🎬 CATALINA FILM FESTIVAL® — 16th YEAR EDITION

Presented by the Catalina Film Institute
13547 Ventura Blvd. #200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

🌟 EVENT DESCRIPTION

For over a decade, the Catalina Film Festival has ranked among the Top 1% of the world's 12,000+ film festivals (FilmFreeway’s “Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals”), and has been honored by MovieMaker Magazine multiple years as one of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” and also as one of the “20 Great Film Festivals in Vacation Destinations.” CFF has been covered by major media outlets including Variety, US Weekly, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wrap, LA Times, Deadline, Associated Press, Getty Images, ABC, NBC, CBS, and more.

Rooted in the Catalina Film Institute’s motto — IMAGINATION • EDUCATION • DESTINATION — CFF brings filmmakers, industry leaders, studios, audiences, and storytellers together on Hollywood’s Iconic Island, where cinema history and modern creativity meet.

🌟 FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

🎥 Communication & Consideration
CFF is known for exceptional filmmaker communication, transparency, and support.

🎥 Networking With Purpose
The festival draws global filmmakers, studios, producers, financiers, distributors, agencies, media, and passionate audiences. Many remain actively connected for years through collaborations formed at CFF.

🎥 A Symphony of Programming
CFF celebrates diverse and impactful cinema across narrative films, documentaries, Indigenous works, conservation films, animation, student films, screenwriting, and the world’s only Wes Craven–sanctioned Horror/Thriller Award.

🎥 Indigenous Voices & Pimu Heritage
In alignment with industry-wide efforts to elevate Indigenous representation, CFF proudly includes the Indigenous Storytelling Short category.
Catalina Island — known as Pimu — is the ancestral homeland of the Tongva/Gabrielino people. We honor this history while uplifting Indigenous storytellers from around the world.

🎥 Location, Location, Location
From screenings inside the historic 1929 Avalon Theatre to events across the island, CFF blends Hollywood prestige with one of the most iconic festival destinations on Earth.

🌟 A FESTIVAL CULTURE OF BELONGING

Catalina Film Festival welcomes every storyteller into the creative lineage of Hollywood’s Island — a place where legends once worked, where audiences dreamed, and where new voices continue the tradition.

🎬 You are invited.
🎬 You are welcomed.
🎬 You belong here.

Your screening venue may be different — your festival experience is not.

Whether your film screens physically on the island or through our long-standing digital festival platform, you are part of the Catalina Film Family and an essential voice in our evolving cinematic history.

🌟 FESTIVAL STRUCTURE

Catalina Film Festival programs films through three complementary components:

⭐ Catalina Island In-Person Festival

Screenings in our historic island venues, filmmaker gatherings, panels, discussions, and red carpet celebrations.

In-person Official Selections are also showcased on our online platform.
This dual exhibition model expands audience reach, alumni access, industry visibility, and ensures that attendees who miss a theater screening can still experience the film during the festival.

⭐ Long-Standing Online Festival Component (Established Pre-Pandemic)

Before virtual exhibition became standard industry practice, CFF launched an online platform to expand access for filmmakers and audiences worldwide.

Because Catalina Island has limited venue capacity, some Official Selections screen exclusively online.
These films receive:

• The same Official Selection status
• The same awards eligibility
• The same festival perks and access
• Additional online-only distinctions

Online selections are fully part of the Catalina Film Festival experience and are prioritized for in-person upgrades when feasible.

🌟 CATALINA SHOWCASE PROGRAMS (ONLINE-ONLY)

Curated by Catalina Film Institute (CFI)

To celebrate a wider spectrum of storytelling while preserving the integrity of Catalina Film Festival’s competitive slate, Catalina Film Institute curates a series of CFI Accolade-Eligible Showcase categories. These programs honor exceptional work in formats or genres that benefit from greater flexibility, year-round visibility, and an expanded online audience.

