Los Angeles Film Festivals... and How to Be Admitted to Some of Them for Free By Getting Involved.

Los Angeles is the film capital of the world, so it's logical that the Los Angeles area also has more film festivals than any other part of the world.

Below... and to the right... we have listed the DOZENS of film festivals covering many genres and ethnic groups. Those which have open requests for volunteers on their website are listed to the left. If you're interested in the other festivals and want to volunteer, just drop them a note or make a quick phone call.

Amnesty International Film Festival: West Hollywood "..films by talented filmmakers from around the world who work against long odds, short finances, and threatening politics to bring to the screen these powerful stories of human struggle, sacrifice, and triumph. The Amnesty International Film Festival is dedicated to bringing these stories to our communities so that our colleagues, neighbors, and friends can see for themselves the diverse perspectives and many challenges facing people in every part of the world....".

Antelope Valley Independent Film Festival (AVIFF) "... has developed a reputation as a filmmaker-friendly festival with standing-room only crowds and lively post-screening discussions. In 2005, over 70 filmmakers participated in the festival weekend from all areas of film production. Over 3600 people attended over 65 films in three days including a number of Oscar-nominated shorts and documentaries... AVIFF also offers a weekly cinema series, which showcases historically significant classic, foreign, and independent films on 35mm every Tuesday night with a pre-film lecture and post-screening discussion...."

Attack of the 50 Foot Reels "... an amazing night of films. 350 people filled the Egyptian theatre and witnessed 28 super 8 films. All of the 28 filmmakers were in attendance and each crossed their fingers, and introduced their film. We even gave out awards! ..." Annually in August.

City of Angels Film Festival "... "As close to movie heaven as is humanly possible" Chuck Wilson, LA Weekly  --  "A true brainiac's film fest" Los Angeles Magazine  --  "A rare opportunity to view and discuss the art of filmmaking in terms of its social and spiritual import." Hazel Dawn Dumpert, LA Weekly" 3rd week in October.

CreepFest: Los Angeles Independent Horror Film Festival "... A celebration of darkness in films, animation, music, art and cyber-creation. Showcasing and awarding new and up coming film makers, writers, musicians and cyber-creeps, in the areas of horror, mystery, goth, sci-fi, erotic animation and all things dark and delirious..."

Damah Film Festival "... encourages an emerging generation of filmmakers from diverse perspectives to voice the spiritual aspect of the human experience through film and provides a forum for these artists to develop, discuss and display their vision...."

DancesWithFilms Film Festival "... Best Discovery Film Festival...Best Truly Independent Film Festival... Best First-time Filmmaker Festival... Bullish integrity has made DancesWithFilms a valuable presence on the film festival scene..." Takes place 3rd week in July

DV Film Festival "...celebrates emerging talent by screening independent digital films with intriguing subject matter, robust scripts, and foresights that push the digital envelope...." Early December

Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) "...is an annual 6-day celebration of black cinema drawing together established filmmakers, popular film and TV stars, writers, directors, industry executives, emerging artists and new audiences from Southern California and around the world...." Mid June

International Jewish Film Festival Early November

International Student Film Festival Hollywood " offers student filmmakers from all over the world a unique opportunity to gain the recognition of film industry leaders, creating career development opportunities in their home countries as well as in the United States." First week in November.

LaFemme Film Festival "...is a premier festival that focuses on women filmmakers' platforming their commercial films for the world wide audience. It is a Festival for those women who want to have an equal opportunity in commercial entertainment desiring to change, enhance, or become leaders in the industry as a Director, Writer, Producer or Director of Photography...."

Los Angeles, Italia: The Italian Food, Fashion and Film Fest.According to information posted by USC CNTV, "... Los Angeles, Italia is a one-week festival of Italian Culture, celebrating Italian Cinema, Fashion and Food in the United States, and is produced by the Capri in the World Institute in association with the Cim Group Inc., the Lazio Region of Italy and Rai Trade. The festival will hold FREE DAILY SCREENINGS, offering a selection of past masterpieces and contemporary Italian films..." Please check the CURRENT USC Events Calendar for March and April for current year's offerings. Held annually, end of March, Beginning of April.

Los Angeles Korean International Film Festival (LAKIFF) "...is co-presented by University of Southern California (USC), Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles (KCCLA), and American Cinematheque. LAKIFF showcases the best in fiction, documentaries, and short films made by and about people of Korean heritage, highlighting honored artists and new, emerging talent as well. LAKIFF encourages the most diverse exhibition of media arts including animation, experimental, documentary, as well as fiction work...."

Method Fest Independent Film Festival "... is the only major film festival in the U.S. that pays homage to the actor. The Method Fest is truly The Actor's Film Festival, a festival of Discovery, seeking breakout acting performances of emerging stars and established actors in story-driven independent films...." End of March to early April.

