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.

SUBMISSIONS

The Lee Strasberg Film Festival accepts all genres of film. Non-English language films must be subtitled in English. We accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere or may have distribution agreements in place. Rough cuts or incomplete projects are not accepted. Multiple entries are allowed, but a separate entry form must be submitted for each film. The festival is able to screen MP4 files. Please note, entry does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Submissions will not be returned.

EXHIBITION & SCREENING

Screenings are scheduled at the discretion of The Lee Strasberg Film Festival. While every effort will be made to follow the published schedule, the festival reserves the right to make changes at any time and for any reason. The festival is not liable for any costs incurred as a result of scheduling changes.

Once selected, a film may not be withdrawn from the festival program. If chosen as an official selection, the festival is granted permission to exhibit the film at The Lee Strasberg Film Festival and associated screenings. The timing and location of any screening shall be determined solely by the Festival organizers.

Filmmakers are solely responsible for all costs associated with submitting a film to the festival, including but not limited to postage, insurance, and travel or accommodation for any representatives. The producer agrees to indemnify the festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings, and losses resulting from the film’s screening or from third-party claims.

LOSS OR DAMAGE

The 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 The 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 Lee Strasberg Film Festival does not offer screening fees for its films. By submitting through FilmFreeway, you agree not to request a screening fee as a requirement for your film's participation in the festival, should your film be selected for the program.

WAIVER REQUESTS

As tiered entry fees and discounts are available, The Lee Strasberg Film Festival does not accept requests for entry fee waivers.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Wonderful festival! Honored to have The Well screened and recognized for best alumni performance!

    November 2024
  • We enjoyed the festival and the hospitality of the staff! Thank you for including us in this year's lineup of films.

    November 2024
  • Stine Vesterskov

    Great festival! Such a friendly and creative vibe! 3 days of short films from all over the world, with the acting in focus. There's such a supportive end encouraging vibe. Good place to mingle for filmmakers and creatives! Thanks!

    November 2024
  • 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