Showcase categories include:
• Streaming / Episodic CFI Showcase (Online Only) (Worldwide)
• Micro-Short CFI Showcase (1–5 Minutes) (Worldwide)
• AvantGarde / Experimental CFI Showcase (Worldwide)
• Comedy Short CFI Showcase (Worldwide)
• Family-Friendly Feature & Short CFI Showcase (Worldwide)

Showcase filmmakers receive:
• CFI Showcase Laurels
• Evaluation for 1–2 Accolades of Excellence (digital certificates)
• Online screening placement, with limited in-person opportunities when schedule and venues allow
• Invitations to Catalina Film Festival events and red carpet opportunities

These Showcase programs operate alongside the Catalina Film Festival to provide additional opportunities for filmmakers to share their work and connect with the creative community. While distinct from trophy-eligible competition categories, Showcase filmmakers are fully welcomed into the festival experience and the greater Catalina Film Family.

🌟 FESTIVAL PERKS

(Applies to all Official Selections: Island, Online Component, Showcase)

Every accepted film receives the same festival experience and access, regardless of screening venue.

🎞 All filmmakers receive:

• One Filmmaker Badge with access to:
– All general screenings
– Daytime panels, workshops, and educational programming
– Filmmaker mixers and non-catered social events across the island
– Red carpet photography, interviews, and media opportunities
– Consideration for Q&As, roundtables, and filmmaker discussions

• Discounted upgrades for:
– Galas
– Awards Ceremony VIP seating
– Sponsored receptions and lounges
– Yacht and/or mansion parties
– Premium or catered special events

• Dual Exhibition for In-Person Selections
Every in-person Official Selection also appears on our long-standing digital platform, expanding reach and ensuring additional viewing opportunities.

• Awards Eligibility
All Official Selections (island, online, Showcase) are eligible for jury awards, unless designated as Showcase-exclusive. Online selections may also receive online-only distinctions.

• Festival Promotion
All Official Selections receive social spotlights, website features, press opportunities, and year-round alumni engagement.

🎬 Every filmmaker is truly part of the Catalina experience.
You become a part of the Catalina Film Family and the rich Hollywood history of Hollywood's Iconic Island.

Awards & Prizes

🎖 AWARDS & PRIZES
⭐ Catalina Film Festival Competition — Crystal Trophies

The Catalina Film Festival presents custom crystal trophies in its primary competition categories. Depending on programming and jury decisions, one or more Crystal Trophy winners may be selected from the following categories:

• Narrative Feature (Worldwide)
• Documentary Feature & Short (Worldwide)
• Conservation Feature & Short (Worldwide)
• U.S. Narrative Short
• International Narrative Short
• Animated Short (Worldwide)
• Wes Craven's Horror / Thriller Award (Worldwide)
• Indigenous Storytelling Short (Worldwide)
• A.I. Short Film (Worldwide)
• Music Video (Worldwide)
• Advanced Student Feature & Short (Worldwide)
• High School Student Short (Worldwide)

The number and type of Crystal Trophy awards presented each year are determined at the festival’s discretion based on submissions, programming, and jury recommendations.

⭐ Jury Certificates

In addition to Crystal Trophies, the festival may award Jury Certificates to recognize outstanding individual or ensemble achievements. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Best Director
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Cinematographer
• Best Ensemble
• Best Indigenous Storyteller

Additional certificates or special mentions may be awarded at the jury’s discretion.

⭐ Feature Screenplay Competition ($5,000 Prize)

The Feature Screenplay Competition ($5,000 Prize) category awards one outstanding feature-length script with a $5,000 cash prize, sponsored by Madicus Productions.

Screenplays are evaluated by professional readers and industry judges for:

• Story and structure
• Character development
• Voice and originality
• Overall craft and marketplace potential

Awards for this category include:

• $5,000 Cash Prize (one winner)
• Top 20 Finalists announced
• Jury recognition for genre or thematic excellence (as applicable)
• Official laurels and digital certificates
• Invitation to Catalina Film Festival events

Madicus Productions has no role in judging or administration and receives no rights or ownership in submitted work.

⭐ CFI Showcase Awards — Digital Accolades + Optional Physical Award

Catalina Film Institute’s CFI Showcase categories recognize outstanding work that benefits from online presentation, expanded visibility, and year-round accessibility.

Each CFI Showcase category may include:

• A primary CFI Accolade of Excellence (digital certificate)
• Additional Awards of Excellence (digital certificates)
• CFI Showcase Laurels
• Invitation to Catalina Film Festival events and select red carpet opportunities

Showcase filmmakers who wish to receive a physical award may request one; any production or shipping costs are covered by the recipient.

