LA Under the Stars is an international film festival held at the historic El Cid Theater on West Sunset Boulevard in the heart of the Silver Lake neighborhood. Unpretentious and atmospheric, the iconic theater, restaurant, and bar offers guests a new experience while retaining its original passion and soul.

This is the best showcase for indie films! Network with the top filmmakers, discuss projects during the Filmmaker Q&A, vote for your favorite film, & close the evening with an Award Ceremony.

The international panel of judges will select several films to showcase during our annual event. All selections will be showcased on our website, social media, & given coverage during our highlight reel. As an IMDB-accredited festival, we pride ourselves on being competitive while distinctly worth the price of submission.
Award winners will have the opportunity to win plaques, framed-awards, & cash prizes.

Stick around for a brief Q&A with each of the award winners – a perfect opportunity to talk about upcoming projects & broaden your network!

Awards & Prizes

"Star Under the Stars" plaque goes to the best reviewed film of the festival!
"Wonder Woman" plaque goes to the outstanding female filmmaker of the night. (director, cinematographer, editor, actor, etc)
"Audience Choice" goes to the audience-voted best film of the night.

Awards will also be presented to the following categories:
Best Feature
Best Narrative
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Documentary
Best Student Feature
Best Student Short
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Best Concept

Rules & Terms

No waivers!
All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time submitted.
Films must be original works.
By submitting the material, the applicant hereby agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the festival & its employees from any liability, claims, and damages in connection with the submission and from any fees and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees, that any of them may incur in connection therewith.

I/We understand that failure to adhere to the competition rules and regulations will result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fee.

I/We agree to hold the LA Under the Stars harmless from and defend them against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or in connection with any and all claims of third parties, whether or not groundless, based on any film submitted to the Festival.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Elizabeth Tabish

    This was a really fun event put on by people who clearly love cinema. The selection of films was varied and entertaining. The venue was beautiful!

    April 2019
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  • Joseph Clift

    Good festival! Well organized! Can't wait for next year!

    March 2019
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  • Katie Garibaldi

    Really fun film fest--great staff/communication, and excellent turn-out of filmmakers and audience to network with. Very cool venue at El Cid. I really loved the encouraging spirit of this festival and am honored to have been a part of it (as well as awarded!)

    March 2019
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  • Francesca Nobili

    It was such a honor to receive the Wonder Woman Award at the LA Under the Stars Film Festival 2019! A great selection of short films, a warming atmosphere despite the polar temperatures, a very peculiar location and a cheerful award ceremony. Everything was simply perfect! Thank you soooo much for this recognition!

    March 2019
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  • Norman Bertolino

    I love this festival, I really hope there's another one next year. The filmmakers and their films were spectacular and the staff we're very welcoming and really put on a great event.

    February 2019
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