The CREDO 23 Film Festival is a filmmaker-first, NON-AI event in Los Angeles, CA.
Founded by filmmaker Justine Bateman, and backed by the CREDO 23 Council (Bateman, Reed Morano, Matthew Weiner, Juliette Lewis, and Adriane Phillips), and the CREDO 23 Foundation.

At the CREDO 23 Film Festival, ALL FESTIVAL PROCEEDS EXCEEDING OPERATING COSTS WILL BE GRANTED TO THE ACCEPTED FILMMAKERS. “Every accepted filmmaker is a winner.” C23FF grants have averaged $3500 per filmmaker, so far. Over the past two years, we have granted $120,000 in cash, and several $5000 Kodak packages and $15,000 Keslow Camera rental packages.

It’s time for a new genre in the arts. One that is human, and real, and raw.
The CREDO 23 Film Festival focuses on innovative filmmaking, and on helping future filmmaking efforts.

We are interested in the future of human filmmaking.
Generative AI has no place in filmmaking.
It is based on stolen work.
It only regurgitates the past.
We want to see the New Work coming from your filmmaking gifts.

The CREDO 23 Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, oversees both the film festival and CREDO 23, the authentic stamp for films and series that use no generative AI.

Awards & Prizes

At the CREDO 23 Film Festival, ALL FESTIVAL PROCEEDS EXCEEDING OPERATING COSTS WILL BE GRANTED TO THE ACCEPTED FILMMAKERS. “Every accepted filmmaker is a winner.” C23FF grants have averaged $3500 per filmmaker, so far. Over the past two years, we have granted $120,000 in cash, and several $5000 Kodak packages and $15,000 Keslow Camera rental packages.

We feel that film festivals shouldn’t just be a means to an end, where the filmmakers come hoping their films will be sold to distributors. We feel film festivals can be an end in themselves and that filmmakers can make money from just being in the film festivals alone, in the same way musical acts make money from playing in music festivals. We want you to have the money to make more non-AI films.

Rules & Terms

All films must have been completed within the time period 11/1/25-12/20/26.

No generative AI can have been used at all, including in any marketing material.
**This does not include many "AI-labeled," machine-learning editing tools. Email us at info@CREDO23FilmFest.com with eligibility questions.**

The films cannot have been displayed for a general public audience (paid or free) outside of a film festival. This includes theaters, TV, and online. (Films online under password protection are permitted.)
C23FF does not require "premiere status."

Feature Films can be documentary, narrative, or experimental. They must be 60-120min in length.
Shorts can be documentary, narrative, experimental, or animated. They must be no longer than 15 min.

All films in any language besides English must have English subtitles. (GAI cannot be used to generate the .srt files.)
Submission fees are non-refundable.

By submitting to the CREDO 23 Film Festival, you are committing to show your film at the festival, if selected.

***If you are a current student or a 2025 graduate, submitting with a University discount code, a photo of your student ID must be in your submission package.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aram Coen

    This is a filmmaker focused festival.
    Loved the concept, the people, the atmosphere, and the beautiful venue in Hollywood. It felt like a real gathering around cinema and indie filmmaking.

    There was a focus on originality and human storytelling. Supporting filmmakers in really meaningful ways. An indie gem with so much potential ahead.

    Very grateful that “First Dates” had its World Premiere here.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Cathlin McCullough

    Wow. Thank you Justine and Mike and all the volunteers and panelists for a wonderful fest. It was an honor to screen at Credo! And I loved the panels and the friendly open atmosphere. It means a lot to get to speak to and hear from leaders in our industry - I especially loved getting to know Reed Morano. The passion you have for the indie film industry is so telling throughout the entire event - from the welcome party at the Kodak House to choice of legendary venue. Showing my film at The American Legion Hall Post 43 was so cool! Loved meeting all the filmmakers as well. And the grant is just so amazing - Thank you! Thank you!
    Cathlin McCullough, Writer & Director of The Oldest.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Neil Butler

    A truly special experience. From the historic venue to the vibrant community and of course their stellar taste in films, this was one for the books. Justine Bateman is the beating heart of this festival, front and center to kick off every program industry conversation while lead programmer Mike Relm is the thoughtful soul backing her up every step of the way. The grants awarded to all the filmmakers who screen are beyond generous and not only place this festival in a category all its own, but lead by example towards a possible future where independent filmmaking becomes ever more sustainable. Kudos to all involved.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Neil for trusting us with your work. The audience loved your film. Hope to see you next year!
    - The C23FF Team

  • Kirk Jackson

    While many festivals shroud themselves in the "Hollywood" blanket, this one has earned that tapestry. Great films and filmmakers. Ample time for networking. An insanely beautiful, recently renovated theater in a most unique venue -- the American Legion Post 43 -- situated exactly between the Hollywood Bowl and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Industry heavy hitters Sean Baker, Reed Morano, Cassian Elwes, and Matthew Weiner screened films and sat on panels this year. Engaged and accessible programmers throughout. The money they don't spend on veggie trays and stacks of pizzas are pumped into GENEROUS grants awarded to each filmmaker. But no AI, baby. Nuh-uh.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Kirk, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your impressions of the C23FF. You are exactly the kind of filmmaker we hope to see more of.
    - The C23FF Team

  • Evan Mathis

    What a great festival. SUper supportive staff and a great gourp of films.

    June 2025
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