Twilight Showcase and Art Fest returns in October 2024 to central Los Angeles, offering an exciting platform for underrepresented filmmakers and artists to share their work. Founded in 2019, this grassroots outdoor festival highlights the creative talents of BIPOC, API, LGBTQIA+, and emerging filmmakers, providing them with the opportunity to showcase narrative short films, music videos, experimental films, and indie feature trailers.

This year’s festival will be a vibrant celebration of art and culture, featuring live music performances, spoken word artists, and a bustling marketplace where independent vendors can display and sell their creations. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles—a city renowned for its cultural diversity and film history—Twilight Showcase creates a relaxed yet inspiring environment where artists and audiences can connect and engage.

Our mission is to amplify emerging filmmakers' voices, offering them a platform to present their work and a stepping stone toward greater opportunities in the film industry. By focusing on short films under 15 minutes, the festival ensures a dynamic and varied lineup, giving more artists the chance to shine.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, an art enthusiast, or someone looking to experience the creative pulse of Los Angeles, Twilight Showcase and Art Fest is the event for you. Come join us for an evening filled with powerful stories, unique perspectives, and a celebration of the arts in all its forms. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this inspiring community event!

Awards & Prizes

Audience Award
Attendees will vote for their favorite short film via live voting at the Festival.

More Prizes to be announced.

Rules & Terms

Twilight Showcase and Art Fest: Short Film Submission Rules
1. Eligibility
* Filmmaker Background: Submissions are highly encouraged from filmmakers who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, femme, or other underrepresented communities. While this is the focus, submissions from all filmmakers will be considered.
* Age Requirement: Filmmakers aged 16-30 are the primary target for submissions, but submissions from all age groups are welcome.
* Original Work: The film must be the original work of the applicant. By submitting, the filmmaker confirms they hold all necessary rights to the film, including music and images.
2. Film Length
* Short Films: Films should have a maximum runtime of 15 minutes, including credits. Exceptions may be made for films up to 20 minutes, but this is at the discretion of the selection committee.
3. Genre and Content
* Genres: All genres are accepted, including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and music videos.
* Content Rating: Films should be suitable for a general audience (PG-13). Content with excessive violence, nudity, or explicit language may not be accepted.
* Language: Non-English language films must have English subtitles. Films without subtitles may not be considered unless the dialogue is minimal and not critical to understanding the film.
4. Submission Format
* Digital Submission: All films must be submitted digitally through the designated submission platform (e.g., FilmFreeway, Withoutabox). Physical submissions will not be accepted.
* File Requirements: Films must be submitted in high-definition (HD) format, with a minimum resolution of 1080p. Accepted file formats include .MP4 and .MOV.
* Aspect Ratio: Films should be submitted in their original aspect ratio without letterboxing or pillarboxing.
5. Submission Fees
* Entry Fee: A non-refundable submission fee is required for each film submitted. This fee helps cover administrative costs.
* Waivers: Fee waivers may be available for students or filmmakers facing financial hardship. Requests for waivers must be submitted in writing prior to submission.
6. Submission Deadlines
* Opening Date: Submissions open on August 15, 2024.
* Final Deadline: All submissions must be received by January 5th, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST. Late submissions may not be considered.
* Notification Date: Filmmakers will be notified of their film's selection status by January 25, 2024.
7. Selection Process
* Judging Criteria: Films will be judged based on creativity, originality, storytelling, technical execution, and alignment with the festival’s mission to uplift underrepresented voices.
* Selection Committee: The selection committee consists of industry professionals, past participants, and community members with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
* Programming Decisions: All programming decisions are final. The selection committee reserves the right to determine the number of films selected and the scheduling of films within the festival.
8. Screening and Rights
* Screening: Selected films will be screened at the Twilight Showcase and Art Fest in October 2024. The exact date and time of each screening will be provided upon acceptance.
* Rights and Permissions: By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants Twilight Showcase and Art Fest the rights to screen the film at the festival, use film excerpts for promotional purposes, and include the film in any festival-related materials.
* Distribution: Twilight Showcase and Art Fest does not acquire any rights for distribution; all rights remain with the filmmaker.
9. Filmmaker Responsibilities
* Promotion: Filmmakers of selected films are encouraged to promote their screenings and the festival on their social media platforms.
* Attendance: Filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival to participate in Q&A sessions, network with other filmmakers, and engage with the audience.
10. Disqualification
* Disqualification: Films that do not meet the submission guidelines, including length, format, or content requirements, may be disqualified. Submission fees for disqualified films will not be refunded.
* Plagiarism: Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification and potential legal action.
11. Additional Terms
* Legal Compliance: Films must comply with all applicable laws, including copyright and intellectual property laws. The festival is not responsible for any legal disputes regarding the content of the films.
* Changes: Twilight Showcase and Art Fest reserves the right to amend these rules and guidelines as necessary. Any changes will be communicated to applicants.
For any questions or clarifications regarding the submission process, please contact us at twilightshowcaseaf@gmail.com .