UNSEEN Film Festival is a Los Angeles–based international semi-annual film competition dedicated to carefully curated independent cinema.

The festival presents films and screenplays selected for their craft, clarity of voice, and artistic intention, regardless of genre, budget, or prior exhibition history. UNSEEN values thoughtful storytelling, strong visual language, and works made with care and purpose.

Through two annual selection cycles and an in-person showcase, UNSEEN provides a professional platform for filmmakers and writers whose work reflects discipline, originality, and cinematic integrity.

UNSEEN is committed to fair review, clear standards, and respectful engagement with filmmakers at every stage of their creative journey.

Awards & Prizes

Best Director
Best First-Time Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Acting Duo
Best Acting Ensemble
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score
Best Short Screenplay
Best feature Screenplay
Best Short Script
Best Production Design
Best Trailer / Teaser
Best Documentary
Best Music Video

Rules & Terms

Eligibility
Short Films must be no longer than 40 minutes including credits.
Works must have been completed after Jan 1, 2022.
All genres, styles, and formats are accepted (fiction, doc, animation, experimental, music-video, web-series pilot, mobile-shot, etc.).
Non-English dialogue must contain English subtitles (unless dialogue-free).
Premiere & Screening Status
No premiere requirement; films may have screened elsewhere or be available online.
Multiple submissions are allowed, but each must be submitted with its own entry fee.
Submission Guidelines
Exhibition format: 1080p .mp4 or .mov (H.264). DCP is NOT required.
Submission platform: all entries must arrive through FilmFreeway with a secure online screener (Vimeo, YouTube unlisted, or direct upload).
Work-in-progress cuts are accepted up to the Regular Deadline; final cut must be supplied no later than 2 month before festival opening date