promoted across our industry channels to extend your reach to distributors and producers. Whether you’re a first-time director or a seasoned indie veteran, this is your platform to be seen and heard.

You did the hard part. Let us help with the rest. Submit your project today.

Awards & Prizes

Judging Statuses at Hollywood Indie Festival

To ensure transparency and recognition at every stage of our competition, we use the following judging statuses:
• Semi-Finalist
Projects that impressed our jury and stood out in the first round of evaluations. These works are officially recognized but will not be screened at the festival.
• Official Selection
The films and screenplays chosen by our jury to be part of the festival. Official Selections will be screened at our online screening event and are eligible for awards.
• Award Winner
From the Official Selections, our jury will choose the winners in each category. Award Winners receive laurels, a diploma, and festival recognition.

Please note: Only the projects from our main categories will be announced during our online event.
All other recognitions (Semi-Finalists, Official Selections in side categories, and Honorable Mentions) will be published on our official website.

Awards & Prizes:
LIST OF MAIN CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED AT THE EVENT
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Indie Feature (Low-budget)
Best Indie Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Student Film
Best Music Video
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay

Rules & Terms

1. All films not in English must include English subtitles.

2. Short films must not exceed 35 minutes.

3. We accept multiple submissions from the same filmmaker or submitter.

4. Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring that their video files play correctly and, if required, have proper English subtitles. If a film cannot be viewed or is incomplete at the time of judging, it will be automatically disqualified without a refund. Please contact us promptly if you experience any issues with your submission, we’re here to help.

5. All submitted films must be the original work of the entrant and must not infringe on any copyrights or rights of third parties. Filmmakers must have secured all necessary permissions for music, sound, images, and any other copyrighted material included in their film.

6. The decision of the selection committee is final.

7. By submitting, you grant us the right to screen your film at our live event and, under special circumstances, at an online screening.

8. We reserve the right to not screen every nominated film and to adjust the final screening lineup at our discretion.

9. We reserve the right to change, reschedule, or cancel festival dates, venues, award categories, and program details as necessary.

10. Refunds are generally not available after the notification day. Any refund requests will be considered individually.

11. By submitting, you agree to our terms and conditions and consent to receiving festival news, marketing updates, and special offers via email. Your personal information will never be sold to third parties.
44 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Networking
  • Jeremy Hunter

    Hollywood Indie Festival has been one of the most rewarding festival experiences of my writing journey. My television pilot, Prairie Thunder, was honored in April of 2026 as a Semi-Finalist, and throughout the process I found the festival team to be professional, supportive, and genuinely passionate about celebrating independent storytellers.

    What made the experience especially meaningful was the personal and unexpected invitation I later received to join the festival's International Jury. It was an unexpected honor and one that speaks volumes about the character of the people behind the festival. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming and collaborative creative community is evident in everything they do.

    I am grateful for the recognition Prairie Thunder received and look forward to helping celebrate the work of talented filmmakers and writers from around the world in my new role as a jury member.

    Jeremy Hunter

    Writer, Prairie Thunder

    International Jury Member

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Cathy Brown

    Thank you so much for choosing my emotional and powerful documentary Raksha Girls to be a winner for one of your prestigious awards. Recognition means the World to us, especially that a getting such an important message out there.

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • patricia planck

    I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful for the extraordinary cooperation, dedication, and passion that so many have poured into this festival. In a moment when our industry is searching for new footing, new vision, and new pathways forward, what you are building is far more than an event—it is a vital force for artists everywhere.

    The commitment to championing meaningful storytelling, not only here in the United States but across the global stage, speaks to something rare and deeply important. You are creating opportunities for voices to be heard, for cultures to connect, and for stories that matter to rise above the noise.

    History in this industry has always been shaped by those willing to believe in creativity during uncertain times. I truly believe your efforts are part of that legacy. What you are doing matters, and its impact will be felt far beyond this moment.

    Patricia Pland

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Patricia,

    We are deeply moved and profoundly humbled by your beautiful words. Reading a reflection like yours is a powerful reminder of exactly why we built the Hollywood Indie Festival, and it truly serves as an inspiration for our entire team.

    You hit on something incredibly vital—our industry is in a moment of transition, and we firmly believe that independent, raw, and authentic storytelling is exactly what will map out the new pathways forward. To know that you feel that dedication, passion, and global focus in the space we are creating is the ultimate validation for us.

    Your perspective on the legacy of independent cinema means the world to us. Thank you for trusting us with your voice, for being such a crucial part of this community, and for believing in the impact of what we are building together here in Hollywood.

  • Sara Demers

    I believe it is a scam. No in-person screening. They even asked me to pay for my ''diploma''.

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Elizabeth Avalos Castillo

    Thank you.

    Gracias por la oportunidad, me ha sido muy placentero participar y que me otorguen la posibilidad de creer en mi trabajo.

    May 2026
    Helpful