"This is one of the few festivals that actually likes filmmakers, unlike most that just screen your film and kick you out right after. I highly recommend this festival to the locals, had a lot of fun last year, great venue and organizers, with a great host."
- Vlad Nikitin, Director, 'Grand Chinatown Robbery'

Our mission at the Studio City International Film Festival is to present cutting-edge films that will entertain, provoke, and inform its audience members.

All genres are welcome. We wish to encourage all cultures and ethnicities. It is our firm belief that the arts are a unifying force that serves to bridge all cultural and ethnic gaps.

In 2020 we started a new category - QUARANTINE SHORTS! It was a big success and we had submissions from all over the world. Hopefully, there won't be any more quarantines, but the spirit of the category remains, so now that category is called "Crewless." To be eligible, the film must be written, shot, directed and edited by one filmmaker.

Why you should submit your film to the Studio City festival:

1. Because we are situated in the heart of the entertainment industry, each year the festival features a number of distributors and celebrities.

2. We make it fun and memorable for the filmmakers. We give a lot of personal attention to all the filmmakers.

3. We also have networking events, so there is ample opportunity to network.

4. We will have filmmaker Q&As after every film block, workshops and panel discussions .
5. This is a fun, festival party atmosphere, and the opening night red carpet is always spectacular.

6. We have industry panels, including a filmmaker Q&A with film sales agents.

7. Awards night always features a celebrity Lifetime Achievement Award. Past winners include Cybill Shepherd, Sally Kirkland, Vincent Spano, Joely Fisher, John Witherspoon, Glynn Turman and Hoard Scott from the group WAR (for writing and perfroming songs featured in many movies and TV shows).

Awards & Prizes

Beautiful trophies are awarded for Best Narrative Feature, Best Comedy Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Horror Feature, Best Horror Short, Best Comedy Short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Animated Short, Best Student Film, Best TV Pilot, Best Web Series, Best Horror Comedy, Best Acting Ensemble, Best "Crewless" Short, Best Sci-Fi Short, Best Sci-Fi Feature and Best Music Video.

Also, awards are given for acting, directing, cinematography and screenwriting.

Rules & Terms

Films must be submitted as an online screener through FilmFreeway, Vimeo link, etc. If your film is selected, we screen DCP only.

Does not have to be a Los Angeles premiere.

184 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • ArcanePacific Entertainment

    Most moving award ceremony I have ever been too! Absolutely fantastic festival.

    December 2025
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  • Derek Mori

    If you’re a filmmaker searching for festivals to showcase your work, the Studio City International Film Festival is a must-consider. I had an amazing experience at this year's festival and I can’t recommend it enough. The festival directors, Steve Sturla and Armando Fernandez, are exceptional hosts and organizers who are dedicated to supporting emerging talent and promoting social justice. Their commitment to innovative storytelling and championing underrepresented voices was evident in the outstanding program they curated this year. Their selections were innovative, thought-provoking, educational, and entertaining. With their exceptional communication and warm hospitality, they will make you feel seen and heard. They also do an amazing job at creating an environment where filmmakers can come together and connect with each other. I highly recommend this festival to any filmmaker seeking exposure and recognition for their work, especially if it has been overlooked or carries a strong message. Thank you, Steve and Armando, for your passion for independent film and for making this year's festival an unforgettable experience for me. I'm already counting down the days until next year's event.

    September 2025
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  • Jeff Osborne

    A great festival, these films were top notch and I was honored to be amongst them. Steve is a really charismatic and funny festival director and host. I also really appreciated the nomination for Best Sci-Fi Short!

    September 2025
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  • Zoey Sidwell

    Such a lovely experience. Enjoyed the screening and meeting my fellow filmmakers. Thanks so much to Studio City for including us!

    September 2025
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  • Sarah L Taylor

    Big kudos to you Steve Sturla, Armando Fernandez and Monica Montero for making the 2025 Studio City Film Festival such a wonderful experience for filmmakers and attendees. Communication was spot on from the start and continued throughout. The Opening Night Red Carpet Party was a blast and a great chance to meet the team and mingle with other filmmakers. The warm welcome gave the whole event a personal feel that was maintained throughout the six days of quality screenings with Q&As and culminated in a moving and enjoyable Awards night. Thank you for creating an unpretentious vibe. Apple Cider Vinegar enjoyed being on the ride. Filmmakers, keep creating! Jodi Harrison and Sarah Taylor, Street Smart Productions LLC

    September 2025
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