Los Angeles Fantasy Fest (LAFF) - Submission Guidelines and Rules
Los Angeles Fantasy Fest operates in two sections:
1. Live Screening Section (In-Person Attendance Required)
Films selected for the live program are screened in Los Angeles.
To screen live, at least one filmmaker or team member must attend in person to represent the film. If no member of the team can attend, the film will automatically be considered for the online section instead.
In addition to this rule, please remember that our live venue — the Skiptown Playhouse Theater — has a 36-seat capacity, which means ticket holders always have priority for entry.
We highly suggest that filmmakers with live screenings secure their ticket to guarantee their seat during their own film’s block.
Badges provide general access, but if the venue reaches full capacity with ticket holders, we must follow venue regulations and cannot exceed the limit.
2. Online Screening Section (For Those Unable To Attend in Person)
Films whose teams cannot be present may choose the online festival section.
This section allows international and unavailable filmmakers to still participate, showcase their work, and be part of the festival’s official lineup.
Main Rule for Screening Eligibility: The festival will only screen films with representatives present at the event in Los Angeles, USA. If no representative is available, the film will still be selected, but it will only be showcased online. Priority will be given to films with representatives attending the festival, including local filmmakers from the USA.
Rule: Timely Filmmaker Engagement and File Submission
As part of our commitment to running a well-organized and professional festival, filmmakers are required to stay engaged and respond promptly to all communication. This includes submitting files, attendance forms, and other requested materials by the stated deadlines.
Failure to meet these deadlines may result in your film being excluded from the schedule, as we cannot make adjustments once the final program is locked. It is the filmmaker's responsibility to provide the necessary materials on time. After the deadlines have passed, no further accommodations can be made.
STUDENTS: We are proud to support student filmmakers worldwide by offering a discounted submission fee. However, if you submit your film under the student category, you must be prepared to provide valid proof of your student status upon request. Failure to do so will result in your film being removed from the selection, nominations, and schedule, as it constitutes a violation of our terms and rules.
Late Submissions and Screening Limitations:
If you submit your film within two months of the festival’s start date, please note that selected films will primarily be scheduled for online screenings due to constraints with the finalized in-person schedule. While we will make every effort to accommodate your film for an in-person screening if space becomes available, this cannot be guaranteed. Please keep this in mind when submitting close to the festival date.
Nominations Eligibility for Late Submissions:
Films submitted within one month of the festival’s start date may still be selected for screening ONLINE only but will not be eligible for nominations in any award categories. This is to ensure fairness and allow adequate time for the selection committee to review all submissions thoroughly.
We encourage filmmakers to submit their projects as early as possible to ensure the best possible experience at the festival.
Online Filmmaker Access Price Clause
Filmmakers whose films are selected for the online section are eligible to purchase a special filmmaker-only access ticket priced at US $3.99. This offer is strictly reserved for participating filmmakers and is not available to the general public or audience members.
Please note that this ticket is not mandatory. Choosing not to purchase it will not affect your selection, participation, or nomination status in any way. It simply offers filmmakers the opportunity to access the online screenings and be part of the full festival experience if they wish.
Streaming Rights & Access Window
By selecting the online section, the filmmaker grants the festival a non-exclusive license to stream the film for the festival period via the designated online platform. The festival will host the film for the duration of the festival’s online program only, after which access will be removed unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Anti-Piracy / Non-Transferability
Online access links/tickets are personal and non-transferable. The film must not be downloaded, recorded, captured or redistributed by viewers. Any breach of this clause may result in removal of the film from the program and/or disqualification.
Attendance Requirement for Live Screening
For films selected for in-person screening, at least one filmmaker or authorized crew member must attend the screening in person. Failure to attend without prior written notice may result in the film being moved to the online section or withdrawn.
In addition to this rule, please remember that our live venue — the Skiptown Playhouse Theater — has a 36-seat capacity, which means ticket holders always have priority for entry.
We highly suggest that filmmakers with live screenings secure their ticket to guarantee their seat during their own film’s block.
Badges provide general access, but if the venue reaches full capacity with ticket holders, we must follow venue regulations and cannot exceed the limit.
Venue Accessibility & Festival Limitations
Los Angeles Fantasy Fest is an independent festival operating in small venues and historic theater spaces. While we welcome filmmakers and guests of all backgrounds and abilities, we cannot guarantee that all venues, screening rooms, events, workshops, networking activities, bars, restaurants, parties, or third-party locations will meet every accessibility requirement.
Filmmakers and guests requiring specific accommodations are strongly encouraged to contact the festival in advance. While the festival will make reasonable efforts to assist whenever possible, participation is subject to the physical limitations, policies, and conditions of the venues used by the festival.
The festival does not guarantee accessibility accommodations, transportation assistance, personal assistance services, lodging accommodations, or venue modifications.
