Entries are officially being accepted for the 19th Annual LA SKINS FEST presented by Motion Picture Association. The festival takes place November 18th - 23rd, 2025 in Hollywood, CA.

The LA SKINS FEST will celebrate filmmakers whose original works are distinguished and offer a new voice in cinema. Films accepted in the festival will be eligible for the competition and prizes from our corporate sponsors.

This year’s festival will offer a week-long series of events throughout Hollywood. The film festival will premier exciting new indigenous films, present the 14th Annual Native Media Awards Ceremony, host the 7th Annual Hollywood Pow Wow and celebrate indigenous filmmakers from around the world.

The Festival is an initiative of the Native American non-profit the Barcid Foundation and aims to showcase the rising talent in Native American filmmaking. This year the LA SKINS FEST is expanding the screening series to accommodate the growing talent in Indian Country.

Corporate support of the LA SKINS FEST plays an essential role in the life of the festival and emphasizes the festival’s commitment to quality, exploration, and excellence in the art of cinema, TV and new media. The LA Skins Fest is privileged to partner with some of the world’s most renowned entertainment brands this year; including the Motion Picture Association.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS :
Completed online entry information through FilmFreeway.
A password protected preview of the film sent to us through Vimeo, Dropbox, or YouTube.
Two stills from the film (color preferred, B&W accepted).Digital stills and press kits are preferred.Stills must be hi-res.
One photo of the director
Full cast/crew list.
Film synopsis – 120 word logline/synopsis of the film and a 20 word logline/synopsis of film.Short films are only required to provide the 20 word logline.
Pay Submission Fee

***Please note that our festival does not pay screening fees for submitted films.

NOTIFICATION OF ENTRY STATUS :
Filmmakers will be notified in October 2025 as to whether or not their film has been officially selected. Upon acceptance the filmmaker will receive an email verifying selection status. Be sure to have contact@laskinsfest.com on your accepted email list.

About The LA SKINS FEST
The prestigious Los Angeles Skins Fest ranks among the country’s best film festivals and is an annual gathering for film industry insiders, cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and critics. The LA Skins Fest is considered a major launching ground for Indian Country’s most talked about films. Founded in 2007, the Los Angeles Skins Fest, presented in the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, is a 6-day multicultural event celebrating the art of film, TV and new media. The Los Angeles Skins Fest’s long‐standing commitment is to join filmmakers and film connoisseurs together to experience great cinema. The exciting schedule consists of dozens of filmmakers presenting their newest works, special artist development programs, tributes to community leaders, special events, and remarkable films. Festival headquarters are in Los Angeles, CA.

The LA SKINS FEST will celebrate filmmakers whose original works is distinguished in their category. A pre-screening committee will select four finalists in each category after viewing all selected to be part of the competition. Awards will be given the following categories:

Achievement In Filmmaking
Achievement In Documentary
Achievement In Short Filmmaking
Achievement In Documentary Short Filmmaking
Achievement In Animation
Emerging Filmmaker
Achievement In Acting
Achievement In Directing
Achievement In Writing
Achievement In Student Filmmaking
Achievement In Youth Filmmaking

Films accepted in the festival will be eligible for competition and award prices.

1) Entries must be by/or have a Native American/First Nation/Indigenous artist involved in the project (Please include tribal affiliation).

2) Films must NOT have other screenings scheduled in Los Angeles during November 2025.

3) We accept films made by non-Native American filmmaker but the films must be Native American themed.

4) Films must not be available on the Internet or have been broadcast nationally on cable or satellite television prior to the festival screening.

5) Works must be made within the past two years

6) Films in languages other than English with English subtitles will be accepted for consideration.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • It meant so much to me to be included in this festival with this project. To have the support of this organization when I wrote the original script to now with the proof of concept short film means a lot in my eyes.

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    We look forward to seeing the full length feature version!

  • Dallas Soonias

    It was a dream to get into the Fest for years and the experience did not disappoint. Thank you so much to all the aunties who organize it! Miigwetch!

    December 2024
  • Our short film, THE RIVER, was honored to participate in the 18th Annual LA Skins Fest! Our filmmakers & cast who were able to attend had a wonderful time! Thank you for screening THE RIVER!

    December 2024
  • Regan Patterson

    Wonderful experience premiering our short film with this festival! Great events and easy to meet new people.

    December 2024
  • Great film festival! Great atmosphere!

    December 2024