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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
48 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Cate Jones

    Loved NFMLA. Made so many resources and connections.

    October 2021
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  • Maria del Mar Rosario

    NFMLA provides invaluable resources, and a space of growth for emerging filmmakers. Highly recommended!

    September 2021
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  • Manuel Del Valle

    This may be one of the most supportive, human, friendly, and professionally handled film festivals I've ever been a part of. This is my second year being part of the festival, and the second time was as exciting, fresh, and organized as the first one. The team knows you and you get to know them personally. I will always keep coming back, as I find in this festival a community of artist that clearly enjoy what they do.

    September 2021
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  • Pedro Henrique Chaves

    NFMLA sure was a step up in my filmmaker career. Despite being online, was all done with such great communication also NFMLA created a great environment for networking. Really glad that my movie got the chance to be part of In Focus: Latinx & Hispanic Film fest.

    September 2021
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  • Laura A. Martínez Hinojosa

    Being selected at the NFMLA has been one of the best experiences in my carreer. They do everthing they can to make you and your film feel special. So grateful for the opportunity and for now being part of the NFMLA family. Emma, Andrew, Bojana, Danny... thank you so much for working this hard to support and promote new talents. It has been amazing meeting you all. I will never forget this last week!

    September 2021
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