Independent Festival Disclosure
Los Angeles Fantasy Fest is a small independent festival operated by a limited team and budget. Unlike major festivals such as Cannes, Tribeca, Sundance, TIFF, or similar organizations, LAFF does not provide travel grants, accommodation support, accessibility funding, transportation services, industry representation, distribution guarantees, meetings, business opportunities, networking guarantees, or other professional services unless explicitly announced in writing by the festival.
Participation in the festival does not guarantee access to industry meetings, distribution opportunities, development opportunities, financing opportunities, educational partnerships, media coverage, or business introductions.
Liability & Indemnification
The festival, its agents and partners assume no liability for loss or damage to submitted films, nor for any losses incurred by filmmakers due to schedule changes, cancellation, or technical failure. Filmmakers agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival for any third-party claims arising from their entry.
Ticket Refund and Event Change Policy
In the event of date, venue or platform changes, the festival reserves the right to reschedule or modify the event. Filmmaker tickets or online access tickets shall not necessarily be refunded unless the festival cancels the event entirely; in such event, the festival will communicate refund policy at that time.
Online Viewing Ticket Policy (Filmmaker Access Only)
To support our participating indie filmmakers, we offer a special filmmaker-only online access rate of $3.99.
This special rate is exclusively for filmmakers who are part of the festival, including:
Filmmakers whose films are screening in the online section
Filmmakers screening live who also want to watch the online lineup
This price is not available to general audiences.
It exists solely so that participating filmmakers can easily support each other and enjoy the full festival experience.
Our goal is to keep filmmaker participation fair, affordable, and community-focused.
Please note that this ticket is not mandatory. Choosing not to purchase it will not affect your selection, participation, or nomination status in any way. It simply offers filmmakers the opportunity to access the online screenings and be part of the full festival experience if they wish.
AI DISCLOSURE & CATEGORY REQUIREMENT
If your film involves the use of Artificial Intelligence in any part of the production (including writing, visuals, voice, editing, or post-production), you must submit your project in the appropriate AI category.
AI animation projects must be submitted under AI Animation Short
Narrative or hybrid films using AI must be submitted under AI Short Film
Failure to correctly disclose the use of AI or submitting in the wrong category may result in disqualification at the discretion of the festival.
This policy ensures fairness, transparency, and proper evaluation of all submissions.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a successful festival experience for everyone.
Eligibility Requirements for Film Selection:
1. Feature Films:
Minimum running time of 40 minutes.
2. Short Films:
Maximum running time of 39 minutes.
3. Final Selection Requirements:
All films selected for screening must be submitted in HD format (H.264, MP4, or MOV) via WeTransfer (preferred) or any other link from which we can download the files.
4. Foreign Language Films:
Films in a foreign language must be subtitled in English.
5. Preview Screening Format:
The only acceptable format for preview screenings is an online screener via our partner FilmFreeway. DVD screeners will not be accepted.
6. Multiple Submissions:
If submitting more than one film, a separate, completed entry form must be submitted for each title.
7. Completion Date:
All films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2023
8. If your film is selected by our festival, you automatically agree that we may use images from your project for marketing purposes for our festival. If you do not agreed, and do not consent to give us promotional rights to your material, please let us know with a call or via email; and then we will withdraw your film from the promotion of our festival. If we do not receive any notification from you within 48 hours after your film is selected, we will assume that you agree this policy.
By official selection, you agree to be publicly recognized as an official selection project through social media.
9. The festival will not pay any fee for screening a film.
10. The festival WILL NOT cover any filmmaker expenses. Please note, you will be totally responsible for your airfare, accommodation and other travel expenses.
Entry Fees, Deadlines, Notification, and Scheduling:
1. Entry Fee:
An entry fee is required for all submissions. The submission must meet the deadlines specified in the call for entries for the current year.
2. Notification:
Submitters will be notified of their film’s acceptance or rejection through the contact information provided in FilmFreeway. It is the submitter’s responsibility to ensure that the contact details are correct and to regularly check their email for updates.
3. Scheduling:
Films are scheduled at the discretion of the Los Angeles Fantasy Fest. The festival retains the right to adjust the schedule as needed. Films may be screened more than once.
4. Festival Date and Venue:
The festival reserves the right to change the date or venue of the festival due to special circumstances. Filmmakers will be notified promptly via the festival website, social media platforms, or email if changes occur.
5. Entry Fee and Acceptance:
By submitting your film to LAFF, you acknowledge that the film submission fee does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. No refunds will be provided if a film is not selected.
General Terms and Conditions:
WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT POLICY
Please note that winners are never informed in advance under any circumstances.
All awards are officially revealed during the Gala Awards ceremony or the final event of the edition in which you are participating.
This policy ensures fairness, transparency, and a shared experience for all filmmakers.
1. Respectful Environment:
LAFF is committed to maintaining a respectful and positive environment. The festival reserves the right to unselect any film, even if it has been nominated, if we find any form of disrespect or violation of our code of conduct.
2. Acknowledgment:
By submitting your film, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Los Angeles Fantasia Fest rules and terms. You agree to abide by the festival's guidelines throughout the selection and screening process.
