Now in its sixth season, LLFF is Built by filmmakers, run for filmmakers.
The Festival is online, and an IMDb-official event founded on one idea: feedback should come from people who actually work in the category they're judging.

Our Approach
Consideration, not just a score.
We don't give what some call "constructive criticism" — we give constructive consideration. Feedback typically arrives within one week of submitting, and filmmakers may edit their film after submission, so entering early to gather notes before a final cut is genuinely useful here.

Live & In Real Time
The Live Winners Announcement
No waiting on an email. Winners are revealed live, one category at a time — with the jury's own words on why each film won, the moment it happens.

Cutting-Edge Festival Experience
Matinee & Evening Screenings
Four days of selected films, screened live in scheduled matinee and evening blocks at 3pm and 10pm EST — a real festival experience, streamed like nothing else in independent film.

Recognition
The Luna Laurel Award.
New for 2026: every category winner receives our exclusive Luna Laurel Award. Winning films are also screened on our OTT platform, and we network through IMDb and AFM to bring winners real industry exposure. All winners also get free access to filmmakers tools for one year which also allows an opportunity for monthly cash giveaways (via lunalum.com our official partner). Best of Festival receives 60 second original score from Award Winning Composer, Andreu Jacob, who is an official festival partner.

The Luna Laurel Award — Our own trademarked sculpture, hand-molded and cast by artisans. A trophy as distinctive as the films we celebrate.

OTT Platform Screening — Winning films screen on our private streaming platform, with secure, login-protected screening rooms. We extend your reach through our networks at IMDb and AFM.

Our Standard Festival Participation Agreement (Terms and Conditions), which all submitted films are also expected to follow is as follows:

GENERAL RULES AND CONDITIONS

The Luna Lumen Film Festival will take place in October for 4 days each year.

1. Submission Deadlines
All submission deadlines are found within the FilmFreeway listing.
2. Submission Format
Films must be submitted MP4
NOTE: If selected we download your via your project page please be sure to allow your film to be downloadable. (See privacy tab on your film project page.)
3. Submission Eligibility
-Film cannot be older than 2 years after postproduction
- Films must not have received more than 50% of their funding from a studio or broadcaster.
- All films not in the English language are required to have subtitles.
4. Premiere Status
All films may have screened at other festivals.
5. Film Classification
All films screened receive an age rating that is decided by the Luna Lumen Film Festival
6. Submission Fee
All submissions for Film Festival are to be paid to filmfreeway and are non-refundable.
7. Selection of Films
Submissions are reviewed and selected under the following criteria:
- Quality of narrative and production values
- Independent nature of the production
8. Notification. All winners will be notified via FilmFreeway contact methods within their portals and personal email delivery.
9. Scheduling
Screenings are scheduled during the festival at the discretion of Luna Lumen Film Festival. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, Luna Lumen Film Festival reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason.

No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection.
GENERAL AGREEMENT OF PARTICIPATION IN LUNA LUMEN Film Festival
By submitting to the Luna Lumen Film Festival, I confirm that I have read and accept the terms and regulations of LLFF. I will provide the festival with any additional information required pursuant to these rules and regulations. I authorize the LLFF to exhibit my film, and if selected, I confirm that an exhibition copy will be available in a required format for screening during the current festival. I certify that I hold all necessary rights for the submission of this film/video to the LLFF and that all rights and clearances have been made. This film is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation. I hold LLFF harmless from damage to, or loss of any or all materials in route to, from or otherwise at the festival. I assume all legal responsibilities therein. By Agreeing to these terms, I transfer to LLFF the right to use excerpts of the submitted film, its stills, and trailers, for the purposes of publicity and marketing of the film at the current festival, and for other non-commercial uses related to the promotion of the festival. I hereby agree to indemnify LLFF, in the event that such rights have not been properly transferred.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Don Cunningham

    This festival was conducted online this year, but that is no slight! The director was very welcoming and treated each selection with care and love; the goal of sharing work. Thank you for a wonderful event.

    November 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the praise. We so enjoyed The Castle of Baron Finch and the Nostalgia!! We strive to make the online festival very personal. Truth is we are registered as an online festival and as an "extra" but not required started doing live screenings as a "test market" last year! We will never "lack" here at LLFF we love film too much to not give it our all. Also, we do network via IMDB. :)

  • Lony Ruhmann

    The Luma Lumen Film Festival took it to a higher level in regards to communication, value, good vibes and quality. Wishing the festival much success in the future.

    November 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Lony! We enjoyed "Don't Get in the Car" it was well deserved in Best USA Feature, excellent work by everyone involved!! Thanks for the high praise, we appreciate you!!

  • Nano Bor

    Quisiera dar las gracias a todos los organizadores y jueces del festival por seleccionar e incluir mi corto animado Oniris al programa de este año.
    Un gran festival!!!

    December 2024
    Response from festival:

    Thank you!! We enjoyed your amazing and heartfelt animation!! Great work. Keep up the good work. :)

  • Thank you for including our film in the festival, although we were unable to attend the festival, the communication was great and the organizers were responsive and kind. Thanks again!

    March 2024
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, your film was truly enjoyed by all and the Best USA Short! It was super creative, great shots and angles. Very witty! Keep up the good work!

  • Had an absolutely amazing experience with this festival! Forever honored that my short film FRANZ was selected to participate! Loved sharing my film and getting to see other filmmakers projects!This festival is the best bang for your buck out there!

    November 2023
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Kenny, your film was a hit at the festival and was selected Best of Festival!! We are glad you are pleased with our festival and the festival films that we are also super proud of! Wishing you the best!