LAAF is LA's only International Animation Festival running since 2007. Previous guests and honorees have included Pixar Director Brad Bird, Sean Lennon (also Artistic Director), Bill Plympton, ‎Peter Chung, Chris Prynoski, Tom Kenny, Jerry Beck and the late great Will Vinton. Panels have featured many celebrated animation directors, designers and producers.

LAAF is the country's leading international animation festival since 2007 dedicated to helping indie and student filmmakers. In 2025 we'll be 18 years old! How time flies when you're having fun.

The aim of LAAF is in getting filmmakers together in-person, to celebrate their work and be able to network - with colleagues and industry insiders.

So we're now looking forward to more screenings, panels, celebrity guests, full bar, vendors and much more.

For the winners there'll be live music and complementary winners photo ops on the festival step and repeat.

Be safe and well.

The LAAF Team

WINNERS might share prizes, awards and benefits from our sponsors but that is not guaranteed - TBA.

WINNING features will be offered the opportunity of having their work distributed through FILMFEST DISTRIBUTION.

LOS ANGELES ANIMATION FESTIVAL (LAAF) rules are very basic but necessary. Please read all of the rules thoroughly before you enter.

1. Entry Rules
We accept ANY films, produced ANY year, in ANY category. No AI. Just human created animation.

Submit the film/screenplay digitally through FilmFreeway exclusively. You may have multiple entries. We do not offer a waiver fee. Entry fees are non-refundable. We do not return submission entries. All selections are final.

2. Subtitles
Any foreign language films must have english subtitles.

3. Formats
For the selection process a digital screener must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Screenplays must be submitted as a digital PDF via FilmFreeway.

4. Publicity
We reserve the right to use extracts from submissions for festival publicity and marketing purposes.

5. Legal Terms & Conditions

Entrant warrants that they have the full & uncontested legal right (incl. full rights to the use of the film’s music) to enter their film/screenplay work to LAAF and that the said work is not subject to nor threatened by any litigation.

Entrant holds LAAF its owners, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry. Entrants agree to defend and indemnify LAAF, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, consultants, volunteers, judges and agents against any and all claims, demands, actions, or lawsuits arising out of or related to the screening of the submitted film, performance of the music, or displaying of the art.

LAAF has the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to change the festival date or location, if deemed necessary or unavoidable, to ensure a successful festival. In such a case the festival would continue as normal, just at another venue/date TBD or operate online-only if deemed necessary or unavoidable.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alyssa Stratton

    Warm, fun, and very rock and roll. This festival has as many good vibes as it does great films. It feels like a place where animation industry folks can submit their side projects for a creative rush.

    March 2026
  • I had a wonderful time. The hosts had a great presence and were very entertaining. Thank you for having me.

    January 2026
  • Janet Perlman

    This seems like a great festival with a lot of heart and a barrel of fun. I was able to attend briefly via zoom to receive my award for Best Experimental Comedy. I hope I will a chance to attend in person next time. Thank you!

    December 2025
  • It was an honor to be a part of LAAF! Everyone at the festival was so kind, and the selection of films was really fun. We will definitely be back, regardless of whether or not we have a film screening in it. The awards ceremony was a bit long, but the live music and heartfelt and comedic hosts more than made up for it. Thanks again for having us, we truly appreciate the opportunity!

    December 2025
  • We really appreciate that our music video "I've Been Told" received an honorable mention. Communication was always courteous and prompt. We're sorry we weren't able to attend in person but will keep LAAF on our list of festivals to follow!

    December 2025