How short is short?
When it comes to film submissions, there is no minimum length. The shortest film to be selected for the festival (so far) was only 58 seconds long.
Will you waive my submission fee?
We do not make any exceptions regarding the entry fee. We understand that finding all the funds and resources necessary to complete a film is a difficult task, but it would not be fair to waive the fee in some cases and not in others. This way, the same rules apply to everyone.
Alright, I have to pay the entry fee. Can I do it with a credit card?
Yes, but please do not send us your credit card number with your submission package. Instead, you must go online and fill out the credit card payment form.
My film is so good that I’m going to submit my film without the entry fee. And once you have seen it you will want me in your festival and I will not have to pay the entry fee, right?
Wrong. We will contact you via email to notify you that you forgot to submit the required entry fee. Under no circumstances do we view the film until the entry fee has been paid.
Do you invite filmmakers to screen their films at the festival?
No. Many other festivals will often invite filmmakers to participate and subsequently waive the entry fee. But we feel that this is unfair to filmmakers who must pay the entry fee and are submitting to a festival that has invited 20% or more of the programmed films. We aim to provide an arena where all filmmakers are treated equally and without bias.
How can I improve my chances of being selected?
There are many intangible factors that go into the selection process, many of which are completely out of the filmmaker’s hands. However, there are a few things you might want to consider:
A.)If your screening format is a film print (35mm or 16mm), you stand a better chance of getting your film into the festival than if you screen on tape. Why, you ask? Call us nostalgic. We believe that the film-going experience is enhanced by seeing a film on 35mm or 16mm. Although we definitely accept films that screen on Beta format (in fact, an average of 1/2 of the films accepted to the festival will screen on Beta), please be aware that we do not want the festival to be screening more than 1/2 of the films on Beta.
B.) Listen to your mother: Mind your manners. No joke, 95% of the people who work on the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival are volunteers. So please, be patient and understanding if someone cannot help you right away. You never know, it might be a volunteer’s very first day on the job. We try our best to make everyone feel welcome in order to make the festival an enjoyable experience for all. Feel free to return the favor, or take your chances if our patience with you runs out!
C.) Beware of prior screenings at other film festivals.
Although some filmmakers feel that this may improve their chances, we prefer that you do not screen your film in Los Angeles or in the southern California region before the festival.
How will I know if you received my tape?
All you have to do is be sure to include a self-addressed stamped postcard and we will drop it in the mail in order to confirm that your submission has been received.
What if my film is not selected? Will I still be notified?
Don’t worry; we won’t leave you hanging. All filmmakers are notified of their selection status via email.
Who selects which films will accepted for the festival?
The films are reviewed by a committee of individuals, all from different film related backgrounds and bringing different credentials to the table.