Current CFI Showcase categories include:

• Streaming / Episodic CFI Showcase (Worldwide)
• AvantGarde / Experimental CFI Showcase (Worldwide)
• Family-Friendly Feature & Short CFI Showcase (Worldwide)
• Comedy Short CFI Showcase (Worldwide)
• Micro-Short CFI Showcase (1–5 Minutes) (Worldwide)

These CFI Showcase programs operate alongside the Catalina Film Festival and provide additional opportunities for filmmakers to share their work and connect with audiences. They do not award Crystal Trophies.

CFI Showcase categories are not part of the Catalina Film Festival’s Crystal Trophy slate and do not compete against the primary festival categories.

Rules & Terms

🌟 CATALINA FILM INSTITUTE – Revised December 2025

Rules & Terms — Catalina Film Festival® & CFI Showcase Programs

These Rules & Terms apply to all submissions to the Catalina Film Festival (CFF) and Catalina Film Institute (CFI) programs, including:

the Catalina Island in-person festival

the long-standing online festival component

all CFI Showcase categories

Unless a specific category description states otherwise.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

• All films must have a completion date no greater than 2 years before the first day of the festival, except for specific categories that allow longer windows (e.g., some Conservation films).
• Re-edits or new titles do not reset the completion date once the film has been publicly exhibited or tracked online.
• Screenplays have no completion date restriction unless produced as a film, in which case the film must meet relevant eligibility rules.
• By submitting, you confirm all necessary rights and permissions for your film and its materials.

LENGTH & CATEGORY GUIDELINES

• Films must be submitted to the category that best reflects their length, genre, and format (Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature & Short, Conservation Feature & Short, U.S. Narrative Short, International Narrative Short, Animated Short, Wes Craven’s Horror/Thriller, Indigenous Storytelling Short, A.I. Short Film, Music Video, Advanced Student, High School, or designated CFI Showcase categories).
• Each category has its own runtime and eligibility requirements listed on FilmFreeway.
• Shorts under 25 minutes are strongly preferred for programming flexibility. Shorts up to 40 minutes may be considered but have reduced likelihood of selection.

PREMIERE & DISTRIBUTION STATUS (HIGH-LEVEL)

• CFF does not require World/U.S. Premiere status and will never restrict where else you screen.
• However, many Feature categories require no other Los Angeles County screenings within 30 days before or during the festival.
• Unless otherwise stated, films should not have had at-large theatrical, broadcast, unprotected online, or streaming release prior to or during the festival. Distribution after the festival is permitted.
• Some categories (e.g., High School, certain Conservation films) are exempt.
Always check your category’s FilmFreeway rules.

A.I. USAGE

• Projects submitted to the A.I. Short Film category must clearly disclose how A.I. was used (script, visuals, sound, editing, etc.).
• All A.I. use must comply with copyright law and cannot knowingly infringe upon another party's IP, likeness, or protected works.
• Any film suspected of problematic A.I. usage may be asked for documentation or may be disqualified at CFF’s discretion.

STUDENT FILMMAKERS & UNDER 18

• Student categories require proof that the film was created during enrollment in a qualifying educational program.
• Students may submit to non-student categories but will compete at full professional standards.
• Filmmakers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian submit on their behalf.

SUBMISSION FORMAT & DEADLINES

• All submissions must be provided via FilmFreeway or a secure digital screener.
• Deadlines are firm.
 – Films submitted near the final deadline must provide a working screener within 7 days of payment.
 – Earlier deadlines allow 14 days to provide materials.
• Submission fees are non-refundable under all circumstances.

SUBTITLES

• All non-English films must have embedded English subtitles (not menu-based).

AFTER ACCEPTANCE — REQUIRED MATERIALS

Within 7–14 days of acceptance (exact instructions provided upon selection), filmmakers must supply:

• 1–3 high-quality production stills or frame grabs.
• A trailer file in the required format for promotion.
• Final exhibition format compatible with assigned venue (DCP for select venues; high-resolution digital files for others).
• A QC’d Blu-ray or similar backup may be required due to island venue logistics.
• Updated press materials.
• Confirmation of filmmaker/crew attendance and intended transportation method (ferry, helicopter, plane).

