Welcome to the Lee Strasberg Film Festival, a three-day acting oriented celebration of independent cinema and exceptional acting, set in the vibrant hubs of Los Angeles and New York. As a platform for both emerging talents and established voices, our festival showcases the best in narrative short and feature films from around the globe.

Born from the legacy of the esteemed Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute®, our festival pays homage to the legendary acting coach whose teachings have shaped generations of performers. With roots tracing back to the Group Theatre in 1931, through the Actors Studio, and into the present through The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, our institute stands as a beacon of excellence in actor training. Alumni who trained with Lee Strasberg or studied at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute include: Laura Dern, Alec Baldwin, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Marilyn Monroe, Matt Dillon, Harvey Keitel, Uma Thurman, to name a few.

At the Lee Strasberg Film Festival, we place a special emphasis on actor performances, recognizing the heart and soul of storytelling on screen. However, we also celebrate the collaborative efforts of filmmakers by presenting awards for best film, best director, and more.

With a commitment to quality, each edition of our festival curates a selection of at least 50 films that captivate, inspire, and provoke thought. Our aim is to provide audiences with an unforgettable cinematic experience, filled with diverse perspectives and captivating performances.

Proudly partnered with The Bigger Screen, Connecting Cultures Program, Producer's Night Los Angeles, and The Tarkovski Grant, the Lee Strasberg Film Festival is more than just a showcase of films—it's a convergence of creativity, culture, and community. Join us as we celebrate the art of cinema and the enduring legacy of Lee Strasberg.

All selected filmmakers will receive The Tarkovski Grant, a film festival submission fee waiver package with an average value of about $500. This not only saves you a lot of money, but it also recognizes your work as something to watch for during the selection procedure, making a selection with another partner film festival more likely - but of course, never guaranteed. The Tarkovski Grant supports hundreds of filmmakers each year in their challenging journeys as independent filmmakers, by promoting existing films, no matter the genre, style or length. The Tarkovski Grant is supported by film festivals from all over the world. Find out more here: www.thetarkovskigrant.org

All selected films are also automatically in the running for Producer's Night.

Producer's Night is an opportunity for independent filmmakers to have their work screened to a private group of elite Hollywood producers. For many directors, it could mean their ticket to the mainstream. The exclusive screening will show the best of independent cinema from the past year's film festivals at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in West Hollywood. The only way to be considered for this by being selected at one of the partner film festivals. The Lee Strasberg Film Festival is a proud partner film festival of Producer's Night. More information: www.producersnight.com

The selected films are viewed by the Festival Jury and winners are picked for a lineup of honors and awards.

Best of Fest will receive a cash prize.

RULES & TERMS

SUBMISSIONS
Lee Strasberg Film Festival accepts all forms and genres. All non-English language films must be subtitled in English. Entry, accept the 'guaranteed selection submissions', does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Submissions WILL NOT be returned. We also accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere and that may have distribution agreements already in place. Rough cuts and incomplete projects are not accepted. Multiple entries are allowed, however a separate entry form must be submitted for each. The festival has the capability to screen MP4 files.

EXHIBITION & SCREENING
Screenings are scheduled during the festival at the discretion of Lee Strasberg Film Festival. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, Lee Strasberg Film Festival reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason. Lee Strasberg Film Festival will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in scheduling. No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection. If chosen as an official selection, Lee Strasberg Film Festival is granted the permission to exhibit the film at the Lee Strasberg Film Festival and all associated screenings. Location and timing of any screenings of the film shall be the sole decision of the organizers of Lee Strasberg Film Festival. Filmmakers will be solely responsible for all costs resulting from the submission of the film to the Festival including but not limited to postage or insurance of the film, and expenses of your staff or any representatives of the film. Producer will indemnify the organisers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

LOSS OR DAMAGE
Although every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage to materials while in the possession of the festival, Lee Strasberg Film Festival is not responsible should any materials be damaged while in transit to or from, or while in the possession of the festival.

ENTRY LIABILITY
The filmmaker holds Lee Strasberg Film Festival, its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from entry. The filmmaker certifies to have full rights. Producer will indemnify the organisers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

SCREENING FEE
The festival does not offer screening fees for its films. By submitting through FilmFreeway you are agreeing to NOT request a screening fee as a requirement for your film's participation in the festival, should your film get selected for the program.

WAIVER REQUESTS
Since the festival only requires a nominal entry fee, we will NOT accept requests for other entry fee waivers.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Giuseppe Schillaci

    It has been an amazing experience, thank you to all of the lee strasberg festival

    March 2022
  • Alberto Sosa

    This has been an increíble experience. I really enjoyed this event and I'd love to encourage the students and alumni to participate and enhance this amazing community.

    March 2021