The CineArtistry Independent Film Festival is an annual film festival focused on independent films that go overlooked by the biggest film festivals. While we are in the interest of showing well-made films regardless of the context, and all will be seriously considered, special consideration will be given to films that utilize low budget resources and exhibit qualities of the auteur theory such as personal subject matters or unique aesthetics and techniques.

The aim is to promote a film culture of artists who want to share their work and hone their craft, but don’t necessarily subscribe to the lengthy and exclusionary film festival submission process.

There are two categories: Features and Shorts and selected films will be screened at the Secret Rose Theater in North Hollywood, CA.

Awards & Prizes

Feature Film Categories:

Best Picture: $1000
Best Director: $700
Best Actor/Actress: $600

Short Film Categories:
Best Short Film: $600
Best Director (Short Film): $500
Best Actor/Actress (Short Film): $300

Other Prizes:
Best Screenplay (Feature Film)
Best Cinematography (Feature and Short Film)
Audience Award
Jury Mention

Please note that the cash prize amounts listed above are suggestions and can be adjusted based on the available budget and the importance placed on each category.

Rules & Terms

Previous Exhibition and Release Policy:

All films must not have been accepted into major film festivals such as Sundance, Cannes, or Toronto, or have been previously given a major theatrical run.

Films that have been previously screened at smaller festivals or released in a small capacity on VOD are eligible.

Review Policy:

All DVD and Blu-Ray submissions are final.

All films will be viewed by the Jury. All decisions are final and feedback for individual films will be available on a time permitted basis.

Completion Date:

There are no completion date requirements for the screenings. It can be a movie you directed in 1986 but no one ever saw.

Rough Cuts:

We do accept rough cuts. However, the film must be completed by the date of the screening.

Submission Format:

All entries must be submitted as an online screener (vimeo link accepted) or DVD, NTSC, Region 0 and 1 (PAL is accepted on request).

All entries must either be in the English language or be subtitled in the English language.

Screening Format:

All films will screen at the festival via preferred codec or Blu-Ray.