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!

Awards & Prizes

*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!

Rules & Terms

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
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Harry Kalvin

    The awesome people who set this festival up clearly cared about the filmmakers, attendees, and overall vibe. As a filmmaker who had a screen filmed here, I was honored to be among such nice, smart, and enthusiastic artists. I would highly suggest any filmmaker to submit, you’ll have a great time. Thank you LBUFF, ya’ll are dope!

    August 2025
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  • Seriina Covarrubias

    If you have a nonstandard film and you want to go to something that has real community submit to this festival. Really happy to see this kick off in Long Beach. It was an honor to be part of their first year. Looking forward to seeing how much it grows in the next couple of years.

    July 2025
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  • Mike Targus

    Fantastic fest. Definitely an artist’s festival. Strong filmmakers who really care a great deal about what they do. Super fun. No notes! 😎

    July 2025
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  • Max Luque

    I'm so glad that my debut short film MR. HARRIS's world premiere was at the Long Beach Underground Film Festival! Sadly, I was unable to attend because I was out of town, but my parents and one of my best friends were able to go and they really loved the community vibe and the passion of the programmers. Thank you so much for including MR. HARRIS in your lineup!

    July 2025
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  • Lewis Stein

    This festival was the friendliest, most kind-hearted festival.
    You could feel the sense of community in the DNA of the event.
    I was accepted with open arms, as was every other creator, and audience member.

    And all that set in beautiful Long Beach.

    July 2025
    Helpful