We know it's easier than ever to get your work out there. The important thing is who's watching it. PICTURE'S UP! is designed to provide maximum exposure for filmmakers. We want to get your work in front of people who can help you take the next step in your career. We have an exciting group of judges from all aspects of the film industry: managers, agents, producers, filmmakers and actors will all view your work.
Along with our $500 grand prize, our partners help us provide an exciting bundle of discounts and gifts to all of our winners that we award at a red carpet Award Gala that you'll never forget!

Submit your short films under 35 minutes in any of the following genres:
Comedy
Drama
Documentary
Horror/Thriller
Sci-Fi
Student
Television Pilot

PUFF is based in Los Angeles, CA at the historic Marilyn Monroe Theatre.

Awards & Prizes

Best of Festival - $500 PRIZE
Best Comedy Short
Best Drama Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Horror/Thriller Short
Best Foreign Language Short
Best Sci-Fi Short
Best Emerging Artist
Best Director - Winner receives 1 on 1 consultation with Industry Professional in their field
Best Screenplay - Winner receives 1 on 1 consultation with Industry Professional in their field
Best Performance by an Actor - Winner receives 1 on 1 consultation with Industry Professional in their field
Best Performance by an Actress - Winner receives 1 on 1 consultation with Industry Professional in their field

All nominees will be receiving a package of perks and gifts from our exciting partners!

Rules & Terms

1. Submission Format
* Films must be submitted via online screener ONLY. We DO NOT accept DVD screeners. * Vimeo or YouTube links are preferred.
* Only one version of the film will be reviewed by programmers - updated cuts will not be reviewed.

2. Submission Eligibility
* All submissions must have been completed after 1 January 2016.
* There is no premiere policy - we accept films that have screened at other festivals or online

3. Submission Fee
*All submissions for PUFF are to be paid through FilmFreeway platform. Submission fees are non-refundable.

4. Selection of Films
*Submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges and selected under the following criteria:
- Quality of narrative and production values.
- Independent nature of the production.

5. Notification
* PUFF endeavors to complete all selection procedures by March 15, 2020 and inform all submitting parties if their film has been accepted or not after that time. Successful submissions will receive a Filmmaker Festival Kit that will include information on press and publicity, screener requirements, contact information and how to make the most of participating in the Festival.

6. Festival Screenings - selected films ONLY
* PUFF aspires to provide the most quality projection possible but will not be held liable for any failure in the technical quality of the projection during screenings, nor will fees be refunded in any such case. PUFF assumes that the submitting party or filmmaker(s) has spot checked the submission.

7. Scheduling - selected films ONLY
* Screenings are scheduled at the discretion of PUFF. Every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule however PUFF reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason. PUFF will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in scheduling.

8. Promotion - selected films ONLY
*Selected films must acknowledge that PUFF reserves the right to promote the films using both images and video that you provide.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jack Murillo - KYNETIC FILMS

    Without a doubt a wonderful festival to go to. Amazing energy and positivity, felt incredible to show my film here. Literally the only festival I cared about getting into last year! Looking forward to submitting again!

    November 2021
    Helpful
  • Cate Carson

    Love the team at PUFF! They care about the filmmakers and films - it’s evident from the programming to communication to hospitality on site. Will definitely submit again.

    November 2021
    Helpful
  • Rachel Annette Helson

    I wish I could have been in attendance at this year's festival! The communication from the organizers has been fantastic - and the films have looked terrific!

    November 2021
    Helpful
  • Seán Treacy

    Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend, but the communication from the festival on social media and via email was OUTSTANDING! Such an engaged festival that is really in tune with what up-and-coming filmmakers wish for in a fest.

    October 2021
    Helpful
  • Lorena Gordon

    The PUFF team are wonderful! Had the best time at the festival. Very talented filmmakers. I will definitely submit again. Thank you so much!

    October 2021
    Helpful