Welcome to the IMDb qualifying California Indies!

We believe in the power of independent cinema as an art form and our intention is to promote and screen international and American shorts and features of all genres. We are devoted to the promotion and recognition of indie filmmaking and the discovery of the emerging stars of cinema. California Indies promotes indie projects of all genres and helps to market and provide exposure for filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and all talents who are nominated in various sections of the festival. 

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Director
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Best Composer
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Animation
Best Horror
Best Science Fiction
Best Student Film
Best Comedy
Best Thriller
Best Web-Series-Pilot
Best Independent Film
Best Music Video
Best LGBTQ
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best Female Filmmaker
Best Unproduced Script
Best Produced Script

Rules & Terms

U.S. and international projects completed after 2019 are accepted.
All rights of the projects must be cleared.
Premiere status is not required.
Entry fees are non refundable.
145 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ron Chaney

    CI made it easy and we were pleased to have one winner from two different films. Thank you for recognizing our work. RC

    April 2026
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  • Amy Bates-Nelson

    Received a Best Short Documentary nomination for High Roller. A friendly online festival — no screenings or in-person events, but a nice early encouragement for first-time festival submissions. Good starting point for films just entering the circuit.

    April 2026
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  • Cathy Brown

    Thank you so much for choosing me to be the winner of Best Female Filmmaker with our amazing and emotional Raksha Girls Film. It not only means the World to me and the crew that worked tirelessly for free, but also the awareness you are helping to bring to the stories of the Raksha Girls. Thank you 🙏🏻

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Cathy Cahlin Ryan

    Thank you for honoring "Loganberry Lane: A Conversation is Had" as part of your festival.

    March 2026
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  • Nurija Berrios

    Thank you so much California Indies for nominating our film The Ghost of Forest Hill., we feel so honored that you chose our film for the IMDb competition.

    January 2026
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