Los Angeles ESSY Film Festival is a new film festival based in Los Angeles, showcasing short films from emerging and independent filmmakers worldwide.
The festival presents a curated selection of short films up to 20 minutes, including credits, screened in front of a live audience. One film will receive a $1,000 cash prize for Best Film.
Selected filmmakers will be invited to participate in post-screening Q&As and connect with fellow filmmakers and guests. A post-screening reception with light refreshments will follow.
Films are selected based on storytelling, craft, and overall execution. The festival’s goal is to thoughtfully present strong work and support the filmmakers behind it.
Submissions are welcome from filmmakers worldwide.

Awards & Prizes

Best Film – $1,000 Cash Prize
One short film will be awarded Best Film and receive a cash prize of $1,000.

Rules & Terms

Eligible Films

-Short films only, with a maximum runtime of 20 minutes, including credits
-All genres are accepted
-Films must be completed after January 1, 2023
-Submissions must be original works created by the filmmaker

Premiere & Screening Status

-Premiere status is not required. Films may have screened at other festivals or online
-Filmmakers must hold the rights to publicly screen the film

Submission Format

-All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway using an online screener
-Physical submissions (DVDs, USBs, etc.) will not be accepted

Language Requirements

-Non-English films must include English subtitles

Selection & Notification

-Official Selections will be notified via FilmFreeway
-Not all submitted films will be selected
-Final decisions are made by the festival team and are not open to appeal

Screening Requirements

-If selected, filmmakers must provide a high-quality screening file (ProRes or high-quality H.264) by the deadline provided
-The festival may make minor technical adjustments solely for screening purposes

Awards

-One film will receive the Best Film award and a $1,000 cash prize
-Cash prizes will be paid to the person listed as the submitter unless otherwise arranged

Permissions & Rights

-By submitting, filmmakers grant Los Angeles ESSY Film Festival permission to screen the film if selected and to use stills, clips, or other promotional materials for festival promotion
-Filmmakers retain full ownership and rights to their films

Withdrawals

-Withdrawals must be made before official selection announcements

General Terms

-The festival reserves the right to make changes to event structure, dates, or programming if necessary
-By submitting, filmmakers confirm they have read and agreed to these terms