The Pack Theater Comedy Film Festival is bringing together passionate comedic voices for an outrageously fun Labor Day Weekend of entertainment. Since 2007, Pack Theater has provided learning and performance opportunities to performers across Los Angeles and, more recently, the entire world. With this festival, we have the opportunity to now showcase comedic filmmakers and live comedy performances in a new way!

WHY SHOULD YOU BE A PART OF OUR INAUGURAL FEST?
Held over Labor Day Weekend at the Broadwater on Santa Monica Boulevard, this festival will feature comedic shorts, pilots, web series, and digital sketches, in addition to live improv, sketch, and stand-up. Our festival's goal is to provide a celebration of comedy and togetherness and expand our reach, vision, and opportunities to even more people beyond Los Angeles.

For filmmakers who receive an official acceptance, we'll host a collection of panels by working industry professionals. A filmmakers’ lounge will be available exclusively for those with an official acceptance. Only the best for our inaugural class!

Pack Theater’s reputation has become highly regarded across Los Angeles, thanks to our incredibly sharp and hilarious students and working comedic teachers. The Pack Theater represents the best comedy and culture of Los Angeles. We're breaking down barriers that have long-existed in the comedy world, and we elevate unique and individual voices. That said, submissions from all backgrounds are welcomed, with a priority on women, POC, and LGBTQIA+ submissions. There’s something for everyone here.

We’re excited to see your amazing submissions and look forward to meeting everyone! We’ll make this first year one to remember.

WANT TO PERFORM LIVE SKETCH, IMPROV, OR STAND UP?
If interested in any of these, please visit our website to submit. Must be available to perform in Los Angeles between August 29th - September 1st 2024 if accepted.

Awards vary depending on the category.

INDUSTRY CHOICE:
Our industry-professional judges will pick their favorites for this category in the categories of film, pilot (written or filmed), improv team, and sketch team.

BEST OF FEST FILM AWARD:
Rewarded to one filmed submission, selected by our industry judges.

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS:
Rewarded to one entry in each of the fest’s categories as selected by the audience.

GENERAL RULES
Films should be under 40 minutes and be considered comedic in genre. Films with multiple genres are acceptable (for example, horror comedy), however comedy must be apparent in your submission. Films must have been completed after January 1st, 2022. Films must be horizontal and not appear as vertical downloads from social media. Films cannot be tied to a domestic distribution deal.

Live performance submissions will be accepted only through our website. Failure to submit through this link will result in your submission not being viewed.

Once selected, the filmmaker must make available an MP4 or MOV file in H.264 codec. The Pack does not have the equipment to screen discs (Blu-ray/DVD).

Participants agree that clips from their film and all other material related to their project may be used and/or published in the event program, the Pack’s website and for any promotional purposes which the Pack deems appropriate.

No screeners and/or promotional materials will be returned to the filmmaker, unless arranged in advance with the festival office.

If selected, all commercial/private property including all trademark/copyrighted materials shown or recorded on the project is the responsibility of the filmmaker. The Pack will NOT take responsibility for any infringement of copyright materials.

Rules are subject to change at any time with or without prior notice.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dave Quion

    I was unfortunately unable to attend, but the communication was very nice. They seem to really value their filmmakers and comedians. I was glad to be a part of it.

    October 2024
  • Had a wonderful time in LA for this festival! The inaugural Pack Comedy Film Fest was run with great communication and ample opportunity for networking with other creatives and learning from inspiring panel discussions. Would recommend!

    October 2024
  • Had a great time meeting the Pack gang and fellow fans of comedy at this event while screening our pilot for "Culinary Quest With Chef Joe" @Culinaryquestwithchefjoe (shameless plug!) Thank you Pack Fest!

    September 2024
  • Jewell Karinen

    Well run, great communication, and tons of amazing opportunities to meet fellow filmmakers and comedians. I felt totally taken care of as a panelist and a filmmaker. The organizers were very communicative and did a fantastic job, especially for the first year running this fest. Looking forward to future years!

    September 2024
  • Matt Mazany

    I had a really great time screening my film at Packfest. It was a live comedy/film comedy hybrid and it was a totally different energy than the usual film festival. Staff was really communicative and friendly. A great LA festival if you're a fan of comedy.

    September 2024