Welcome to Wild Garden Film Festival!

WGFF is a Long Beach based short film festival which platforms independent local filmmakers as a means to cultivate community and draw eyes to emerging talent.

More than just a celebration of film, however, WGFF champions all manner of artistic expression through incorporating elements of live music and painting/photography exhibition.

Submit your art and join the bouquet today! Submissions open 04/01/26 and close 07/14/25. Event takes place on 08/22/26.

Should you have any additional questions that are not answered on this webpage, email wildgardenfilmfestival@gmail.com.

Awards & Prizes

THE WILD FLOWER - $700

The Wild Flower award rewards excellence in short filmmaking with a custom statuette and a $700 cash prize. This award will be voted for by cinema-goers attending screenings during WGFF.

THE FOUNDATION - $300

The Foundation award rewards excellence in painting, photography, or sculpting with a custom statuette and a $300 cash prize. This award will be voted for by cinema-goers attending screenings during WGFF.

Rules & Terms

REQUISITES FOR SUBMISSION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

✿ Must be one of the following visual media—short film, animation, music video, video essay, or art installation (see 'categories & fees' for additional information).

✿ All cinematic media submissions (short film, animation, music video, and video essay) must fall between 1:00 and 30:00 minutes in runtime to be eligible for selection.

✿ All art installation submissions (prints, paintings, and sculptures) must be no larger than 30x40" to be eligible for selection.

✿ All submitting artists must live in Southern California and be able to attend screenings in person.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need to include a poster and trailer with my film submission?
✿: All filmmakers are encouraged to include promotional materials with their submission (synopsis, poster, trailer, headshot, etc.). If your film is accepted, promotional materials may be used for marketing purposes.

Q: What do I need to do if my film is accepted?
✿: All accepted films will need to be resubmitted as a DCP file (flat or scope) in addition to the original MP4 file. Wild Garden Film Festival will be in contact regarding event details.

Q: How do I submit a painting or photograph through FilmFreeway?
✿: First, select 'My Projects' at the top of the home page. Then, select 'Add New Project.' For project type, choose 'photography/design.' Lastly, fill out your information and upload a photo of your painting, photograph, or sculpture. Once you have done all that, you are ready to submit!

Q: What do I need to do if my art installation is accepted?
✿: If accepted to the art installation category, Wild Garden Film Festival will provide you with a call time to bring your art on the day of the event. Your artwork will be exhibited upon an easel in the theatre room to be enjoyed before the event and during intermission.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Albert Dubin

    Fantastic festival that (full disclosure) my friends created. There was live music, several pieces of physical art on display, a merch table with t shirts and posters, concession stand, all held inside a beautiful venue.

    August 2025
    Helpful
  • Jamie Naqvi

    Great festival. Very well organized with art, live music, and a diverse selection of short films. It was a pleasure taking part. I hope to attend next year.

    August 2025
    Helpful
  • Jason Nicholls

    We had an amazing time at Wild Garden Film Festival. The overall organization of the event was really well put together, and the selection of films was very fun. I loved the immersive atmosphere, from the opening/closing video, to the art and music display. Every person I met who helped run the event was extremely kind and generous, and Spencer is an excellent host. It being at the Art Theatre in Long Beach was the cherry on top. I look forward to what comes next, and hope to attend next year. Thank you for showing my short, and allowing me to be a part of the experience.

    August 2025
    Helpful