Submissions for the 2023 edition are Open! We are looking forward to a great festival event of Film, Music & Art.
The Other Venice Film Festival celebrates the independent spirit of artists and filmmakers from Venice and around the world. Set in the heart of Venice, California, the festival bridges the local community with greater Los Angeles in a weekend of competitive, fun-filled movies and mayhem.
Our nonprofit organization is dedicated to discovering and developing independent artists and audiences. Through our programs, we aim to support and inspire filmmakers and theater artists, and introduce audiences to their new work.
Many historians suggest that film making in Los Angeles was born in Venice, with iconic film stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, The Keystone Cops, and the Little Rascals shooting in studios and locations here. The Other Venice Film Festival pays homage to this rich history, as well as local filmmaking greats like Roger Corman and James Cameron, who 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.
Join us as we celebrate independent cinema and the vibrant community of Venice and beyond.
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.