The New Film Underground is a dreamlike celebration of strange and experimental short films by contemporary filmmakers from the SoCal underground. Every type of surreal and abstract filmmaking will be united for a night that celebrates exploration, DIY and unbound imagination.
Volume 15 features experimental animation, surrealism, analogue art horror, found footage collage, structural cinema and things there isn't a name for.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/eUl8s76PC6Y?si=70QA_-t9IIpNZcBZ

Film info: https://www.takeyourmedicineandsmile.com/selected-filmmakers

Filmmakers:
Michael Robinson
Ramzi Abed
Kate Lain
N Bommarito
Sam Salerno
Max Cornell
Sull Devries
Mateo Omar
Zach Lorkiewicz

Who we are:
Take Your Medicine and Smile is a production company on a mission to carve a path to cinema's future by producing and promoting strange and experimental short films. We also create opportunities for underground filmmakers to meet each other, support each other and create together.

Awards & Prizes

No awards. No prizes. This is a celebration, not a competition. Laurels will be given to those selected.

Rules & Terms

Filmmakers MUST be based in the Greater Los Angeles area (plus San Diego). This includes:
Los Angeles County
Ventura County
Orange County
Riverside County
San Bernardino County
San Diego County
Feel free to send us a message if you are unsure if your location qualifies.

We seek films that are experimental, surreal or highly unconventional, but more conventional narratives will also be included if they have a low budget or DIY aesthetic or tell a strange enough story.

Films must be 15 min. or less including credits.

NO A.I. films will be accepted.

Digital submissions only, please.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ramzi Abed

    The New Film Underground was an absolutely delightful experience, and the film selections were mind-blowingly awesome, which made me even more honored to be included in such fantastic company. I hope to be a part of this incredible screening series again, and thanks so much for sharing my work!

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Mary Trunk

    Fun, daring, welcoming, inclusive, and great place to show work.

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Christopher Wood

    Fantastic job. Just a simple festival that puts up new and interesting pieces of work.

    April 2023
    Helpful
  • James William

    Wonderful festival. Great communication. Definitely recommend.

    March 2023
    Helpful
  • Michael Dorfman

    The New Film Underground is awesome! Great communication, awesome venue, and an amazing collection of films. We were honored to be selected to be a part of the program!

    March 2023
    Helpful