SIMIFF isn’t just an event to screen your film. It’s an immersive, unforgettable experience designed to celebrate the journey behind your work and to advance your career in filmmaking.

"This is a must submit-to-event for any aspiring or established filmmaker! FIVE STARS all round!" Luke Rex - Filmmaker

SCREENINGS - PRO PANELS - FIELD TRIPS - NETWORKING - 1-ON-1 SESSIONS - AWARD CEREMONY - RED CARPET EVENT

For Highlights From SIMIFF 2023: https://vimeo.com/jfmusic/simiff23

ABOUT SIMIFF

SIMIFF exceeds typical film festival experiences. From the moment you walk through our doors you become a cherished member of the SIMIFF family. The festival extends beyond the 'start date' with pre-event online meetings and chances to promote your work throughout the entire festival journey.

Our curated panels aim to boost filmmakers' careers by connecting them with industry professionals. We facilitate 1-on-1 meetings after panels with esteemed individuals, including Oscar and Emmy winners, studio executives, and recognized industry experts, to maximize exposure and career advancement opportunities.

We're excited to announce the opening of submissions for the 2024 SIMI Film Fest, showcasing top features and short films from around the world.

What Films Are We Looking For?

We are seeking films of the highest caliber that exhibit exceptional skill and artistry, and that push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. Our goal is to showcase the most innovative and daring films that captivate and inspire audiences. If you believe that your film meets this criteria then please... send it!

We seek films that capture the essence of cinematic magic across all genres—comedy, drama, action, thriller, animation, sci-fi, or any unique combination. If your storytelling is compelling, you may just be a perfect fit for screening at SIMIFF.

If you're looking for a MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL, please submit to our sister festival, SIMI Music Video Fest, which will take place on February 22-23, 2025. More details can be found here: https://filmfreeway.com/SIMIMusicVideoFest

What makes SIMIFF Different?

SIMI Film Fest is designed for ambitious indie filmmakers eager to progress. We offer unique opportunities that go beyond screenings, providing tools, inspiration, and access to industry professionals to elevate your career. Dedicated to promoting global cinematic creativity, we strive to connect filmmakers with experts through valuable panels.

SIMIFF Benefits:

- Learn from industry pioneers through expert panels covering various filmmaking aspects, and engage in one-on-one meetings with top studio executives.

- Join exclusive studio field trips in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, accessing facilities that are typically hard to find, and unlock opportunities to elevate your craft.

- Be inspired by a curated film selection showcasing local, national, and international talents, providing inspiration and pushing creative boundaries.

- Utilize exclusive red carpet interviews tailored to your production for promotion during and after the festival, connecting with audiences beyond the event.

ABOUT SIMI VALLEY

Simi Valley, a film-friendly town just minutes from Los Angeles, has been a prominent location for film production for decades. From Academy Award-winning Best Picture "Everything Everywhere All At Once" to classics like "Little House On The Prairie" and blockbusters such as "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood," "The Big Lebowski" and "Men In Black," the city has hosted thousands of movies. Nestled in the southeast region of Ventura County, Simi Valley boasts beautiful rolling hills, historical landmarks, and a vibrant cultural arts scene. Conveniently located, it is easily accessible from anywhere in the world, with Los Angeles International Airport, Van Nuys Airport, and Hollywood Burbank Airport all within 40 miles. Simi Valley is committed to helping your production succeed, regardless of its size, ensuring it meets all your goals.

All selected films/filmmakers are eligible for awards, however a selection or nomination does not guarantee an award. Awards will be presented at the SIMIFF Award Ceremony on the final day of the festival.

SIMIFF Award winners will be given to films in the following main categories, as chosen by a panel of judges:

Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Action
Best Horror/Thriller
Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Best Documentary
Best Experimental/Musical/Dance
Best Magical Realism

Additional Awards will also be presented to films in the following additional categories, as chosen by a panel of judges:

Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Directing
Best Cinematography
Best Continuity
Best Screenwriting
Best Hair/Makeup
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Score
Best Set Design
Best Song Placement
Best Visual Effects
Best First-time Filmmaker
Ventura County Film Award

Our SIMIFF Ventura Film Award celebrates and recognizes the outstanding work of filmmakers in our local community. Feature and short films made by Ventura County-based directors will be eligible for consideration upon inclusion in the festival. Ventura film submissions are also considered for non-Ventura competition categories as applicable. Ventura County filmmakers may submit with a discounted submission fee for projects that were both shot in Ventura County and come from a director with a current Ventura County address. Projects that meet both qualifications can submit at a discount of 20%. To obtain the discount code, applicants will need to email director@simiff.com before submitting with the following information: the city the director resides in and where in Ventura County the film was shot. Films that are not live-action are also eligible for the discount if the director resides in Ventura County and partially produced the film in Ventura County.

