"This is a must submit-to-event for any aspiring or established filmmaker! FIVE STARS all round!" Luke Rex - Filmmaker

SCREENINGS - PRO PANELS - FIELD TRIPS - NETWORKING - 1-ON-1 SESSIONS - AWARD CEREMONY - RED CARPET EVENT

For Highlights From SIMIFF 2023: https://vimeo.com/jfmusic/simiff23

ABOUT SIMIFF

SIMIFF exceeds typical film festival experiences. From the moment you walk through our doors you become a cherished member of the SIMIFF family. The festival extends beyond the 'start date' with pre-event online meetings and chances to promote your work throughout the entire festival journey.

Our curated panels aim to boost filmmakers' careers by connecting them with industry professionals. We facilitate 1-on-1 meetings after panels with esteemed individuals, including Oscar and Emmy winners, studio executives, and recognized industry experts, to maximize exposure and career advancement opportunities.

We're excited to announce the opening of submissions for the 2024 SIMI Film Fest, showcasing top features and short films from around the world.

What Films Are We Looking For?

We are seeking films of the highest caliber that exhibit exceptional skill and artistry, and that push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. Our goal is to showcase the most innovative and daring films that captivate and inspire audiences. If you believe that your film meets this criteria then please... send it!

We seek films that capture the essence of cinematic magic across all genres—comedy, drama, action, thriller, animation, sci-fi, or any unique combination. If your storytelling is compelling, you may just be a perfect fit for screening at SIMIFF.

What makes SIMIFF Different?

SIMI Film Fest is designed for ambitious indie filmmakers eager to progress. We offer unique opportunities that go beyond screenings, providing tools, inspiration, and access to industry professionals to elevate your career. Dedicated to promoting global cinematic creativity, we strive to connect filmmakers with experts through valuable panels.

SIMIFF Benefits:

- Learn from industry pioneers through expert panels covering various filmmaking aspects, and engage in one-on-one meetings with top studio executives.

- Join exclusive studio field trips in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, accessing facilities that are typically hard to find, and unlock opportunities to elevate your craft.

- Be inspired by a curated film selection showcasing local, national, and international talents, providing inspiration and pushing creative boundaries.

- Utilize exclusive red carpet interviews tailored to your production for promotion during and after the festival, connecting with audiences beyond the event.

ABOUT SIMI VALLEY

Simi Valley, a film-friendly town just minutes from Los Angeles, has been a prominent location for film production for decades. From Academy Award-winning Best Picture "Everything Everywhere All At Once" to classics like "Little House On The Prairie" and blockbusters such as "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood," "The Big Lebowski" and "Men In Black," the city has hosted thousands of movies. Nestled in the southeast region of Ventura County, Simi Valley boasts beautiful rolling hills, historical landmarks, and a vibrant cultural arts scene. Conveniently located, it is easily accessible from anywhere in the world, with Los Angeles International Airport, Van Nuys Airport, and Hollywood Burbank Airport all within 40 miles. Simi Valley is committed to helping your production succeed, regardless of its size, ensuring it meets all your goals.

Awards & Prizes

All selected films/filmmakers are eligible for awards, however a selection or nomination does not guarantee an award. Awards will be presented at the SIMIFF Award Ceremony on the final day of the festival.

SIMIFF Award winners will be given to films in the following main categories, as chosen by a panel of judges:

Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Action
Best Horror/Thriller
Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Best Documentary
Best Experimental/Musical/Dance
Best Magical Realism

Additional Awards will also be presented to films in the following additional categories, as chosen by a panel of judges:

Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Directing
Best Cinematography
Best Continuity
Best Screenwriting
Best Hair/Makeup
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Score
Best Set Design
Best Song Placement
Best Visual Effects
Best First-time Filmmaker
Ventura County Film Award

Our SIMIFF Ventura Film Award celebrates and recognizes the outstanding work of filmmakers in our local community. Feature and short films made by Ventura County-based directors will be eligible for consideration upon inclusion in the festival. Ventura film submissions are also considered for non-Ventura competition categories as applicable. Ventura County filmmakers may submit with a discounted submission fee for projects that were both shot in Ventura County and come from a director with a current Ventura County address. Projects that meet both qualifications can submit at a discount of 20%. To obtain the discount code, applicants will need to email director@simiff.com before submitting with the following information: the city the director resides in and where in Ventura County the film was shot. Films that are not live-action are also eligible for the discount if the director resides in Ventura County and partially produced the film in Ventura County.

