Formerly AVFest, the True West Film Festival is a filmmaker-friendly celebration of the best new cinema from around the world. Located in the heart of California wine country, the festival champions the work of first-time filmmakers and underrepresented artists and welcomes original voices and innovative storytelling. Our slate includes domestic and international features and shorts as well as new media. Committed to the notion that cinema fosters belonging, connection, empathy, and growth, True West aims to be an accessible forum for community engagement and film education that facilitates thought-provoking conversations between local residents, film students, and industry professionals and nurtures future storytellers.
FESTIVAL UPDATE
When our James Redford Campus opens later this year, we will welcome our community with a robust grand opening celebration comprising film screenings, panels, and signature events held over multiple days. With our resources fully focused on completing construction and celebrating our grand opening, we will not produce the traditional True West Film Festival in 2025. The Festival will return in the spring of 2026, making full use of the cinemas and facilities.
ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS: For student rules, regulations, and awards, please visit: https://www.avfilmpresents.org/student-film-competition
Short films are curated in cooperation with Film Fest Petaluma.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) AWARD
This juried prize will be awarded to a feature or short film that (1) rights a wrong, corrects revisionist history, or brings a new or underrepresented perspective to light; (2) amplifies a traditionally marginalized community; and/or (3) deals with themes of justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion. Cash value: $1,000
True West Audience Award - Feature Narrative
This prize will be awarded to the narrative feature that receives the highest marks from True West audiences. Cash value: $1,000
True West Audience Award - Feature Documentary
This prize will be awarded to the documentary feature that receives the highest marks from True West audiences. Cash value: $1,000
True West Audience Award - Short
This prize will be awarded to the short film that receives the highest marks from True West audiences. Cash value: $500
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ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS: For student rules, regulations, and awards, please visit: https://www.truewestfilmcenter.org/student-film-competition