*Additional prizes may be announced. Current award categories and prizes are subject to change. Festival organizers reserve the right to change the categories listed.

NOTICE: No fee waivers are offered.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
- Carefully review all submission materials and requirements before submitting.
- By submitting, you confirm that you hold all necessary authority and permissions and agree to all submission rules.
- Due to the volume of entries, we cannot provide individual feedback.
- Selection decisions are made solely at the discretion of SIMIFF and are final.
- Submissions are evaluated based on story strength, production values, and creative innovation.
- SIMIFF reserves the right to change deadlines, programming, and rules without prior notice.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Selected films grant SIMIFF the unlimited right to use film materials for promotional purposes.
- SIMIFF is not responsible for travel-related costs or program changes.
- Festival organizers reserve the right to cancel, reschedule, or modify the festival format as necessary.
- All ticket and submission fees are non-refundable.
- Filmmakers must obtain all necessary licenses, permits, and clearances prior to submission.

SCREENING DETAILS:
- A DCP exhibition copy must be provided by August 4, 2025.
- DCPs ARE REQUIRED and must be submitted via The Archetype Company by the link provided to selected films.
- SIMIFF is not responsible for lost or damaged prints/files.
- Press kit materials, including high-resolution screenshots, a log line, and a 10-second clip, are required from all selected films.
- SIMIFF does not pay screening fees.

AWARDS AND ELIGIBILITY:
- Open to U.S. and International entries.
- No completion date requirement or premiere policy.
- Previously submitted films to SIMIFF are not eligible.
- Films not in the English language must be subtitled in English.
- Only final projects are accepted; no works in progress.
- Films are ineligible for submission if they have been for sale on DVD/Blu-ray/VOD, received a major theatrical release (excluding film festivals), or had paid streaming or television distribution.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- Feature films are 40+ minutes; short films are under 40 minutes.
- Separate submissions and fees are required for multiple films.
- No refunds are given for double submissions, non-acceptance, or withdrawal requests.
- Cover letters are not required but are appreciated.

DISCOUNT CODES:

Discounts are available for Ventura County filmmakers and student filmmakers.

Please email director@simiff.com for discount codes, providing the necessary information:

Ventura County Filmmaker Discount applies to projects shot and directed within Ventura County.

Student Filmmaker Discount requires a valid, current student ID for eligibility.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gigi Grigorian

    An experience like no other! So happy I got to participate in this unforgettable event. This festival should be on everyone's MUST APPLY LIST. Thank you Simi Film Fest!

    October 2024
  • The best festival I’ve ever been to! Wow Katie and Joe go above and beyond with the panels, activities, and selections. It’s truly amazing films of quality playing and it’s very inspiring to be grouped with the best. One of the most welcoming and fun events I’ve ever been to! The prizes were also incredible!

    October 2024
  • Hands down worth going to every single day of this festival and to all their events, filmmaker opportunities, screenings, etc. Thank you so much, Joe and Katie, and the rest of the team/judges. We were blown away by Simi Film Fest. I could blabber on, but I think anyone reading this should just go enter right now. The best organization and communication of any festival I've been to. Thank you for the warm welcome, the personal touches, everything. Keep it up!!

    October 2024
  • Amazing festival! Hard to believe it’s only 2 years old because they did so many wonderful things for the filmmakers as well as the local community (our home town). Thank you for awarding our film WHY DINOSAURS the Best of Ventura County!

    October 2024
  • You won't find a festival that loves, cares for and honors filmmakers more that this one. Katie and Joe are so kind and generous and thoughtful and they work their tails off to ensure that your festival experience is the best is could possibly be. You will feel like a star here! Highly recommend.

    September 2024