Attention SELA filmmakers: prestigious film festival calls for entries

We know there are filmmakers in Southeast LA deserving to showcase their works on world-renowned platforms. Well, we have some news for those makers of movies.

The AFI Fest is now accepting submissions for its Short Film program, which includes two competitions, fiction and nonfiction.

FEST RULES

Short films must be under 40 minutes in length. Submissions must have been completed on or after Oct. 1, 2024. Also, entries in a language other than English must submit screeners with English subtitles. Entry fees range from $40 to $70, including early and final registrations. The early deadline is March 1, and the final is May 31.

Any Southeast L.A. filmmakers wanting to showcase their work at a prestigious film festival?

Slated to take place Oct. 22 through 26 at Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theatres, the acclaimed five-day film festival will feature red carpet premieres, special screenings, world cinema and documentaries, and the short film contest.

TICKET TO BIGGER AWARD

Winners of the short competitions also get shot at the Oscars. “The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for the Short Film categories at the annual Academy Awards®,” announced festival organizers. “The Grand Jury Award winners at AFI FEST for Live Action, Documentary and Animated Short will be eligible for the Best Live Action Short, Best Documentary Short and Best Animated Short Academy Awards® categories.”

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

AFI Fest is the longest-running international film festival in Los Angeles. It started as the American Film Institute Los Angeles International Film Festival in 1987. AFI is a nonprofit organization that celebrates excellence in film and creates educational initiatives. 

Just like these two Mexican filmmakers, artists from our region can make it to world-class film festivals. Check out their interview about their award-winning film 'Sujo.'

In addition to film screenings, AFI Fest features annual tributes and conversations with filmmakers and movie stars. Past honorees have included Halle Berry, Danny Boyle, Marion Cotillard, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Barry Jenkins, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman, Mira Nair, Rita Moreno, Sofia Coppola, Steve McQueen, Natalie Portman, Christopher Plummer and Tilda Swinton. Also, past guest artistic directors have included Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig, David Lynch and Agnès Varda.

SUBMITTING ENTRIES

Those Southeast L.A. filmmakers who submit films and get accepted, let the Southeast Sun know for a potential news article.

For more information on the festival and to submit a short film, click here.