NewFilmmakers Los Angeles - Film Submissions

NFMLA Screens Monthly In Los Angeles

CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF TRULY INDEPENDENT STORYTELLERS

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) showcases exceptional short and feature films across all genres—narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation—as well as music videos and innovative new media projects from content creators of diverse backgrounds throughout the year. Our signature InFocus programming highlights stories and filmmakers who are often not adequately represented in mainstream media. We welcome and program submissions from filmmakers of all backgrounds in upcoming NFMLA Festivals, regardless of our InFocus themes.

As a not-for-profit organization dedicated to elevating emerging filmmakers globally, NFMLA has proudly screened over 3,500 films from more than 93 countries. Our mission has expanded significantly beyond our Monthly Film Festival to expand opportunities for professional and artistic development through curated workshops, industry panels, funding and grant awards, competitive opportunities, and strategic networking programs designed to nurture the next generation of cinematic talent.

NFMLA invites submissions from visionary filmmakers seeking meaningful connections with industry professionals, engaged audiences, and access to resources. Our programming features Monthly Film Festival screenings at the prestigious South Park Center in Downtown Los Angeles, with select festivals presented at partner venues throughout Los Angeles and internationally. The NFMLA festival experience offers a transformative platform that has successfully launched countless storytelling careers.

The NFMLA Monthly Film Festival provides an intimate, filmmaker-centric experience delivered by a passionate, dedicated team. Our innovative monthly model—featuring a carefully curated selection of fewer than 20 films per event—ensures each filmmaker receives maximum attention from audiences, participants, and staff. This approach allows us to support approximately 220 filmmakers annually (comparable to major festivals) while providing focused, personalized attention to each cohort throughout the year.

Official selections at each NFMLA Monthly Film Festival receive comprehensive benefits including access to meetings with industry leading creatives and professionals, press opportunities with publications like MovieMaker Magazine, expert panels, public screenings, moderated audience Q&A sessions, exclusive networking receptions, and eligibility for ourBest of NFMLA Awards program. Additionally, filmmakers can access substantial financial support through our various grant initiatives including NewNarratives, the Anthony Rhulen Film Fund, and other available programs.

With a robust community of over 120,000 independent film enthusiasts in the Los Angeles area and strategic media partnerships with the Los Angeles Times and KTLA, NFMLA offers unparalleled exposure. Our events regularly attract decision-makers from entertainment powerhouses including Sony Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, A24, Disney, Sundance Institute, NBCUniversal, NEON, Legendary Entertainment, Bad Robot, Creative Artists Agency, Lionsgate, Paramount, MACRO, Blumhouse, and numerous other prominent agencies, management companies, production houses, distributors, studios, and streaming platforms. Furthermore, the Festival garners coverage from leading industry publications such as Variety, Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap, IndieWire, and Deadline Hollywood, whose journalists frequently cover our films, filmmakers, and moderate our panels and Q&A sessions.

SUBMITTING YOUR FILM FOR CONSIDERATION

NFMLA programs a few months in advance of each Festival. Submissions are open year-round and NFMLA highly encourages filmmakers to submit their newest work as early as possible to maximize their project’s consideration window. Before submitting your film, please be sure to read our Terms and Conditions.

To submit your film, please follow the submission instructions below.

SUBMISSION REVIEW TIMES

Review times will vary, and final decision notices are typically sent within four (4) to six (6) months of submission. If it has been over six (6) months since your film was submitted and you have not received a notification, please feel free to check in with us. In order to receive a reply, please submit all Submission Status Requests through the Submission Status Request Form here.

To submit your film, please follow the submission instructions below.

Submit Via Filmfreeway

You can submit your project online through our partner FilmFreeway.

SUBMIT VIA ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM

You can also submit by filling out the form below. Be prepared to provide a private, password protected online screener link that will not expire (via Vimeo, etc) as well as proof of submission fee payment (via PayPal transaction code), which can be made using the link below.