A film festival for visionaries and other weirdos.

Here at LBUFF we wanna take you on a journey - we want to show unique films in non-traditional venues and have a ton of fun doing it! While we don't have the glitz and glamour of the big name festivals, we have a commitment to our community and showing our filmmakers a good time in Long Beach!

Although we aim to specialize in experimental film, any film with indie spirit is welcome to submit. This is also a great festival for first time filmmakers and students.

On top of public screenings we will offer parties, workshops, a filmmaker's lounge and just an overall fun vibe.

Each entry, screened or not, will receive a real person response reviewing your film - not a form email. It's very possible your film is great but just not the right fit for our festival!

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email us @ LongBeachUndergroundFilmFest@gmail.com - we are a festival for the people and love to chat!

*Best Picture*
*Weirdest Scene*
*Best actor* (any gender)
*Best prop*
*Best hair/beard*
*Best opening scene*
*Best final scene*

...and whatever fun categories we think of along the way!

We promise this is the only time we'll get boring...

*Obviously, only submit if you own the rights to the film.

* Works-in-progress will be considered, provided they can be delivered in their entirety prior to the festival date.

*Films in languages other than English should probably have English subtitles.

*For the LGBTQIA+ category, at least one above the line person must be a member of the community, preferably writer/director.

*To receive student pricing, proof of enrollment may be required.

Okay, let's get real boring...

* I, the undersigned, do hereby consent and agree that Long Beach Underground Film Festival (LBUFF) and its employees, or agents have the right to present my film and sections of it exclusively for the purpose to showcase and promote Long Beach Underground Film Festival (LBUFF). I further consent that my name and identity may be revealed therein or by descriptive text or commentary. I do hereby release to Long Beach Underground Film Festival (LBUFF), its agents, and employees all rights to exhibit this work in print and electronic form publicly or privately. I understand that there will be no financial or other remuneration for showcasing the film, either for initial or subsequent transmission or playback. I represent that I am at least 18 years of age, have read and understand the foregoing statement, and am competent to execute this agreement.

* The filmmaker holds Learn To Swim Film Collective LLC and Long Beach Underground Film Festival (LBUFF), its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from entry. The filmmaker certifies to have full rights. Producer will indemnify the organizers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

*Basically, don't be a dick

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jackson McKeehan

    Great people, great films. Had a blast showing our short film, HVAC at LBUFF. Can't wait to go back!

    July 2026
  • Quirky and passionate film festival bringing in a very community minded audience for a four day investigation of avant garde underground films with lots of social events thrown in! Very kind organizer Richard who is establishing a foothold in Long Beach with unusual films in unusual spaces

    July 2026
  • Jesse LoCascio

    Amazing punk rock vibes, really cool venues, truly unique films. Long live the Long Beach Underground Film Festival!

    July 2026
  • Dusty Saunders

    LBUFF is building an awesome community. Very cool venues, awesome films, a punk rock aesthetic, and a lot of heart.

    July 2026
  • Razvan Bucsoiu

    If you are looking for a festival run by visionary artists who truly encourage and support the creativity, originality, and courage of independent filmmakers, LBUFF is definitely the best choice. For me, as a debut director and producer, and for our entire crew, it was an extraordinary opportunity to be part of this amazing story in the heart of California. Having our film officially selected and screened at the festival was a true honor. I highly recommend that any filmmaker submit their work here; you will absolutely have a wonderful experience! Thank you, LBUFF, you guys rock!

    July 2026