SoCal Film Awards

Season 22 marks 21 years of the SoCal! We have been honoring and acknowledging independent filmmakers and screenwriters since 2005!

The SoCal Film Awards continually looks for ways to acknowledge and honor creative artists. Through the SoCal Film Awards we aim to bring recognition to filmmakers and screenwriters at all levels, from the up-and-comer to the seasoned pro!

In 2005, we started as a celebration of independent filmmaking with theatrical screenings, workshops, guests and much more. We broke ground with new media events and screenings as well.

We are currently an online awards event without screenings.

To continue this legacy of celebrating creative independence, the SoCal Film Awards rises anew to honor and acknowledge the work of creative artists worldwide.

In the past, the SoCal has celebrated movies with heavyweights from Tom Hanks to Ann-Margret and guests in attendance from Trent Opalach (Infinity War cinematographer) to JF Lawton (Pretty Woman screenwriter) to Andy Dick (comedian, actor). While we look to the greats for inspiration, our heart and soul very much focus on the creativity of the emerging artist or the established independent.

As we have for many years in the past, the SoCal Film Awards will continue to celebrate the independence of filmmaking, screenwriting and the creative arts.

An award from the SoCal Film Awards has meaning. It is a celebration of arts and independence and is reviewed and selected by professionals within the industry.

Select winners will receive a combination of:

- A printable/frameable 8"x10" laurel to display;

- Customized printable/frameable certificate for purchase.

- Partner companies, The Independent Filmmakers Guild of America, and Ready DCP offer select winners discounted services.

AWARD LEVELS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Diamond Awards are for the tops in any of the categories – these are the crème de la crème.

The Awards of Excellence is awarded to top notch creative minds for their grand accomplishments in any category.

The Awards of Achievement are bestowed to the great minds who have gone above and beyond showing great worth and promise!

The Legacy Award is not always given, but when it is, we believe that this is for a filmmaker, screenwriter or creative artist who has produced a creative legacy, one that will be remembered and lead to great things!

We also have "Best of" awards for certain categories and we list finalists in the primary categories.

- The submitter must be directly involved (producer, director, screenwriter) with the project or legally authorized to represent the project submitted;

- Projects are only considered for the categories for which they are entered into;

- All commercial/private property including all trademark, copyrighted materials shown or recorded on the project is the responsibility of the filmmaker. The SoCal Film Awards will NOT take responsibility for any infringement of copy-written materials;

- All submissions must be submitted via digital screener (Vimeo, FilmFreeway, other screening service; or for screenplays – PDFs only. We DO NOT accept physical submissions (DVD, Blu-Ray, printed scripts etc);

- Award categories are decided at the discretion of the SoCal Film Awards and may be subject to change;

- All decisions are final;

- We do not accept pornographic material.

- We do watch your movie/screenplay in its entirety and give it honest and thoughtful consideration;

- We do not guarantee any type of public exhibition or display of your movie, so your movie will still qualify as a premiere in any festival you choose to submit to.

- We are currently a non-screening, online awards event without any in-person events.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

SHULIN ZHANG

Thanks to the Southern California Film Award for its recognition of me. Over the way, I have encountered many difficulties. Under all kinds of difficulties, I am grateful to the Southern California Film Award for choosing me, so that my story can be seen by more people around the world! I plan to write a new story next year, and I will definitely come here again! I hope we can meet again in Southern California!

February 2026

Helpful
Vox Rocket Studios

Being part of the SoCal Film Awards was a truly positive experience. It was an honor to have my work recognized alongside so many talented filmmakers. The event highlighted a diverse range of creative voices and celebrated independent storytelling in a meaningful way. I’m thankful for the opportunity and would gladly recommend it to other artists looking to share their work.

January 2026

Helpful
Juan Delgado

My screenplay received Honorable Mention, which I am very grateful for the team of SoCal Film Awards reading and accepting my story in their selections.

January 2026

Helpful
Sojean Peou

I'm a SoCal boy, great to get "Honorable Mention" from the SoCal Film Awards.

January 2026

Helpful
Jeff Macolino

Such an honor to be a winner at this festival. Great experience all around!

January 2026

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thank you for sharing your creative work with the SoCal Film Awards! It's our honor to be a part of your journey!

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Dates & Deadlines

January 20, 2026
Opening Date
January 31, 2026
Super Earlybird Deadline
February 28, 2026
Earlybird Deadline
March 31, 2026
1st Regular Deadline
April 30, 2026
Regular Deadline
May 31, 2026
Late Deadline
June 30, 2026
Extended Deadline
July 6, 2026
Notification Date
July 12, 2026
Event Date

Categories & Fees

Feature Film
Narrative features longer than 40 minutes.
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Short Film
Movies under 40 minutes.
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Documentary Feature Film
Movies over 40 minutes.
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Documentary Short Film
Movies under 40 minutes.
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Screenplays (long form, over 40 pages)
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Screenplays (short form, under 40 pages)
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Adaptation
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Animated Feature
Movies over 40 minutes.
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Animated Short
Movies under 40 minutes.
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Cinematography
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Credit Sequence (opening)
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Credit Sequence (ending)
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Cultural Impact
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Director
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Editing
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Educational or Training
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Experimental
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Faith Based Movie
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
First-Time Filmmaker
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
First-Time Screenwriter
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Gamer Video
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Leading Actress
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Leading Actor
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Micro-Short (Under 6 minutes)
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Music Video
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Score
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Sound Design
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Web Series
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
Youth Filmmaker (17 and under)
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now
YouTube / Social Media Creators
- Super Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $20
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $25
- 1st Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $30
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Student: $80
- Gold Members: $75
Submit Now

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SHULIN ZHANG

Vox Rocket Studios

Juan Delgado

Sojean Peou

Jeff Macolino

Response from festival: