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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
24 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Shannon Corbeil

    The team at NFMLA is wonderful, responsive, organized, and helpful. I really enjoyed their virtual format (and I LOVE their in-person screenings). I learned so much from screening with them!

    With virtual festivals, it is much more challenging to connect with industry professionals. I would love to see more creative opportunities to make meaningful connections through the festival, but the programmers send a lot of material to help filmmakers take advantage of opportunities that come through screening!

    January 2021
    Helpful
  • JLee MacKenzie

    Fantastic festival experience, even for a virtual event during covid. Made new friends and felt the festival was well run and professional!

    January 2021
    Helpful
  • JOAO DALLSTELLA

    One of the best festivals experience in Los Angeles! Amazing staff and programm for the filmmakers

    January 2021
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  • Sean Ryan

    Fantastic festival! They truly care about you, your work, and beyond. Great promotion, information, interviews, and overall, NFMLA provides filmmakers to get their films out in the world. Absolutely recommend this festival!

    January 2021
    Helpful
  • Jesse Randall

    Incredible festival. The most caring festival I've ever been involved in. With most festivals, you submit your film and they do anything to help you promote once you're accepted. NFMLA helped do everything they can to promote my film. They also helped me get a licensing deal after the festival was over. Hands down the best festival I've ever been.

    January 2021
    Helpful