WATERMARKS

• Exhibition copies must be free of watermarks.
• If a clean version cannot be delivered in time, the film may be removed from programming.

PROMOTIONAL USE

By submitting, you grant CFF/CFI the right to use:

• your title, logline, imagery, and promotional materials
• up to 10% or 3 minutes of your film (whichever is less)

…for festival marketing, press, reels, website, and social media.

SHIPPING, HANDLING & LIABILITY

• CFF/CFI takes reasonable care of materials but is not responsible for loss or damage.
• Filmmakers are responsible for all shipping costs, including returns.
• Insurance of materials is the filmmaker’s responsibility.

ONLINE FESTIVAL COMPONENT & SECURITY

• CFF operates a long-standing, secure, password-protected digital screening platform (in use since before the pandemic).
• Online screenings are available only during the official festival window and only to approved viewers (passholders, press, industry, alumni, and designated partners).
• Online festival selections are considered official festival screenings, not public releases, preserving eligibility for other festivals.
• All in-person Official Selections also receive an online screening during the festival window for expanded audience reach and missed-screening access.
• CFI Showcase categories that are online-only follow the same privacy and protection standards.
• CFI Showcase films are not part of the primary Catalina Film Festival competition and do not compete for Crystal Trophies or Jury Certificates.

RIGHTS, CLEARANCES & INDEMNIFICATION

• You must secure all rights for music, images, footage, performances, artwork, A.I. material, and any other copyrighted content.
• By submitting, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless CFI/CFF and all associated entities and venues from any claims arising from exhibition of your film.

ARCHIVING & LIMITED NON-THEATRICAL USE

• CFF/CFI may retain screeners and exhibition copies for internal archival and educational use (e.g., Catalina Film Society).
• No public exhibition outside CFF/CFI events will occur without your written permission.

AGREEMENT

By submitting to CFF/CFI, you acknowledge and agree:

• You have read, understood, and will comply with all Rules & Terms.
• CFF/CFI reserves the sole right to determine eligibility, programming, competition status, and all award decisions.
• All such decisions are final.
153 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lindsay Nyman

    This is an incredible, beautifully run festival. The communication was great, and the festival team did an amazing job supporting filmmakers and promoting our films. It was an honor that my film They Call Me The Tattoo Witch was a nominee for Best Documentary Short at Catalina. I will definitely be submitting projects in the future!

    December 2025
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  • Rajesh PK

    From the moment we imagined Blus, we hoped it might travel beyond Kerala(India) and meet audiences who value heart and craft. Being selected for the Catalina Film Festival - a festival rooted on Hollywood’s storied “island of dreams” - feels like a milestone for us. For an independent animation studio from Kerala, India this selection offers more than a badge - it offers connection, inspiration, and a touch of magic.
    Thank you, CFF team, for welcoming our film. We’re excited for Blus to sail from Kerala to Catalina - hoping it touches hearts, sparks conversations, and finds new friends among the audiences.

    December 2025
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  • Eric Wentz

    It was such an honor and delight to be a part of this year’s Catalina Film Festival. It’s a wonderful festival run by lovely people who are true fans of the films they select. Big thank you to Ron and all the other organizers for the opportunity to meet so many inspiring filmmakers and make some great friends along the way. I can’t recommend this festival enough!

    October 2025
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  • Scott Jakubowski

    Absolutely outstanding film festival! It was truly a Hollywood film festival on the island.

    October 2025
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  • Andrew "Andy" Chu

    Our experience at the Catalina Film Festival was truly exceptional and it is immediately clear why it ranks in the top one percent of festivals worldwide. Every aspect of the event reflected passion, professionalism, and genuine care for filmmakers. From the warm welcome to the seamless organization, Catalina set a standard few festivals can match. The networking opportunities were outstanding, the audiences were engaged and thoughtful, and the conversations sparked lasting connections and creative inspiration. Emily, Jennifer, Aaron, Xiomara, Tim, Charlie, and the entire team went above and beyond to make us feel valued and supported at every step. The setting was breathtaking, the energy was electric, and the sense of community was unforgettable. It was a celebration of storytelling at its very best. We will definitely submit a film again and strongly encourage other filmmakers to experience this outstanding film festival.

    October 2025
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