Venice, CA has always been an epicenter for LA artists and filmmakers who continue to pave the way toward expanding the language of underground, alternative cinema. The Other Venice Film Festival bridges the community of Venice and that of greater Los Angeles together in a competitive, fun-filled weekend of movies and mayhem.
The Other Venice Film festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the OVFF seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and theatre artists from Venice and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work.
Festival Overview
Many historians suggest that film making in Los Angeles was born in Venice, with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, The Keystone Cops and the Little Rascals all shooting in studios and locations here. Join the festival that celebrates the original 'Hollywood' and local filmmaking greats like Roger Corman , James Cameron & Oliver Stone that base their studios in Venice. Venice Beach is still home to many industry businesses, including production, casting, sound, special effects and post houses.
The Other Venice Film Festival is named that way because there already is a Venice Film Festival - in Venice, Italy. Our festival is produced by a core team of professionals, awesome volunteers and strong community support.
Films* Art Shows* Live Music* Parties* Performers*
Like No Other....

Awards & Prizes

The Abbot Awards® are given to filmmakers who exemplify maverick filmmaking, by creating stunning and poignant cinema. These films, often hilarious or tragically absurd, are made without the benefits of large budgets and technological wizardry. These filmmakers share the spirit and artistic energy of Venice’s founding father Abbot Kinney. In honoring these filmmakers who adhere to their singular vision, we honor our Venetian benefactor, Abbot Kinney.
All films that screen at the festival, with the exception of Spotlight Screenings, are in competition for an Abbot®. Short films as well as features qualify for Audience Choice and Most Excellent Abbot Awards®. The Local Maverick Spotlight Abbot Award® is given to a local established filmmaker who creates unforgettable celluloid and kick ass flicks.
Come dig the new breed and celebrate with us this year’s Abbot® Winners at our Festival’s closing night ceremony. The Abbot Awards® are free to the public with live music and raw emotion. Submit your film today and perhaps you can take home a stunning acrylic Abbot Award®.Also, for the first time, in 2005 Abbot Awards® were presented to members of the greater Venice community for Excellence in Arts & Community Service.

Rules & Terms

OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES • Select a Category of Entry to continue.

Short Film Competition
We accept shorts of lengths, styles and genres, including documentary shorts and animated films. Films can also be shot in any format or media as long as the submitted format is on DVD, in which we ultimately screen from. We try to put as few limits on the filmmakers as possible. Films shot by locals or shot around Venice is a plus, but not required.
Feature Film Competition
We are looking for dynamic, entertaining, creative, and unique features of any style and genre. Films shot in Venice or by locals is a plus, but not a requirement.
Experimental Short Section
We are looking for non-narrative or Avant Garde short films. These films can be any type of cinema, including new and old media, or fine art. We show local, as well as international experimental films.
Music Video Competition
This film section is one of the most exciting during our festival. The theater is always packed and the event features a live performance by a local band. An Abbot Award is also given to the Music Video with the most audience member votes.
Youth Filmmaker Section (18 and under)
We screen films made by kids age 18 and under. In the past we selected films that will also play for other kids. Before the screenings, we have live performances and circus clowns to entertain the youth audience and their parents. Classes can also make films together as well as family units. Very flexible section!
Music Score Competition
COMPOSERS NOTE
Ballads,sound tracks,original music,overture ,sonata or Entr'acte.
The nature of the performance of the piece and film screening, OVFF requests all films be free from excessive profanities, violence and sexual content.
Name of musical composition.