BEFORE SUBMITTING:
• The Valley Film Festival (VFF) screens on DCP (Digital Cinema Package). Our venue, Laemmle NoHo7 use Christie 4K projectors. Please do not submit to VFF26 if you cannot provide the Festival with a DCP.
• VFF programs all genres, if you’re unsure if your film fits our programming, please review our archives.
• Studios and Sales Agents: Please do not submit to VFF26 if you require a fee for screening at VFF. As a non-profit arts organization, it is not in our budget.
VFF26 SUBMISSION BASICS
1 – All completed submissions received between February 14, 2026 through June 15, 2026 will be considered for The Valley Film Festival 2026 (VFF26).
2 - VFF requires an LA premiere status for feature films*. While we do not require a premier status for short films, we do take premiere status into consideration when programming. Short films must not have screened at the Laemmle NoHo7 before 8/18/26 as well as in the Los Angeles area the eight weeks before 8/18/26. Why are we asking for a Premiere status? With the hundreds of festivals in LA, it is easy to dilute festival audiences and makes it difficult for VFF to get media attention for your project. Plus, our screening will be free so use it as your cast & crew premiere!
*Feature films made by VFF alumni, that have already screened in Los Angeles, will be considered.
3 – The “10 Degrees Hotter” competitive program will only consider submissions completed in 2024, 2025 or on track to be completed prior to VFF26
4– Eligible submissions, if not chosen for the “10 Degrees Hotter” competitive program, will be considered for an Audience Award program or a juried "Best of" program.
5 – Submissions not in English must have English subtitles.
IF ACCEPTED TO VFF26:
1 - If selected to VFF26, you will be asked to sign an Acceptance Agreement within five (5) business days of initial contact. Failure to do so forfeits acceptance into VFF26.
2 – The filmmakers accept responsibility for all trademark and copyrighted materials, shown or recorded, on the project and have the necessary releases for a theatrical screening.
3 - Official selections will be asked to provide a DCP approximately four (4) weeks prior to the festival. Please do not submit to VFF26 if you're not able to provide a DCP for screening purposes.
4 - Filmmakers with a feature or short film in the “10 Degrees Hotter” competitive program will be asked to supply a password-protected link for our panel of jurors.
5 – While we will always ask first, Filmmakers agree that their film, or clips from it, and all other material related to their project may be used and/or published in the event program, VFF website, social networking sites, blog, or for other Festival promotional purposes.
6 – Filmmakers promise to provide VFF with a full electronic press kit that must include a trailer, images for web and print, cast & crew information, and film synopsis. We can't promote you without your help.
7 – We ask that you participate in VFF as much as possible. If you’re unable to attend your screening, please have a representative attend in your place. Please support your peers and celebrate independent cinema.
8 - The cost of delivery and pick-up of all materials is the responsibility of the filmmaker.
9 - VFF holds no responsibility for lost or damaged films or promotional materials. Of course we’re going to handle your deliverables with care, but it is solely up to the filmmaker to take full responsibility.
10 - Take a deep breath, relax, and have fun!
OUR PLEDGE TO THE FILMMAKER:
1 – VFF promises to watch each submission, from start to finish. Guaranteed. You took the time to submit your project to VFF26 and we’ll take the time to watch it. (Please note that your Vimeo counter will not take into account views if embedded into FilmFreeway.com)
2 – At the end of each submission period, and during the final weeks of our selection process, VFF will regularly update the main contact on the status of the film. If you change your email address, please be sure to update VFF. Additionally, we ask that you add info@valleyfilmfest.com to your address book, follow @ValleyFilmFest on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and please do not unsubscribe from our email list until films have been selected. This will ensure you receive all communications from VFF during the submission period.
3 - VFF will never share your contact information, or any part of your film, with a third party without your permission.
4 - Upon request, VFF will extend screening notes to filmmakers, after the festival has ended.
Submitting to VFF26 through FilmFreeway.com confirms that you are authorized to do so and that you've read, understand and agree to the VFF26 Terms of Entry.
