Founded in 2000, The Valley Film Festival (VFF) is an all-volunteer non-profit project of Community Partners ® and is the first and longest continually running film festival in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley, headquartered in the NoHo Arts District.

Now in its 24th year, VFF supports local and international voices that advance storytelling, while furthering the education, production, and exhibition of film. In 2010, the City of Los Angeles recognized our cultural contributions with the city seal, and in 2018 the California State Senate stood with us #UnitedByFilm. And, when the world went online in 2020 and 2021, we adhered to city/state guidelines to produce a live event!

The Festival is supported by a community of filmmakers, companies, and moviegoers, that make it possible for VFF to offer year-round programming:

THE VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
The 24th edition of The Valley Film Festival (VFF24) is currently scheduled to take place August 1-8, 2024 with live screenings @ Laemmle NoHo7. (There is a possibility that our venue will close and we will know more in Q1 2024. If that's the case, Laemmle Theatres. has additional locations for us to consider.)

FOCUS ON: Series
*Professional development panels that bring our network of industry experts together to share relevant, practical knowledge. Panels are held both in-person and online, are typically free, and are not recorded to allow for frank discussion.

THE VALLEY FILM MARKET
*A marketplace and symposium of panels and a one-on-one matchmaking events between filmmakers & distributors. (While we continue to host distribution events and panels, between the pandemic and guild strikes in LA, we have not had a one-on-one matchmaking event in a few years. We aim to have this return in 2024.)

VFF screens shorts, features, documentaries, animated films, experimental works, web series, music videos, and more. While we will continue to have shorts programs ("Made in the (818)" and an Alumni program) we will be shifting our focus to feature programming preceded by a short film and music video/trailer. If you're unsure if your film fits our programming, please review our archives before submitting.

"10 Degrees Hotter" Award (juried)
Audience Award or "Best of" (juried)

BEFORE SUBMITTING:
• The Valley Film Festival (VFF) screens on DCP (Digital Cinema Package). Our venue, Laemmle NoHo7 use Christie 4K projectors. Please do not submit to VFF24 if you cannot provide the Festival with a DCP.
• VFF programs all genres, if you’re unsure if your film fits our programming, please review our archives.
• Studios and Sales Agents: Please do not submit to VFF24 if you require a fee for screening at VFF. As a non-profit arts organization, it is not in our budget.

VFF24 SUBMISSION BASICS

1 – All completed submissions received between August 18, 2023 through March 31, 2024 will be considered for The Valley Film Festival 2024 (VFF24).

2 - VFF requires an LA premiere status for feature films*. Premiere status will also be taken into account for short films and those that have not yet screened in Los Angeles County and/or at the Laemmle NoHo7, prior to VFF24, will be given priority. *Films not in competition and/or made by VFF alumni, that have already screened in Los Angeles, will be considered.

3 – The “10 Degrees Hotter” competitive program will only consider submissions completed in 2022, 2023 or on track to be completed prior to VFF24

4– Eligible submissions, if not chosen for the “10 Degrees Hotter” competitive program, will be considered for an Audience Award program or a juried "Best of" program.

5 – Submissions not in English must have English subtitles.

IF ACCEPTED TO VFF24:

1 - If selected to VFF24, you will be asked to sign an Acceptance Agreement within five (5) business days of initial contact. Failure to do so forfeits acceptance into VFF24.

2 – The filmmakers accept responsibility for all trademark and copyrighted materials, shown or recorded, on the project and have the necessary releases for a theatrical screening.

3 - Official selections will be asked to provide a DCP approximately four (4) weeks prior to the festival. Please do not submit to VFF24 if you're not able to provide a DCP for screening purposes.

4 - Filmmakers with a feature or short film in the “10 Degrees Hotter” competitive program will be asked to supply a password-protected link for our panel of jurors.

5 – While we will always ask first, Filmmakers agree that their film, or clips from it, and all other material related to their project may be used and/or published in the event program, VFF website, social networking sites, blog, or for other Festival promotional purposes.

6 – Filmmakers promise to provide VFF with a full electronic press kit that must include a trailer, images for web and print, cast & crew information, and film synopsis. We can't promote you without your help.

7 – We ask that you participate in VFF as much as possible. If you’re unable to attend your screening, please have a representative attend in your place. Please support your peers and celebrate independent cinema.

8 - The cost of delivery and pick-up of all materials is the responsibility of the filmmaker.

9 - VFF holds no responsibility for lost or damaged films or promotional materials. Of course we’re going to handle your deliverables with care, but it is solely up to the filmmaker to take full responsibility.

10 - Take a deep breath, relax, and have fun!

OUR PLEDGE TO THE FILMMAKER:

1 – VFF promises to watch each submission, from start to finish. Guaranteed. You took the time to submit your project to VFF24 and we’ll take the time to watch it. (Please note that your Vimeo counter will not take into account views if embedded into FilmFreeway.com)

2 – At the end of each submission period, and during the final weeks of our selection process, VFF will regularly update the main contact on the status of the film. If you change your email address, please be sure to update VFF. Additionally, we ask that you add info@valleyfilmfest.com to your address book, follow @ValleyFilmFest on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and please do not unsubscribe from our email list until films have been selected. This will ensure you receive all communications from VFF during the submission period.

3 - VFF will never share your contact information, or any part of your film, with a third party without your permission.

4 - Upon request, VFF will extend screening notes to filmmakers, after the festival has ended.

Submitting to VFF24 through FilmFreeway.com confirms that you are authorized to do so and that you've read, understand and agree to the VFF24 Terms of Entry.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • One of the best festivals in L.A. Tracey and the team work so hard to make it look so seamless. You can't help but feel humbled in the company of such accomplished films--they will always screen at least one or two of the best movies you'll see in a given year.

    The panels are always super-informative and helpful in moving your journey forward, and networking opportunities don't end when the festival does. Once accepted, you feel supported and included long afterward.

    We tried for 2-3 years before finally getting selected by VFF. It was worth the wait and then some.

    February 2024
  • Jessica Silvetti

    Tracey and the whole VFF team were fantastic and the communication was incredible. We had a great time at the festival and felt VFF was very diligent in making sure our films screened without a flaw - everything looked and sounded perfect!

    October 2023
  • Had a wonderful experience at The Valley Film Festival. Tracey was so warm and welcoming. Great theatre and location and wonderful opportunities to meet with other filmmakers.

    September 2023
  • Terra Bella Productions

    The Valley Film Festival was an incredible experience that included very relevant panel discussions--including with members of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee to discuss the current SAG-AFTRA strike and with the Distribution Coordinator of USC's School of Cinematic Arts on finding distribution for short films--and offered an overall positive environment that nurtured community-building in a genuinely fun way. We are glad to be part of this community and look forward for what's to come. Thanks Tracey, Aaron, and the entire VFF Team!

    September 2023
  • Was honored to be apart of this festival and to take home the jury award for "Best Music Video"! If you're in the valley, highly recommend submitting or attending this festival next year!

    August 2023