Founded by longtime residents and movie veterans alike, Film Invasion Los Angeles looks to showcase the best undiscovered movies in the heart of Los Angeles.

FILA offers filmmakers the opportunity to have their films screen in the heart of Los Angeles for an audience that loves independent film. Founded by longtime residents and movie veterans alike, the Sherman Oaks Film Festival looks to showcase the best undiscovered movies available in a beautiful, state-of-the-art theater that features amazing projections with cushy leather recliners.

FILA embraces the work of filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and communities. It is our philosophy to honor their work as filmmakers and not place their work in separate categories based on race, sexual orientation, or gender identification. We have been proud to honor films from every community as Official Selections and Award Winners, honoring their work as filmmakers without being balkanized as "Black filmmakers" or "LGBTQ filmmakers" or "Women filmmakers." At FILA, all of our filmmakers are filmmakers and we honor them equally.

Podcast + TV Series + Streaming Service
FILA head programmer Jeff Howard established the "Discover Indie Film" podcast in 2017 and has had over 200 filmmakers sit for an in depth interview. In 2019 the TV series "Discover Indie Film" premiered on Amazon Prime Video; DIF TV is an anthology of shorts handpicked from the festival circuit. In 2023, Jeff launched TVHi, a streaming app available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, iPhone and Android Mobile. Becoming a FILA Official Selection affords you the opportunity to take part in any of these things, but participation is never required.

FILA is proud of the Hollywood professionals who comprise our Board:

Mike Flanagan: Director (Oculus, Hush, Before I Wake, Ouija 2)
Michael Lynn : Television Producer (True Hollywood Stories)
Jamie Ball : Television Executive (Disney Channel)
Zac Reeder : Entertainment Executive (Head of Domestic Distribution at Electric Entertainment)
Shannon Makhanian: Casting Director (The Brothers Bloom, Unknown, Mysterious Skin)
Glen Reynolds: Producer/Manager (Conversations with Other Women, Night Train)

Awards & Prizes

GRAND JURY AWARDS (chosen by selection jury)
Best Feature Film - Animation
Best Feature Film - Comedy
Best Feature Film - Documentary
Best Feature Film - Drama
Best Feature Film - Experimental/Arthouse
Best Feature Film - Horror
Best Feature Film - Sci-Fi
Best Featurette - Animation
Best Featurette - Comedy
Best Featurette - Documentary
Best Featurette - Drama
Best Featurette - Experimental/Arthouse
Best Featurette - Horror
Best Featurette - Sci-Fi
Best Short Film – Animation
Best Short Film – Comedy
Best Short Film – Documentary
Best Short Film – Experimental/Arthouse
Best Short Film – Dance
Best Short Film – Drama
Best Short Film – Horror
Best Short Film – SciFi
Best Featurette – Animation
Best Featurette – Comedy
Best Featurette – Documentary
Best Featurette – Experimental/Arthouse
Best Featurette – Drama
Best Featurette – Horror
Best Featurette – SciFi
Best Music Video
Best Web Series

Best Director, Feature Film
Best Director, Short Film
Best Actress in a Lead Role
Best Actor in a Lead Role
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Performance by a Full Cast
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Screenplay (Produced)
Best Screenplay (Unproduced)

AUDIENCE AWARDS (audience selections)
Audience Award, Feature Film
Audience Award, Short Film
Audience Award, Documentary Film

FILMMAKERS AWARDS (Jury of filmmakers from past festivals)
Outstanding Short Films
Outstanding Directors
Outstanding Screenplay
Outstanding Acting, Cast
Outstanding Acting, Individual
Outstanding Cinematography

PROGRAMMER'S PRIZE
(festival programmer's discretion)

Rules & Terms

Rules:

Technical Requirements:
Video - DCPs are required for all theatrical screenings. SOFF has a technical sponsor who assists in this process.
Audio - A volume level of -20 LUFS to -18 LUFS during dialog scenes is highly recommended. Your editor should be able to give you an output in this range before you create your DCP.

Q&A's:
The makers of each project are welcome to be part of a Q&A session immediately following their screening. Key cast and crew are also welcome to participate.

Promotions:
Participants agree that their project and material related to their project may be used and/or published in the program program, website and for promotional purposes related to the festival.

Submission materials:
Film, video and script submissions are only accepted digitally through FilmFreeway. No physical media or scripts will be accepted at the festival's office address.

Trademark:
If selected, all commercial/private property including all trademark/copyrighted materials shown or recorded on the project is the responsibility of the filmmaker. The festival does not take responsibility for any infringement of copywritten materials.

Rules are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Run Times & Page Limits:

Feature Films: run time over 60 minutes
Featurettes: run time between 60 and 20 minutes
Short Films: run time under 20 minutes
Music Videos: any length
Screenplays: no page minimum or maximum, standard format and standard title page recommended. Movie and Television screenplays are both accepted.
123 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • David Cameli

    We had an absolutely incredible time representing our short film Back Home at Film Invasion L.A. Jeff and the FILA team like to joke that they are the festival that "gives a sh*t" and they certainly live up to that motto. From communication to organization to the individual Q&A's for each film, the entire festival is set up with the filmmaker experience top of mind. They have cultivated a community of dedicated and involved alumni that truly care about the festival and its participants.

    Thank you FILA team! Can't wait for next year

    July 2023
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  • Mark Strauss

    This is an absolute gem of a festival where Jeff and his team celebrate the filmmakers as much as the films themselves.

    For example, the Q&A sessions following the screenings are in-depth and allow the filmmakers ample time to share.

    We were so grateful that our short The Funeral Photographer was included in the 2023 festival!

    July 2023
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  • Daniel Pradilla De Bedout

    Awesome experience!

    I truly want to congratulate Jeff and his team on their remarkable achievements regarding the development of the Festival. The quality of the communication with them (throughout the whole process) was outstanding. Their hard work, passion, and enthusiasm are key components when it comes to attracting exceptional talent.

    Film Invasion Los Angeles has been (without a single doubt) one of the highlights of our film festival circuit!

    Jeff’s Q&A format is very personal and insightful. I loved this segment of the event!

    The Festival’s venue (LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale) is spectacular.

    Team FILA, you are all so awesome!

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

    July 2023
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  • Peter Macaluso

    Jeff and the rest of the Film Invasion team were lovely hosts. They were super communicative and helpful throughout the process. It was clear they really cared about the filmmakers they showcased. Very much enjoyed our time at the festival.

    July 2023
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  • Paul Davis

    Had a wonderful time screening D.O.D. here! The folks running the fest were great, incredibly welcoming, the theater was awesome, it was an absolute blast watching our movie here. Very pleased.

    July 2023
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