Now in its 27th year, the OJAI FILM FESTIVAL continues to grow in importance and prestige as one of the country’s premier destination festivals. The 4-day event has a reputation for showcasing the best new films from emerging and established filmmakers, and has helped launch a number of careers over the last two decades. Since 2000, 15 alumni have received Academy Award nominations, two have won an Oscar, and numerous others have gone on to gain distribution and win prestigious awards.

All local filmmakers are automatically entered into our regional Gold Coast track which highlights local talent and offers its own prize: the Bill Paxton Award.

FILMMAKER BENEFITS
1. Free Lodging: Local hosts open their homes and welcome accepted filmmakers attending the festival
2. Awards Brunch: Filmmakers and guests are treated to a picturesque brunch at the Awards Ceremony
3. VIP Passes: Filmmakers and guests enjoy the entire festival, receive virtual passes and get access to exclusive networking evening parties
4. Q&A Panels: Filmmakers are invited to engage with the audience after their film presentations

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Festival's theme is “Enriching the Human Spirit Through Film,” but submissions of all types are welcome. The Festival provides audiences a diverse lineup of titles from around the world, including many groundbreaking works that would otherwise be inaccessible. At the same time, it gives filmmakers access to a highly appreciative audience of savvy and informed film fans.

The festival makes the most of its unique location, only 75 miles north of Hollywood - yet comfortably removed from the typical industry hustle and bustle. With its relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking beauty, Ojai is an ideal spot for filmmakers to mingle with visiting industry guests, artistic colleagues, and distributors.

Awards & Prizes

Trophies are awarded to the winners in every category, along with Honorable Mention Certificates.

CATEGORIES:
Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Animated Film, Best Film Exemplifying The Festival Theme, Audience Award

ADDITIONAL PRIZES:
Best Student Film: Winners receive a Panavision $60,000 Camera Rental Package

Social Impact & Vision Award: Winners receive a Panavision $60,000 Camera Rental Package

All winners are honored at the Awards Brunch, with an opportunity to speak to the filmmakers and community in attendance.

Rules & Terms

ENTRY DEADLINES:
Early Deadline: February 28, 2026
Regular Deadline: March 31, 2026
Late Deadline: April 30, 2026
Extended Deadline: May 31, 2026

MEDIA FORMATS:
Formats accepted for festival screening are as follows:

Blu-ray and streaming files in most formats

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Each submission must include:
· An Online Screener.
· Completed entry form (signed and dated) for the appropriate category
. Birthdates and sex must be that of the filmmaker
. Include complete phone number, email and mailing address
· An Online payment via credit card

Any film completed after November 1, 2023 is eligible for submission.

Please include one or more production stills from your film for publication in our Festival Program. We will need these ASAP if your entry is accepted.

SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR FILMMAKERS CURRENTLY RESIDING IN IRAN
If you are a filmmaker currently residing in Iran, we have a special program just for you! If you are interested in learning more about this program, please send an email to:

Atefeh Rahmani
Iran2022Ojai@gmail.com

and she will promptly respond with full details.

ENTRY FEES:
Early deadline (February 28) entry fees: Features -- $45, Shorts -- $40
Regular deadline (March 31) entry fees: Features -- $50, Shorts -- $45
Late deadline (April 30) entry fees: Features -- $65, Shorts -- $60
Extended Deadline (May 31) entry fees: Features -- $85, Shorts -- $80

(Features are defined as films with a running time of 40 minutes or longer.)

Student-produced films receive a 25% discount in all categories!

For student-produced work, a copy of a current student ID, or evidence of work being completed while entrant was a student, must be included with the application.

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS AND RETURN OF ENTRIES:
Public screening prints of entries selected for exhibition must be shipped pre-paid and in a suitable container, with insurance the responsibility of the entrant.

RETURN OF ENTRIES:
Exhibition prints selected for screening at the Festival will be returned at no charge to the entrant. Return shipments will be insured for $100. Other arrangements may be negotiated if necessary.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
I state that I am authorized to submit this film/video to the Ojai Film Festival for consideration and have read, understand and agree to all entry requirements. I hereby release the Festival from all liability resulting from its exhibition of my film/video. I agree that if the Ojai Film Festival accepts my film for exhibition at the Festival, I will make it available for that purpose without requiring the payment of a screening fee.
61 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dana Teen Lomax

    This was a fabulous festival, one our cast and crew were honored to be a part of. The screening block for PIRATE'S INK was sold out, and the audience was amazing. Communication with the festival organizers was thoughtful and timely. We will be submitting again in the future. Many thanks to everyone at the Ojai Film Festival!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Soureh Cinema Center

    Thank you for choosing our film for your prestigious festival.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Charles Annenberg Weingarten

    A charming intimate festival in a great small town. The festival people were so attentive and kind. They reached out to the filmmakers and really wanted to help and make sure yoh enjoyed the experience.

    The festival has a flavor of authenticity and purity which doesn't exist all the time. I enjoyed seeing banners in the town for it.

    I left feeling my film was appreciated and myself in a really pleasant mood.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Gerry Sanseviero

    Terrific experience, soup to nuts! Lovely venue and awesome staff guiding the events.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Ellen Ancui

    Love Ojai and this is a terrific festival! So many volunteers the venues were great. We were so appreciative to be included and loved all the films we saw. We plan to be back with a feature version of our short film, SAVERIO!

    November 2025
    Helpful