Welcome to Sunset Film Festival, an International annual event held in Los Angeles. With so few spots available at the bigger film festivals, independent filmmakers struggle to get noticed. After all the hard work of making a movie, there's nothing like seeing it on the big screen.

Sunset Film Festival seeks hidden gems bigger fests often overlook. Our programmers are looking for visionary filmmakers with fresh voices to share with an audience hungry for independent film. We screen local, national and international films.

CBS Television placed us among Best Film Festivals in Los Angeles. https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-upcoming-film-festivals-in-los-angeles/

Sundance, Tribeca, Venice. We love them all, but It's hard to get there.
With us you have better chance to be selected.

Awards & Prizes

GOLDEN TROPHY for the BEST.
All selected filmmakers and screenwriters will get the All Films Pass for two guests.
VIP PASSES are good for all screenings, networking, Awards, Red Carpet and the Mixer.

Rules & Terms

Only work created after 2020 is acceptable. We do not accept "work in progress" versions. No porn films. No premiere status is necessary. Sunset Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening (including but not limited to multiple screenings in multiple U.S. and International locations), and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Sunset Film Festival from and against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) that may be incurred because of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered. Do not send any discs or files to us. Online materials are good enough for now. No porn content. We select and screen around 20-30 films a year. If you are selected we'll ask you for a copy of the film (MOV or MP4) and permission to use 30-60 seconds of it for the festival trailer.
41 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tyre Mills IV

    Mark is a great dude, very supportive of Independent Filmmakers.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • D J Clark

    We were so honored to be awarded at the festival and to have been able to send someone along. Many thanks to great organization.

    May 2026
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  • Harker Jones

    Absolutely lovely experience. The organizers went far beyond to make everyone comfortable and to make the day very special.

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you.

  • Sarah L Taylor

    I encourage you to submit to this festival. The Broadwater is a cool venue with high quality sound and visuals. Mark Mos and the team gave the filmmakers a warm and personal welcome and there was a nice crowd in attendance for our screening and Q&A. It was a great chance to talk to other filmmakers and see some terrific films. Sunset Film Festival LA is like Sundance on a smaller scale. They may share initials – SSF – for a very good reason.

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you.

  • Nathan Ondracek

    Had a great time at Sunset Film Festival! Right from when you show up the step and repeat, to grabbing a free drink, enjoying some films, and then networking with so many creatives afterward, this was such a fun night. Mark does a great job making everyone feel at home, and I was happy that we had submitted.

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you.