The Van Nuys International Film Festival (VNIFF) is a cinematic outpost for filmmakers who push boundaries, break conventions, and redefine storytelling. Located in the San Fernando Valley, where Hollywood’s industrial machine meets the raw energy of independent expression, VNIFF celebrates films that exist at the intersection of artistry, rebellion, and innovation.

We champion works that challenge norms—whether meticulously crafted by industry professionals, boldly fragmented in postmodern experimentation, or pulsating with the restless energy of emerging artists. VNIFF is not just a festival; it’s a statement on what cinema can be in an era of constant reinvention.

Categories:

-Professional Filmmaker
For industry-level works showcasing cinematic mastery and refined storytelling.

-Postmodernist
For films that dismantle narrative structure, remix conventions, and question reality itself.

-Art Youth
For the raw, unpolished, deeply personal expressions of emerging voices.

-Uncategorizable
For films that defy classification and exist beyond genre or expectation.

At VNIFF, there are no formulas—only visions. Submit your film. Defy expectations. Be part of the movement.

-Professional Filmmaker Award
-Postmodernist Award
-Art Youth Award

-Professional Postmodernist Award
-Postmodernist Professional Award

-Professional Art Youth Award
-Art Youth Professional Award

-Postmodernist Art Youth Award
-Art Youth Postmodern Award

-Uncategorizable Award

...and more.

•    VNIFF accepts films of all lengths, genres, and formats, including narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, and hybrid works.
    •    Submissions must fit into one of the following categories: Professional Filmmaker, Postmodernist, Art Youth, or Uncategorizable.
    •    Non-English films must include English subtitles.
    •    Work-in-progress films are accepted, but final versions must be submitted before the festival screening.

2. Submission Guidelines
    •    All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.
    •    Each filmmaker may submit multiple films, but each requires a separate submission fee.
    •    We do not accept physical media—all submissions must be digital screeners.
    •    Refunds will not be granted under any circumstances.

3. Screening & Selection Process
    •    VNIFF’s programming team reviews all submissions and makes final selections.
    •    Selection is based on artistic merit, originality, and alignment with the festival’s curatorial vision.
    •    Official selections will be notified via email and FilmFreeway.
    •    Submitting does not guarantee selection, and the festival is not obligated to provide feedback on non-selected films.

4. Exhibition Format
    •    Selected films must be provided in DCP, ProRes, or high-quality digital format for screening.
    •    The festival reserves the right to adjust screening schedules, venues, or formats as necessary.

5. Rights & Permissions
    •    By submitting, filmmakers grant VNIFF the right to screen their film at the festival.
    •    Filmmakers retain full ownership of their work.
    •    VNIFF may use clips, stills, and promotional materials from selected films for marketing and publicity purposes.
    •    The filmmaker warrants that they have all necessary rights, permissions, and clearances for exhibition.

6. Liability & Agreement
    •    VNIFF is not responsible for any copyright infringement, legal claims, or damages related to submitted films.
    •    By submitting, you agree to all terms and conditions outlined here and acknowledge that submission fees are non-refundable.
    •    The festival reserves the right to make changes to the rules, schedule, and event structure at its discretion.