*Additional prizes may be announced. Current award categories and prizes are subject to change. Festival organizers reserve the right to change the categories listed.

Rules & Terms

NOTICE: No fee waivers are offered.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

- Review carefully before submitting.
- Confirm authority, permissions, and agreement with rules upon submission.
- No individual feedback due to the volume of entries.
- Selection decisions at the sole discretion of SIMIFF are final.
- Submissions are evaluated based on story strength, production values, and creative innovation.
- SIMIFF reserves the right to change deadlines, programming, and rules without notice.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Selected films grant unlimited promotional rights to SIMIFF.
- SIMIFF is not responsible for travel-related costs or program changes.
- Festival organizers hold the right to cancel, revise dates, and change the format.
- Tickets and submission fees are non-refundable.
- Filmmakers must obtain necessary licenses, permits, and clearances prior to submission.

SCREENING DETAILS:

- Selected films must provide a DCP exhibition copy by August 10, 2024.
- DCPs ARE REQUIRED and must be submitted via The Archetype Company by the link that will be provided to Selected films.
- SIMIFF is not responsible for lost or damaged prints/files.
- Press kit materials will be required for selected films (hi-res screenshots, log line, a 10-second clip from the film).
- SIMIFF does not pay screening fees.

AWARDS AND ELIGIBILITY:

- Open to U.S. and International entries.
- No completion date requirement or premiere policy.
- Previously submitted films to SIMIFF are not eligible.
- Films not in the English language must be subtitled in English.
- Only final projects accepted, no works in progress.
- A film will not be eligible for consideration and should not be submitted if: the film has been for sale on DVD/Blue-ray/VOD, or if the film has major theatrical releases (not including film festivals), paid streaming or television distribution.

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

- Submissions accepted from January 8, 2024.
- Earlybird deadline: April 22nd, 2024; Regular deadline: July 1st, 2024; Final deadline: July 21, 2024.
- All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway by July 21, 2024.
- Feature films are 40+ minutes; short films are under 40 minutes.
- Separate submissions and fees for multiple films.
- No refunds for double submissions or non-acceptance.
- No refunds for withdrawal requests.
- Cover letters not required but appreciated.

DISCOUNT CODES:

Discounts available for Ventura County filmmakers and student filmmakers.

Email director@simiff.com for discount codes with necessary information:

Discount for Ventura County filmmakers applies to projects shot and directed within Ventura County.

Student filmmakers must provide a valid, current student ID for eligibility.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Maria Valdez


    It was an unforgettable experience and far exceeded our expectations! We were amazed and grateful for how thoughtful the organizers were in putting together such an incredible film festival. They truly champion filmmakers before, during, and after the festival. Every aspect of the festival is meticulously crafted, from seamless communication and thoughtfully curated panels to outstanding hospitality. It was an honor to have had my work screened at SIMI; thank you.

    February 2024
    Helpful
  • Rachel Thomas-Medwid

    While I wasn't able to attend, I was envious from afar of those who could! The festival lineup, venue, and events looked amazing. The communication from the team was top notch and personal and you can tell they really care about filmmakers and making it the best festival experience for everyone. Thank you for including Penny in your lineup and will be submitting again in the future!

    September 2023
    Helpful
  • Chris Landon

    Hard to believe this was not their twentieth year.
    Limo,red carpet, interviews on the red carpet, photos, pabe K s, and well curated films.

    September 2023
    Helpful
  • Jill Bernshouse

    SIMIFF was an extraordinary, Euro style, fabulous gathering of inspired ideas, filmmaking and networking. I am still reeling from its incredible outreaches. I have heard that it was a completely different film festival.

    Joe & Katie should be very proud. What they have brought to light is other worldly. How lucky all were to have attended this magnificent gathering. Its reverberations are echoing amidst many. Look forward to further wonderment. Congratulations to one fabulous creative couple!

    September 2023
    Helpful
  • Andrew Ratermann

    Our team and I would like to express our gratitude for all of the effort and care put into SIMI Film Fest's inaugural year. We couldn't have asked for a better premiere for our short film Halcyon Days. From the initial selection to the awards ceremony, we felt attended to and supported every step of the way. The red carpet, panelists, 1-on-1 interviews and everything in between made it more than an ordinary film festival.

    September 2023
    Helpful