Welcome to The Lee Strasberg Film Festival, a three-day celebration of independent cinema and exceptional acting, set in the vibrant hub of Los Angeles. As a platform for both emerging talent and established voices, the festival showcases the best in narrative short and feature films from around the globe.
Founded at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and rooted in the legacy of Lee Strasberg, our festival places special emphasis on actor performance. With a rich history tracing from the Group Theatre and the Actors Studio through today’s industry, The Institute stands as a beacon of excellence in actor training. Lee Strasberg’s students and alumni of The Institute include Al Pacino, Marilyn Monroe, Laura Dern, Chandra Wilson, Alec Baldwin, Scarlett Johansson, Rosario Dawson, and many more.
The Lee Strasberg Film Festival celebrates the power of performance and storytelling on screen while honoring the collaborative craft of filmmaking through awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and more. Past jurors include Michael Imperioli, Rebecca De Mornay, John Hindman, Gabe Bologna, Claudia Stedelin, David Rappaport, Joel Gretsch, and Peter Flood.
The 2025 edition will take place November 7-9 in the heart of West Hollywood, featuring a captivating lineup of screenings, seminars, panels, and networking events.
Proudly partnered with The Bigger Screen, Connecting Cultures Program, Producer’s Night Los Angeles, and The Tarkovski Grant, The Lee Strasberg Film Festival is a dynamic meeting point for artists, audiences, and industry professionals.
All selected filmmakers receive The Tarkovski Grant, a film festival submission fee waiver package with a minimum value of $500. The Tarkovski Grant is supported by film festivals from around the world and supports hundreds of independent filmmakers each year. Learn more at thetarkovskigrant.org.
Selected films are automatically in consideration for Producer's Night, an invitation-only private screening for influential Hollywood producers, directors, and distributors. Learn more at producersnight.com.
Selected films are reviewed by the 2025 Festival Jury, and winners are chosen for a lineup of honors and awards:
Best of Fest (Cash Prize)
Best Narrative Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Editing
Alumni of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute are eligible for all regular award categories, as well as dedicated honors for alumni submissions.