Welcome to Cambria! Entering our 8th year, the Cambria Film Festival is expanding our reach and looking for YOUR film!

Nestled on the central coast of California halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cambria is a unique, relaxed, and intimate seaside getaway destination with a deep fondness for the arts. With a colorful film and entertainment history, “Cinema by the Sea” is a no-brainer!

Our love of film knows no bounds, and CFF aims to celebrate the art of independent filmmaking and storytelling, accepting submissions from all genres for consideration in our festival, including our tradition of films about romance, rom-coms, and all aspects of love. Showcasing feature, short, student, and genre films from all around the world, our selections have kept our dedicated audience coming back year after year.

In addition to screenings, CFF offers industry workshops, seminars, panels, parties, and special engagements to create an immersive and varied experience for film lovers and filmmakers alike. Speaking of filmmakers - expect to be welcomed with open arms not only by our festival but by our film-loving community as well!

In the words of one of our past filmmakers: “The quality of films I enjoyed while attending the festival in 2024 was only rivaled by the hospitality, attention, and care they extend to their filmmakers”.

We would be honored to consider your film for the 2025 Cambria Film Festival - and hope you can be a part of our festival history!

Awards & Prizes

Founder's Award
Heart Award (Best Romance, Rom-Com, or "Love")
Best Feature
Best Short
Best Animation
Best Documentary
Audience Award - Best Feature
Audience Award - Best Short

Rules & Terms

By submitting your project, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to all of the following rules and terms. All projects submitted and accepted must adhere to the following terms and will be considered for inclusion in the 2025 Cambria Film Festival.

Rights

Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances, and permits necessary to present their work. The Cambria Film Festival is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or royalty infringement related to the work.

Submission

Films are to be submitted through the online platform FilmFreeway and are subject to a submission fee.

Students must submit proof of current enrollment in an accredited degree program in
any filmmaking discipline.

No refunds of submission fees are granted.

Genres

We accept submissions from all genres for consideration in our festival, including our tradition of films about romance, rom-coms, and all aspects of love.

Screenings

Each film in competition will be programmed to screen twice. In the event of technical difficulties or other unforeseen issues, the festival will do its best to schedule a makeup screening. The Cambria Film Festival reserves the right to screen films a third time as an “encore” screening or should screenings sell out and demand warrants; it also reserves the right to screen selected films in virtual format for a defined Festival period.

Accepted feature films must be able to provide a MOV or MP4 file for screening. CFF does not screen using DCP.

Accepted short films must be able to provide a MOV or MP4 file.

Subtitles

Foreign language films must have English subtitles to be considered for screening. Filmmakers are responsible for adding correct subtitles to their films.

53 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Festival Formula

    Whenever we have a film that fits this remit, we're always sending the team here new work! A niche but focused and warm festival. We had 11 selections in 2024:

    [subtext]
    A Positive Contribution
    Benched
    Blue Rain
    Dreaming of You(th)
    Food That Saves You
    My Eyes Are Up Here
    On The Line
    Three
    Time Tourists
    Your Guardian

    March 2024
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  • Alex Hanno

    An amazing festival that takes place in the lovely seaside town of Cambria. Everyone involved in this fest takes a huge amount of pride in putting it together and the local audiences come out in full force to support indie film (every screening I went to was packed!) The films all center around "love" and yet, span a huge array of genres, themes, and tones. I can't recommend Cambria FF - all of the other filmmakers I met were tremendous and it's the perfect weekend getaway to boot!

    February 2024
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  • Laura Sedlak

    Cambria Film Festival is extraordinary. The quality of films I enjoyed while attending the festival in 2024 was only rivaled by the hospitality, attention and care they extend to their filmmakers. The numerous catered events provided ample opportunity for networking and celebration. Also honored to be awarded Best Long Form Short for Fate vs. Elena. Can’t wait to visit beautiful Cambria again!

    February 2024
    Helpful
  • Lucia Sherman

    A marvelous festival all around! Although I was unable to attend, the communication was terrific from the get-go (a hearty shout out to the Nixons).
    One of my actors represented Gypsy Rose Leezinski, and she had nothing but positive things to say--especially the festival's lineup, its audiences, the kindness of the organizers and staff, and naturally, its beautiful location. Many thanks!

    February 2024
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  • Erin Brown Thomas

    If you live in LA and create a film about love (even platonic or familial love), you must submit to Cambria. The organizers put a lot of thought and attention into the networking events, and cultivate a wonderful atmosphere for genuine human connection. The year I went (2024) they were able to provide lodging! The town is super cute and there are great sights to see within a short drive of the festival, like the giant Elephant Seals along route 1 and Hearst Castle. I look forward to returning with future films if I'm given the opportunity.

    Thank you for programming [subtext]!

    February 2024
    Helpful