MISSION STATEMENT: To provide filmmakers, actors, and stories of diverse backgrounds with a place to showcase their voice without judgment or insincere reflection: Free of stereotypes and degradation. Our goal is to establish a true multicultural experience represented by the world’s independent film community.

We support the following topics, filmmakers and communities: LGBT, Disability Culture, Racial/Ethnic Diversity, Religious Diversity, Family structures, as well as other social diversities including the aging population and youth in cinema.

We have several awards, including the Best of The Fest, Best Director, Best Performance and Audience Award.

Submitting your film to the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival (LADFF) in no way implies any ownership rights by LADFF to the submitted film. Submitting your film to LADFF does not imply that you have been accepted into LADFF.

To be eligible to screen, your film does not have to be a Premiere. Films must be original works, or you must have official permission and licensure to exhibit someone else's work. If you submit a film with copyrighted or trademarked materials, and you do not have written permission to use them, you are not be eligible to screen.

Films can be original or adapted works, but you must have written permission to use copyrighted or trademarked content. Your film must be in English, or subtitled in English.

LADFF will accept films that are Works-In-Progress, however, if the film in question is accepted, LADFF will only exhibit a complete and finished product. If entering more than one film, the filmmaker must submit separately.

LADFF does not return submitted materials, therefore please do not send master copies.

We accept all submissions that fit directly or indirectly with our Mission Statement. LADFF will not screen pornography, nor what we deem to be true cruelty to animals, humans, or true cruel and unusual behaviors otherwise.

You hereby grant LADFF the right to utilize any excerpt from your submitted film for promotional purposes. The individual or company submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements. By submitting your film to this festival, you agree that, if your film is selected by LADFF, You grant a NON-exclusive license to use, display, exploit and exhibit Your name, trade names, trademarks, service marks, copyrights, still images, moving images, audio sounds, your submitted film, material, information, and/or any other things received by LADFF, whether by physical or electronic delivery (including material and/or material(s) here, and above and below herein), publicly, at LADFFs sole discretion to promote, market and advertise the festival. You also authorize LADFF to place your images and synopsis on our website.

The individual or company submitting the film shall indemnify and hold harmless the 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 items entered. The individual or company submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

Except for payments due collected by LADFF as stated herein or on LADFF website(s), LADFF liability for any damages caused to You as a result of performance or non-performance or damage under, or not under, this agreement shall be limited in all circumstances to an amount no greater than one U.S. dollar ($1.00).

By entering LADFF, all entrants agree to the complete contents of the LADFF Terms and Conditions found on the official LADFF website. All entrants release and waive any claims with regard to LADFF and agree to hold harmless LADFF and/or all related entities from and against any and all claims of any kind that are or could be asserted with respect to any festival related matter whatsoever, in perpetuity. All information by LADFF, whether publicly posted or not, is subject to change without prior notice.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Chloe Owens

    I cannot say enough kind things about this festival! Sonja and Nicholas are a wonderful team. Sonja was in touch with me each step, and we were also excited to be included in their 10th anniversary celebratory day. The curated films selected were each special in their own unique way, and it was lovely to meet so many diverse people in the LA industry. If you are local to LA, or can come here- I would highly recommend applying to this festival and connecting at their after party. & I definitely plan to submit here again.

    October 2023
  • Josh Coppenbarger

    An excellent festival! The quality of films were top notch, the communication and hospitality from the programmers were excellent, and I'm extremely honored that they selected my film to be a part of their line up. It's definitely a festival I'd frequent even as a casual viewer.

    September 2023
  • Everyone at this festival was so kind. Sonja made sure we were always up to date with information and responded to emails so quickly. It was such a pleasure and I enjoyed every block of shorts I watched.

    September 2023
  • The programming for this festival is well curated and you can really feel their intention to be as inclusive as possible while still maintaining a high caliber of films. As a filmmaker, it’s nice to have your film so thoughtfully placed with other fantastic films. The festival experience is fun and intimate with lots of communication and materials to promote your film and your screening. I highly recommend this fest!

    September 2023
  • Desiree Abeyta

    This festival is what festivals should be about. The hosts are communicative and gracious, the programming is thoughtful and well planned, and the core message of the festival is exactly what we hope to see more of in this industry. Plus they give REAL awards! Our trophies are stunning. Thank you so much for a wonderful experience with our film, ANNE!

    October 2022