SleuthFest is a Mystery-themed performing arts festival in Hollywood that welcomes artists of all backgrounds and producing levels.

The festival is lightly curated: the only requirement is that the films are genre-appropriate.

Now, when we say "sleuth" stories, we don't just mean Sherlock. We're looking for mysteries, noir thrillers, tales of suspense, true crime, and more!

Got a noir-style detective short shot entirely in your garage? Perfect.

Maybe a mockumentary about a neighborhood watch that takes itself way too seriously? Delightful!

Or a found-footage mystery where the biggest question is “who deleted Scene 47”? Scintillating.

Perhaps a slapstick murder-comedy in the vein of a popular board game? Color me intrigued.

The inaugural SleuthFest happens this February. It will be a mixed-media performing arts festival, featuring both live performance and film screenings. There will be three screening sessions during the ten-day long festival. Group 1 and Group 2 will be the initial screenings for the Official Selections (five films in each line-up). Group 3 will be made up of the Audience Choice and Judge's Choice winners from Groups 1 and 2.

Information on the live performance aspects of the festival can be found at SleuthFestLA.com

Awards & Prizes

Best in Fest
Audience Choice (Group 1)
Audience Choice (Group 2)
Judges Selection (Group 1)
Judges Selection (Group 2)
Wild Card Award
The Spirit of Sherlock Award

Rules & Terms

- SleuthFest Film is open to the United States and International entries.

- Multiple entries are accepted.

- Entry fees are non-refundable.

- Films must be under 20 minutes, otherwise they will be disqualified [without refund].

- Foreign language entries must have English language subtitles.

- Entries must include contact information, with both an email address and phone number if possible. Any physical materials mailed in, must be labeled with submitter contact information.

- For physical materials submitted, please submit in sturdy containers and/or bubble wrap to avoid damage. No fiber filled envelopes. Materials will not be returned to the submitters.

- SleuthFest Film has the right to screen any film or projects submitted to SleuthFest Film.

- If [a film is] officially selected, it is the responsibility of the submitter to send the festival their film in digital format, as requested by festival.

- Screening copies and marketing materials will not be returned to the submitter, unless a pre-paid return mailer is included.

- All decisions made by the festival are final and at their discretion.