** LARIFF will take place 17 - 24 May 2021, including physical screenings on 20 May. Please see our website for more information. **

LOS ANGELES ROCKS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (LARIFF) in the true spirit of the city of LA, champions independent cinema that isn't afraid to push boundaries. The festival showcases emerging and established filmmaking talent from Los Angeles and around the world.

We are looking for passionate films that celebrate equality and challenge the corporatization of film culture. There is much to love about Los Angeles, but let’s face it – the big Hollywood studios have been producing endless sequels that lack any originality for some time now. Great scripts are not made for fear that sensitive subject matter will not find an audience and issues relating to race, sexuality and gender are all-too-often treated superficially.

After years of inertia, things may be moving in the right direction. #MeToo, and Black Lives Matters protests have garnered worldwide attention. Changes are afoot – even the Academy Awards have acknowledged the need to be more inclusive. LA Rocks is at the vanguard of this movement, aiming to create an exciting platform for original voices from all walks of life. If your film embodies our ideals, we will help it to get it the recognition it deserves.

LARIFF is a ROCKS FILM FESTIVAL, established 2017 (www.rocksfestivals.com). If selected, you will be invited to submit to our exciting UK partner festivals, London Rocks and Brighton Rocks Film Festivals.

Films that meet LA Rocks’ standards will be awarded Official Selection status. Finalists and Winners will be designated in each submission category, prior to 1 May 2021.
​All Official Selections are eligible to receive a VIRTUAL SCREENING (at the ROCKS SCREENING ROOM™) & ONLINE SHOWCASING.
There will be one BEST FILM.
There will be one BEST FEATURE FILM (FICTION) & one BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY.
There will be WINNERS in each of the following Short Film Categories: ANIMATION, COMEDY, CORONADIARIES, DOCUMENTARY, DRAMA, EXPERIMENTAL FILM, FANTASY/HORROR/SCI-FI, LGBTQ+, MADE IN LOS ANGELES, MICRO BUDGET FILM, MICRO MOVIE, MUSIC VIDEO, STUDENT FILM & WEB SERIES.
Official Selections are automatically considered for the following awards: BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, DIRECTOR, EDITING, ORIGINAL SCORE, PERFORMANCE (up to 3 awards), SCREENPLAY, SET DESIGN, SPECIAL EFFECTS & LA SPIRIT AWARD.

Los Angeles Rocks (LARIFF) accepts narrative, documentary and experimental films, music videos, micro, short and feature films.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
Production must have been completed after 1 January 2016.
LARIFF accepts films that have been screened at other festivals.
All films must be in English or have English subtitles.
There is no limit on the number of submissions.
All films must have an online screener.
Filmmakers retain the rights to their films.
Filmmakers are responsible for acquiring copyrights, licenses and releases for media used in their films.
By submitting their film, filmmakers gives LARIFF the right to post their posters, trailers, website and social media links on our website.
LARIFF reserves the right to move films into categories different from the one(s) submitted to.

RULES REGARDING CATEGORY SUBMISSIONS

Short Films must have a runtime of less than 30 minutes (except Micro Movies).
Feature Films must have a runtime of 30 minutes or above (generally 45-150 minutes).
"Made in LA" - at least 2 scenes must be set/filmed in Los Angeles. All genres eligible.
"Micro Budget Film" means less than $2000.
"Micro Movies" must have a runtime of less than 4 minutes, including credits.
"Student Films" must have at least 2 crew members in full-time education.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sherri North

    Thank You LA Rocks!! Xo s

    July 2021
  • Bobby Morris

    so thankful for the commitment we felt in this festival to bring people together! and to give films a place to be seen and felt. thank you for breaking ground in Los Angeles! we look forward to sending new work and seeing new work, in the coming years.

    June 2021
  • Erin Kokdil

    Thank you for taking the time to consider the works of high school-aged students who are testing out their filmmaking skills. We appreciate the opportunity afforded to our Youth Media Academy participant.

    June 2021
  • Ed Toolis

    After years of work, bordering on self torture, I was very grateful to finally get validation. Thanks so much for that- even it was only virtually.

    June 2021
  • Dr. James was very cool and welcoming to our film, EATING CARS. We were able to chat with him about our film on Facebook which gave us a lot more exposure, especially during these restrictive times, which is totally understandable! Dr. James and co. seemed to have gotten the vibe/feel of our film and supported us throughout the festival week!

    June 2021