We are the West Coast’s premier festival dedicated to showcasing fresh and innovative filmmaking, screening everything from festival favorites like Damsel (starring Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska), to world premieres like Netflix favorite Abducted in Plain Sight.

We are committed to discovering and supporting emerging 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 10 years in a row: We put our filmmakers first! And now we are one of the "Top 25 Coolest Festivals in the World" named by MovieMaker Magazine in 2024 & 2025 — a true testament to the experience you will have with us.

We always secure top-level press to attend the festival in order to get exposure for our filmmakers. Attending press and industry professionals have included Variety, The Wrap, Indiewire, MovieMaker Magazine, Hollywood Reporter and more.

The 13th annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival takes place on the five days leading up to Memorial Day, May 26-30, 2027.

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.

We award cash and prizes valued at more than $40,000.00. We provide housing and festival passes for our filmmakers. Our juries have included Tim Moore (Producer of AMERICAN SNIPER, INVICTUS), Allison Amon (Producer of THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES), Rachel Winter (Academy Award winning producer of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB), and John Fiedler (Producer of SERIAL MOM and PECKER).

The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival is a DBA of the Eastern Sierra Arts Alliance and is a 501(c)3.

MAMMOTH LAKES FILM FESTIVAL SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging, innovative screenwriters. We welcome screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from anywhere in the world. We are looking for stories from writers that have a unique voice and a specific point of view. Every submission will receive 3-5 lines of feedback. You can request detailed feedback of 3-4 pages of feedback for an additional fee. MLFF will present the Grand Prize for the best screenplay at the 2027 Mammoth Lakes Film Festival, May 30h, 2027.

We look forward to reading your work!

The top 10 screenplays will be offered housing and passes to attend the festival and network with attending press, industry, distributors and filmmakers. Along with a Writers Round Table at the festival with an industry professional that offers one on one advice.

Awards & Prizes

Cash prizes from $500.00 to $1,000.00 are included with each award. We will also provide housing and festival passes for our filmmakers and the top 10 screenplays. We award camera packages and more to our winners. Over $40,000.00 in cash and prizes are awarded.

Awards & Prizes for the Screenplay Competition
The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash award $1,000.

Rules & Terms

Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2026.

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., this also includes youtube before May 30th, 2027.

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway online screener.

No Fee Waivers are available.

Entry fees are non refundable.

No commercials.

We do consider works in progress but your film needs to be close to completion and if selected it must be completed before April 15, 2027.

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, 2027.

If your film is selected, you must provide two high-resolution screen shots, a secure online link for press by April 20, 2027. 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 2027 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 2027 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.

RULES FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

By entering Mammoth Lakes Film Festival Screenplay Competition, you agree to follow its rules and guidelines.

ELIGIBILITY FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

- Scripts submitted to the competition must NOT have been previously optioned, purchased or produced at the time of entry.

- If a submitted screenplay is optioned or purchased between the time of submission and the end of the judging period, the applicant must notify us and that screenplay will no longer be eligible for an award.

- Screenwriters that are members of the DGA or WGA and are professional writers are ineligible.

- If your screenplay is an adaptation you must provide the MLFF with the rights to the original work that you are adapting, unless it is in the public domain.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

- All scripts must be in PDF format.

- Screenplays must be in English, formatted according to current industry standards in 12-point courier font.

- Screenplays must have a cover page. This means the title only on the cover, with author’s name/contact information.

- If the script is based on a true story, that should be noted on the title page.

- No substituted pages or other revisions will be accepted once you have submitted your script. New versions of scripts can be resubmitted by filling out a new entry form and paying a new entry fee. All entries must be uploaded by the appropriate deadline.

- No refunds.

JUDGING FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

- All notifications will be sent by the notification date on FilmFreeway.

- If the screenplay has multiple writers, all writers are hosted at the festival but the grand prize of $1,000.00 would be split amongst the writers

- Feedback will include 3-5 lines unless screenwriter has opted for the more extensive coverage package for the additional fee.

- All decisions are final.

PROTECT YOUR WORK

MLFF is not responsible in any way for your script or concept and we strongly suggest you register your work with the Writers Guild of America, West (www.wga.org or call 323.782.4500) and the US Copyright Office (http://www.copyright.gov).

FEEDBACK FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

All submitted screenplays will receive a short paragraph of coverage that will let you know what we think the strengths and weaknesses of the script are. This is only a baseline to help you know what is generally missing to help you with moving forward with rewrites. It is not the full coverage that is included in the extensive

123 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Shiva Ramanathan

    It was an amazing few days at Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. There was so much warmth and support from the team from the first email. This is one of the few festivals that makes it so easy for artists to attend and I could see that with creatives from all over the world. The selection of films were so unique and introduced me to so many new ways to tell a story. As a screenwriter, there was also an amazing round table to more effectively pitch my project. Thanks to Shira, Paul and Jo for putting together a festival that has really made an impact on me professionally and personally. Really hope to attend in future. Cheers!

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for coming to attend the festival. It means the world to us that you came from so far away to be with us. Now let's see your script on the screen!!!

  • Ahsabul yamin

    I'm so happy that our short film Dyspepsia By Salty Biscuits was part of this edition. Though we weren't able to attend in person but it was great experience.

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Next time you must come!!!! We love doing our Q&A's with the filmmakers and the audience really loves it too. Best regards,

  • Grace Demopoulos

    So much fun, great films, beautiful place. Very thankful for the team at Mammoth who created such a perfect experience <3 Thank you for showing my film!!

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Mahmoud Eliraqi

    My experience at Mammoth Lakes Film Festival was truly special. The festival created a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for filmmakers, and I felt genuine care and appreciation for independent cinema throughout the entire event.

    The screenings were beautifully organized, the audience engagement was meaningful, and the networking opportunities were incredible. I especially appreciated how supportive and approachable the festival team was with filmmakers.

    Mammoth Lakes itself added something magical to the experience — the landscapes, the atmosphere, and the sense of community made the festival unforgettable.

    I’m grateful to have screened my film here and would absolutely recommend the festival to filmmakers looking for an authentic and artist-friendly experience
    شكرًا من القلب على تجربة لن تُنسى

    May 2026
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  • Tristan Wheeler

    Mammoth Lakes Film Festival was an absolute blast. Their programming is honestly unmatched, and it was amazing to see work by so many interesting filmmakers from around the world. It really was an honour to be included among so many amazing talents. I feel I've made lifelong friends, and I can not wait to come back to the fest. Thank you, Shira, Paul, Jo and the whole crew!

    May 2026
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