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NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization designed to showcase innovative works by emerging filmmakers from around the world, providing the Los Angeles community of entertainment professionals and film goers with a constant surge of monthly screening events. NFMLA provides a forum where filmmakers can be recognized for their contributions, have open audience discussions about their projects and connect with industry professionals for insight on distribution, production, acquisition and representation.

Each month, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) presents red carpet screenings of documentary, short and feature films that have been submitted from all over the world, followed by a Q&A with each films director. The program also offers a special after party so the audience can meet the filmmakers and incredible talent involved.

NFMLA showcases films by filmmakers of all backgrounds throughout the year in addition to its special InFocus programming which celebrates diversity, inclusion and region. All filmmakers are welcome and encouraged to submit their projects which will be considered for all upcoming NFMLA Festivals, regardless of the InFocus programming.

Awards & Prizes

Best of NFMLA Awards

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles selections are in competition for NewFilmmakers Los Angeles’ annual Best of NFMLA Awards, which take place each spring and award films played the preceding calendar year across multiple categories.

Best of NFMLA Awards Requirement:
All projects selected as part of the festival are in consideration for the Best of NFMLA Awards. If you are selected as part of the festival and nominated for the Best of NFMLA Awards, you will be required to attend the Awards show or send a representative in your place.

Rules & Terms

*****IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION:

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles screens monthly year round. FESTIVAL DATES, NOTIFICATION DATES and DEADLINES displayed on this FilmFreeway listing are for expiration of this listing and ARE NOT our screening dates.

Runtime Policy:
Shorts must be under 40 minutes total runtime. Features must be 41 minutes minimum with a 180 minute maximum total runtime.

Completion Date Requirement:
We can only accept films that have completed post production within a maximum of 12 months from the date of their submission to the festival.

Premiere Status Policy:
Premiere status is NOT required, however, films with an LA premiere status are preferred.

Distribution Policy:
As is the industry standard among many festivals, in all instances except Music Videos and ‘New Media’ programs, we generally do not screen films that have theatrical distribution nor films that have been posted online without password protection, or are available for streaming on a VOD platform (with the exception of SVOD for short films). However, we reserve the right to make exceptions to this rule on a case by case basis.

Notification Policy:
NFMLA sends decline notifications on a rolling basis, and will contact you directly by phone if your film is shortlisted to go into the next round of consideration. A phone call is just a next step in the shortlisting process and does not mean your film has been accepted. Films have only been accepted once they have been sent an Official Acceptance Notice.

Review times will vary, but please feel free to check in with us six months after your film has been submitted for an update on the status. In order to receive a reply, please submit all Submission Status Requests through the Submission Status Request Form here: https://forms.gle/wetKV6DAivTi6EzW7
41 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • David Labrecque

    If you're looking for a great and effective way to promote your film, NFMLA is a festival you really should consider. All the festival's team members were very conscientious to make us an essential part of the many events they organized with big industry professionals. When selected, filmmakers enter a vast community with many opportunities. Don't hesitate, It's really worth the price.

    July 2021
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  • Jonathan Hammond

    I love this festival and the people involved. Thank you!

    July 2021
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  • zahra golafshani

    My short played at NFMLA as part of their "Canadian Cinema in Focus" in July 2021. Due to the limitations posed by the pandemic, the festival was held online. But, NFMLA went above and beyond to make sure the filmmakers get all the benefits of festival exhibition. We had one week of networking panels with the industry members, as well as moderated Q&A for our films. They truly did outdone all the other well-known festivals. Thank you NFMLA for an outstanding experience!

    July 2021
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  • Arnold Mwanjila

    Thank you NFMLA for showcasing my feature film directorial debut, TALIYA. This was my first international film festival and so far still the best. And it will be difficult to beat. I am still reeling from the reception these many months after and I don't think I can say enough about how good this festival really is. Words don't do it justice.
    Submit to this festival. The organizers are super hospitable, very kind, exceedingly enthusiastic for you and your film, and go waaaaay above and beyond to connect you to people and organizations that could actually help share your story out in the world.
    I will 100% be returning to this festival over and over and over (If they'll have me).

    July 2021
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  • Seva Galkin

    Due to the coronavirus, this year I took part in the festival online. I want to say a huge thank to the wonderful NFMLA team. Incredible attention to the participants of the festival! I was inspired!

    June 2021
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