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.