Entries are officially being accepted for the 18th Annual LA SKINS FEST presented by Comcast NBCUniversal. The festival takes place November 19th - 24th, 2024 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 takes place at the historic TCL Chinese Theater. The film festival will premier exciting new films, host indigenous filmmakers from around the world and present the 13th Annual Native American Media Awards Celebration.

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 Comcast NBCUniversal, Bank of America, Motion Picture Association, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Union Bank, Cast & Crew, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

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 2024 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:

Best Narrative
Best Documentary
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Animation
Audience Award
Emerging Filmmaker
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Writer

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 2024.

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
  • Kim Soo Goodtrack

    Thank you so much for showing "SPIRIT GIRL." You really know how to do it up right, the films, the organizers, the venues, the food, the people and the Roosevelt were all just lovely. The talented film makers are rising to the top! I appreciate your hospitality very much. Thank you.

    November 2023
  • We had an amazing time at LA Skins Fest!! Thank you so much for the Achievment in Short Filmmaking Award for my film River Bank (Pō-Kehgeh), I couldn't have asked for a better California Premiere!
    It was such a great surprise to receive the award and we truly appreciate all the work LA Skins Fest does to promote, uplift and showcase Native and Indigenous filmmakers - Kuundah Wo’ha! 🌻 and see you next year!

    November 2023
  • Kristen Calderon

    This film festival is amazing and I highly recommend it! Celebrating with other Native filmmakers is always a treat at LA Skins Fest!

    November 2023
  • Fantastic festival!! Made great connections and saw brilliant films.

    November 2023
  • Sage Romero

    Amazing staff on site and event volunteers. Great event for Native Filmmakers to network and appreciate each other! Thank you, Ian and Patty for all you do to make this happen for Native Filmmakers!

    January 2023