The Los Angeles Theatrical Release Competition & Awards mission is to celebrate independent filmmakers with an eye on having a release in a paid movie theater in Los Angeles or Ventura County. Filmmakers will also have the opportunity to be awarded across all categories. Most great filmmakers think their films should get a theatrical release, but it's too expensive - until now.

For films entering also in sub-categories, the final decision will be made by professionals in that field.

Best Picture (any genre), Best Short (Overall), and Best Trailer will be given a 7-day theatrical release in a motion picture theater in Los Angeles or Ventura County. Winning filmmaker will be given an option of theaters (at their request, foreign winners wanting a local release can discuss with LATCA upon notification of winning. This has worked out well in the past, yet there are no guarantees). All other winning filmmakers will be emailed notification.

Many independent filmmakers strive to get the best audience for our films. Although festivals are fun, the real joy comes from getting an actual theatrical release in Los Angeles or Ventura County. 7 days in a theater can run anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. What better prize to offer the winning filmmakers than that dreamed of release?! Many other winners will also be announced, but the main prize here is for the winning film overall, the winning short overall and the winning trailer. If you think you have what it takes, submit via FilmFreeway. If you think about it, the odds are much better than any lottery!

*BEST PICTURE WILL BE AWARDED TO THE BEST FEATURE FILM AND BEST SHORT FILM ACROSS ALL GENRES

US Narrative Competition
• Open narrative films produced in the US
• Eligible for:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Cinematography
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actress
Best Soundtrack

GENRE SPECIFIC AWARDS WILL ALSO BE AWARDED - FILMMAKER MUST ENTER CATEGORIES THEY WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR

FILMMAKERS ONLY SUBMITTING TO CATEGORIES WILL NOT BE IN COMPETITION FOR BEST PICTURE, BEST DOCUMENTARY, BEST SHORT, ETC. YOU WILL ONLY BE IN COMPETITION FOR WHAT YOU SUBMIT FOR.

International Narrative Competition
• Open narrative films produced outside the US
• Eligible for:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Cinematography
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actress
Best Soundtrack


World Documentary Competition
• Open to works from all regions

All films entered for the main prize of theatrical release (features and shorts) must at least be a North American Premiere and completed within the prior 18 months. All other films submitted (regardless of premiere status) are eligible for other listed awards and sub-categories. NO OTHER FILMS WILL BE LIVE SCREENED, although awards will be given for all categories and sub-categories. For winning short film and trailers with theatrical release, THERE WILL BE NO NEGOTIATIONS ON DATES as they will be screened alongside winning theatrical Best Feature. Final decision on all matters to be made by LATCA. Do NOT submit if you do not agree with these rules.

All winning filmmkers of all divisions will be contacted and awarded via email.

ALL THEATRICAL WINNING FILMMAKERS TO BE RELEASED (BEST FILM, BEST SHORT AND BEST TRAILER) MUST COMPLY WITH ALL RELEASES MANDATED BY THEATER PRIOR TO SHOWING - AS IS INDUSTRY STANDARD. IF NOT COMPLIED WITH, FESTIVAL HAS THE RIGHT TO REVOKE THE PRIZE AND AWARD TO THE RUNNER UP IN THAT CATEGORY. This is industry standard and out of festival's control.

We only screen (review entries) through online screeners or a private password protected Vimeo link. No exceptions.

The theaters we use only screen via DCP. DCP must be sent to festival address within 3 weeks of notification of winning. If, for any reason, filmmaker is unable to provide DCP in that time, festival director reserves the right to cancel the release (and win) and provide it to the runner-up. Additionally, a BluRay of winning films for theatrical MUST be provided as a safety net.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PASSWORD PROTECTED ONLINE SCREENER, A SCREENER ON FilmFreeway, OR A FilmFreeway ACCOUNT, PLEASE CONTACT US VIA OUR CONTACT US FORM ON OUR WEBSITE TO INITIATE SUBMISSION. NO EXCEPTIONS.

If for some reason you do NOT have a FilmFreeway account, or prefer to NOT enter via FilmFreeway, please contact us directly via our website contact form at www.thefilmfestival.com.

LEGALITIES:

All filmmakers understand and accept that if their film, short, or trailer is selected for theatrical release, they grant full and unrestricted permission for LATCA. to release and to charge an admission fee for the presentation. The Filmmaker understands and accepts that they do not participate in receiving any funds from the Box-office proceeds which are fully retained by LATCA to help cover the overall cost of the presentation. It should be noted for the record that box-office proceeds never cover the cost of release.

The filmmaker releases the festival (LATCA) from any and all liability for damages or destruction of the entered DCP. The Filmmaker understands that the entered DCP will be retained in a secure facility by the festival, and every effort will be taken to protect and control the viewing of this production. The festival assumes no liability whatsoever for theft, copyright violations or piracy of the entry.

The Filmmaker accepts and understands that the festival, in conjunction with releasing theater will do everything possible to present the DCP in the best possible manner but the festival (LATCA) is not responsible for any and all malfunctions during the presentation of the production at its release. All DCP’s are carefully pre-screened prior to the public showing to assure it will perform to industry Standards. The Festival (LATCA) assumes no responsibility for any technical difficulties in the presentation of this DCP at the actual event.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I am thoroughly thrilled and profoundly honored that my short screenplay MELALEUCA has been awarded as BEST SHORT SCRIPT in this prestigious festival . Indeed grateful and wish to profusely thank the esteemed jury and organisers of the festival . It means a lot to me and is a great inspiration . Thank you once again .

    September 2023
  • Great experience. Thank you for treating the Irson team so well.

    July 2022
  • SANJEEV SIVAN

    thanks so much for this wonderful recognition at this festival... it means a lot to us... god bless.

    June 2022
  • Sybil Jatta

    Thank you team, Los Angeles Theatrical Release Competition Awards, for selecting our documentart feature film "AKWAABA The Awakening" to your film festival during this season of life! We are just humbled by God's hands upon our project. All the best to your team, for your sacrifice in allowing our dreams to flourish as upcoming major filmmakers.

    Peace, blessings, prosperity and continued good health.

    Sybil D. Jatta
    Filmmaker
    Documentarian

    April 2022
  • Julia Dubreuil

    Thanks you! I was finalist for Elisa ans middle earth 2. Super!

    April 2022