"One of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world" - Filmmaker Magazine

The Topanga Film Festival programs short and feature films that challenge convention and tell stories that inspire new and original ways of seeing and understanding the world.

Perched in a picturesque canyon high above Malibu, the Topanga Film Festival screens films to a unique and engaged Los Angeles community in an intimate setting – attendees include those in the film and music industry, environmentalists, foodies and the eccentric Topanga community.

In these surreal times, the Topanga Film Festival celebrates its 18th edition as a gravitational hub of open-mindedness, dialogue, and storytelling. Under this year’s theme, “UNREEL: Keeping it real in an unreal world” we will explore the unique challenges and opportunities presented by our current moment. Join us for groundbreaking films, scintillating panels, comedic interludes, and legendary afterparties, all for your inspired pleasure!
We will have a full week of online content offering screenings, showcases. Q&As, and panel discussions, in a virtual festival environment, the culminating 3 days of real life gatherings, receptions and exclusive after parties in famous Topanga fashion: inclusive, exclusive, laid-back, community-run, filmmaker focused.

Jury Prizes will be awarded to the best films in several categories.
Outstanding Achievement will be awarded to Young Filmmakers in several categories.

A number of past filmmakers have seen their films acquired for distribution, and/ or gone on to receive critical acclaim and Academy Awards.

The Coveted Coyote Award will be awarded to the best film.
🌟 Plus audience and Jury Prizes are presented for several categories.
🌟 Outstanding achievement presented for Young Filmmakers Showcase.

GENERAL RULES

Short Films:
To be eligible for competition, short films must be:
• under 40 minutes including all credits
• Production years: 2022 & 2023
World– and North American premiers will be prioritized

Feature Narratives and Documentaries Films:
To be eligible for competition, feature films must be:
• Over 40 minutes in length
• Production years: 2022 & 2023
World– and North American premiers will be prioritized

Virtual–, and Experimental Media, NFTs:
• Production years: 2022 & 2023
Contact Festival staff about tech and special exhibition requirements

Young Filmmakers Showcase
TFF-YFS screens two segments, Scouts (age 7-12) and Seekers (age 13-17).
To be eligible for selection:
1) a person in submitted age range must be credited as a writer, director and/or producer of the film at time of entry.
2) films by 18 & 19 year olds will be considered if the film was shot while in high school or the summer after graduating high school.
3) films must be 12 minutes or under in length.

All genres are welcome.
If you do not yet have a completed film and would like to make one for submission or just for fun, check out the resources on our linktree: www.linktr.ee/TFFYoungFilmmakersShowcase.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
I have read and agree to the Festival submission and general rule requirements and certify that I am authorized to submit this film to the Topanga Film Festival. I understand that the Topanga Film Festival will retain the submission copy. No screeners will be returned under any circumstances. Once an entry payment has been processed, a refund cannot be provided. If a payment is disputed, the account holder may be subject to any fees. Further, if accepted, I agree that the Topanga Film Festival will also be authorized to publish my contact information in its Print Source guide. I understand that Topanga Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt of any film submitted for a showcase and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for non-exclusive promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Topanga Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marlon Denning

    A wonderful Festival! I'm so glad I could be there. Very well organised, warm welcomes, fantastic support for young filmmakers and a great selection of films and inspiring Q&A sessions. Thanks for Awarding my film!

    June 2023
  • Michael Rainin

    A beautiful film community! Thank you 🙏🏼

    October 2022
  • Mason Mirabile

    This was a great opportunity for young filmmakers to see the work of their peers. I was thrilled my film was screened and although I was unable to attend in person, it was great that the festival arranged live virtual events. Great communication through the entire process. Highly recommended!

    October 2022
  • M.C. Mansell

    Having our film in this festival, and getting the awesome response it got, was only topped by the coolness of the Topanga Film Festival itself. No other festival like it in the world!

    October 2022
  • Parish Sharma

    Thank you for Screening my Film!

    February 2022