We are the west coast premier destination festival for films such as Damsel starring Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska, Love, Gilda and many more.

We are dedicated to discovering and supporting the next generation of filmmakers. There’s a reason MovieMaker magazine has named Mammoth Lakes Film Festival as one of the “Top 50 Film Festival’s Worth Your Entry Fee” for the last four years in a row¬: We put our filmmakers first!

Last year we focused on bringing top-level press to the festival to get maximum exposure for our filmmakers. 2019 attending press and industry professionals included Variety, Hollywood Reporter, The LA Times, A24, MovieMaker Magazine and more.

The 6th annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival will screen features and shorts for five days in the spectacular setting of Mammoth Lakes—California’s premier mountain resort, high in the Eastern Sierra. It will take place on the Wednesday through Sunday leading up to Memorial Day 2020.

MLFF captures the imagination of audiences and contributes to the vitality of film culture by providing emerging filmmakers with an opportunity to show their latest work in a vibrant and nurturing atmosphere. Visitors are drawn to the area to experience exciting new films by both new and established independent artists, and for the opportunity to mingle with them at fun and friendly daily events. The festival is also a forum for filmmakers to have their work seen by industry professionals who have the potential to provide mentorship and propel their careers.

We are committed to promoting film as an art form by focusing on personal, innovative, imaginative films by writers and directors with a unique style and point of view. We present these films in the beautiful natural setting of Mammoth Lakes—a perfect backdrop for an independent film festival and a premier tourist destination in its own right. Because we are a destination resort, just a 4 to 5-hour drive or a quick flight from Los Angeles, we have strong allies within the entertainment industry. Our jury members are acclaimed artists and professionals from the world of independent film. We give out multiple awards in the categories of Narrative Features, Documentary Features, and Short Films. In 2018 we awarded cash and prizes valued at more than $40,000.00. We also provide travel stipends, housing, and festival passes for our filmmakers. Our juries have included Andrew Lazar (Producer of AMERICAN SNIPER), Allison Amon (Producer of THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES), Rachel Winter (Academy Award winning producer DALLAS BUYERS CLUB),and John Feidler (Producer of SERIAL MOM and PECKER). 2019 sponsors included Panavision, Light Iron, VER, Blue Moon, among many others.

The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival, a DBA 501(c)3, is committed to showcasing the talent and imagination of emerging filmmakers and nurturing their efforts to follow their dreams.

Awards & Prizes

Cash prizes from $500.00 to $1,000.00 will be awarded. We will also provide travel stipends, housing, and festival passes for our filmmakers. Camera packages and more to our winners. Over $40,000.00 in cash and prizes were awarded in 2019.

Rules & Terms

Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2019.

Films may have screened in other festivals but we do not accept films with past theatrical distribution or that have been broadcast (televised) anywhere in the U.S. before May 31st, 2020.

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway online screener.

No Fee Waivers are available.

Entry fees are non refundable.

No commercials.

If you choose to send us a DVD screener it must be labeled with the title, running time, your email address, and your phone number. Please place your FilmFreeway# on the Screener.

We do consider works in progress but your film needs to be close to completion and if selected it must be completed before March 15, 2020.

Do not send a press kit until your film has been selected.

All non-English language films must have legible English subtitles.

All multiple submissions must have separate forms and appropriate fees.

The selection committee's decisions are final.

If your film is selected, your screening print and one backup must arrive by May 1, 2020.

If your film is selected, you must provide two high-resolution screen shots, two DVDs and a secure online link for press by April 25, 2020. You will also be asked to provide press materials and a trailer for the website.

All filmmakers under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian submit on their behalf.

Filmmakers must be authorized to submit their films to the 2020 Mammoth Lakes Film Festival (MLFF) and are responsible for the accuracy of all information provided on the application form.

The MLFF may use images, sounds and excerpts from the films for promotional purposes in all media including the MLFF website and may present accepted films at the 2020 MLFF.

You indicate that you have read and understand the MLFF entry guidelines and rules and regulations and that you agree to the MLFF Terms and Conditions. Furthermore, you indicate that you shall indemnify and hold harmless the MLFF from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joshua Tuthill

    Great festival! One every filmmaker should submit to!!

    November 2018
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    Response from festival:

    thank you Joshua, Black Dog was such a wild short and we were so proud to screen it. Keep in touch with your future projects.

  • Cautiva y Desarmada

    We had a great time at the MLFF!

    The setting was breathtaking, the festival was well-organized and more than welcoming, and the films were fresh and wild.
    The small-town atmosphere gives the festival a warm close-knit feel that you can’t just reproduce.

    July 2018
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    Response from festival:

    thank you so much for letting us premiere Barren and Empty the Sea. It was a beautiful film and we loved having you here.

  • Samuel Patthey

    Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the festival...
    The communication was very professional.
    They actually really care about your presence during the festival and tried as far as possible to help me to join theme.
    I really recommend to submit your work to Mammoth Lakes Film Festival.

    June 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Samuel, next time you MUST come!

  • Alessia Cecchet

    MLFF 2018 was jus amazing! My film played with other really good films and I really appreciated the Q&A at the end of each short - instead than at the end of the whole program. MLFF hosts awesome parties, the staff is super organized and very nice and the whole experience was just amazing. The location is beautiful too, thank you for bringing me there MLFF!

    June 2018
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    Response from festival:

    It was truly an honor for us to be able to screen Onikuma. Thank you so much for coming and joining the MLFF family!

  • ES ImproCine

    I want to thank you for the great moments I had in the Festival. Incredible programming. Wonderful location and very nice people. Congratulations.

    June 2018
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    Response from festival:

    The pleasure was all ours. Thank you for coming and we look forward to seeing your future projects.