LA Under the Stars Film Festival returns for its 8th year on Sunset Boulevard, bringing filmmakers back to one of Los Angeles’ most memorable screening experiences.

Held at the historic El Cid, LAUTS is a Top 100 Best-Reviewed international film festival on FilmFreeway and an IMDb-accredited festival built around one unforgettable night of independent cinema.

This is not a sprawling multi-day festival where films disappear into half-empty theaters.

It is one curated evening, one stage, and one packed house. LAUTS is designed to give every selected project real visibility, genuine audience engagement, and meaningful creative connection.

Over the years, LA Under the Stars has screened work featuring talent such as Woody Harrelson, Juno Temple, and Danny Trejo, while also championing first-time filmmakers who left with new collaborators, new industry conversations, and real momentum.

Why Submit?
Official Selections are IMDb-eligible
Top 100 Best-Reviewed festival recognition
Red carpet interviews and professional step-and-repeat photography
Live filmmaker and screenwriter Q&A sessions
Audience Choice voting during the event
Custom-designed trophies across film and screenplay categories
VIP networking opportunities with fellow creatives
An international and diverse judging panel

Your work is not buried in an overcrowded schedule. It is seen, celebrated, and experienced by a real Los Angeles audience.

Awards & Prizes

SUPERSTAR – Best Overall Film
WONDER WOMAN – Outstanding Female Filmmaker
AUDIENCE CHOICE – Voted by the audience
SCRIPT SUPERNOVA – Top Feature and Short Screenplay
Best Director, Actor, Actress, Comedy, Horror, Animation, Documentary, Student Short
M. Night Shyamalan Award – Best Plot Twist
City of Angels Spotlight – Best LA Film
Special Jury Prize – For extraordinary impact

If you are looking for a meaningful Los Angeles screening experience with a real audience and a strong creative atmosphere, we would love to see your work.

Join us under the stars.

Rules & Terms

By submitting your film to LA Under the Stars (LAUTS), you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Language Requirement: All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time of submission.

2. Original Works: Films must be original creations, and you affirm that you have all the necessary rights and permissions for the submitted material.

3. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend LAUTS and its employees from any liability, claims, damages, fees, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from the submission or any related activities.

4. Adherence to Rules: Failure to comply with the competition rules and regulations may result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee.

5. Defense of Claims: You agree to hold LA Under the Stars harmless and defend against any claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising from any third-party claims related to the submitted film, whether valid or groundless.

We appreciate your understanding and compliance with these terms as we strive to maintain a fair and successful film festival experience.
99 Reviews
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  • Matt Latham

    Really enjoyed playing at LA Under the Stars! It was especially nice that it was in LA, so that my cast and crew could come to celebrate, so it was a great time!

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much, Matt! We loved having your film at LA Under the Stars and seeing your cast and crew come out to celebrate together. That’s exactly the energy we hope for, artists sharing their work with their people. Hope to have you back next year for another unforgettable night in LA!

  • Lorenzo Manetti

    We were not able to attend LA Under the Stars in person, but had an incredible experience with the festival’s team! Their communication and enthusiasm leading up to the event was excellent. We're honored to have had our short film, ESCAPE, be a part of the fest! And honored with an award for Best Horror Short! As we embark on our next project, I hope we are able to participate again and experience the fest in person! Thank you for including us!

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Lorenzo, your words mean a lot. Thank you! We were honored to screen Escape and thrilled to see it recognized with Best Horror Short. Your team’s creativity and passion shined through. We can’t wait to welcome you in person next time and celebrate another one of your incredible projects!

  • Harvey Goodman

    Great folks, well run. Thanks for the memories.

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Harvey! We really appreciate your kind words and are so glad you had a great experience. Every year we aim to make LA Under the Stars a festival filmmakers remember fondly, and we’re thrilled you left with good memories. Hope to see you again soon!

  • Christopher Buonopane

    I’ve had an amazing night twice at this hip festival; it’s a great event to show up, enjoy some films, network and strut on their red carpet. Lots of fun in a historic location blocks from all things Hollywood 😍

    September 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Christopher, you always bring amazing energy. Thank you for being part of LA Under the Stars again! We love seeing returning screenwriters who truly embrace the spirit of the night. You helped make this year’s event one for the books. Can’t wait for round three!

  • Anna Long

    Thank You Ali & LA Under the Stars for a fantastic festival and event. The festival was super organized and well curated. Communication couldn't have been better and the team was so welcoming. We were so honored to receive Best Horror Screenplay for our feature The Experience. We'll definitely submit again next year.

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Anna, huge congrats again on The Experience! We’re so happy you felt welcomed and supported. That’s the heart of what we strive for. The Experience was fantastic, and we’re honored to have shared it with our audience. Looking forward to seeing what you create next year!