Moondance International Film Festival 'The American Cannes' "...primary goal is to present films and scripts which have the power to raise awareness about vital social issues, educating writers and filmmakers, as well as our film festival audiences, and inspiring them to take positive action. Through meaningful films, we begin to realize that our routine perspectives can give way to new ways of seeing the world, ourselves and others. Moondance believes in the unique power of the world entertainment media to create great social and environmental change. Our goal is to deliver compelling entertainment that will inspire and encourage people to actively get involved in the issues that affect all of us...is one of the premier venues for the exhibition and promotion of feature and short films in the US, and one of the leading indie film festivals in the world. Dedicated to celebrating and sharing with international audiences the absolute best in the world of films and screenplays, film scores, and some 25 other genres, the festival features special presentations, retrospectives, workshops, pitch panels, a gala awards reception and ceremony, and many of the world’s top indie film screenings." (moving to Hollywood from Boulder) Early June

Nihilist Film Festival "...We had another amusing and grotesque selection of short films from around the country and around the world...If you've made a video that has appalled and offended other film festivals," says Nihilist Film Festival organizer Elisha Shapiro, 'we're looking for you'...." Annually, mid-December

Perspectives International Film Festival "... dedicated to challenging stereotypes and presenting multiple viewpoints, Perspectives expands our perception of what it means to have a disability and encourages greater understanding and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Now entering its third year, Perspectives explores the lives of people with developmental disabilities through an array of international and domestic narrative documentary and short films. Each screening is followed by a lively and thought-provoking discussion between the filmmaker, a disabilities expert, and the audience...."

Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles 9 day event begins end of April. Typically 30 films are screened at the Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatre.

San Fernando Valley International Film Festival "... Join us for one of the most entertaining film festivals in the world! Over the past ninety years, thousands of writers, filmmakers, actors and industry support personnel have begun their careers here in the San Fernando Valley. Now members of the industry and local communities have established a film and entertainment festival like no other...." Begins 3rd week in March.

Scandinavian Film Festival "... The yearly showcase of Nordic films and filmmakers, launched in 2000, screens the year’s Scandinavian films submitted to the Academy as nominees for Best Foreign-Language Film. It also offers documentaries, short subjects and other pictures by Scandinavian filmmakers. Non-competitive, the festival gives Southern California audiences an opportunity to see the best in contemporary film from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden...." Spans two weekends, mid-January.

Screamfest "... is the premiere horror film festival in Los Angeles featuring the best independent horror cinema has to offer. The roster of talent on the advisory board alone is enough to make any horror fan salivate, adding a genuine professionalism to the proceedings and showing that the organizers have a strong love and passion for the genre. Screamfest has been steadily growing bigger and bigger each year and could soon reach the level of such prestigious genre festivals as Fantasia, The Belgium Festival of the Fantastique and the Sitges Film Festival." Starts mid October and continues for 10 days at Loews Universal Studios Cinemas, Universal CityWalk

Shriekfest "... a festival dedicated to getting horror/thriller/scifi/fantasy filmmakers and screenwriters the recognition they deserve. What makes our festival unique is that we are free from many restrictions that other festivals may have...for instance, we are thrilled when your film has won in other festivals, we won't hold that against you by not allowing your film an entry possibility. The whole point of our festival is to help out the filmmakers by letting as many people see your film as possible (not by limiting when and where your film is shown). We just want to celebrate the art of filmmaking without all of the politics!..." Held in later part of October.

WinFemme Film Festival "...Women's Image Network was formed to encourage positive portrayals of women in theater, television and film to alter limited perceptions of women in all walks of life. Using these far-reaching mediums, WIN helps women have their own voice in creating their own image and encourages stories that depict positive, powerful, confident and courageous women..."

How to Be Admitted to Some Los Angeles Film Festivals for Free by Getting Involved.

Helping out at film festivals is a great way to learn first hand how a film festival is put together, as well as to hang out with the filmmakers and production crew whose films are featured... for free.

Here are the Los Angeles area Film Festivals who are actively seeking your help:

AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival-is the longest-running film festival in Los Angeles and one of the most influential film festivals in North America. They definitely rely upon the help of people like you to help put on the various aspects of the festival... including AFM Desk and Shuttle Service, Box Office, Theater staff, Transportation, Village Production/Cinema Lounge. This is a great opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of film festival production from one of the best!

Big Bear Lake International Film Festival "...dedicated to showcasing emerging screenwriters, film talent and independent films. Our goal is to create a forum by bringing upcoming filmmakers and industry professionals together, staged in the Big Bear Lake Community...." Get involved... call 909) 866-3433. Held mid-September

Cinecon Classic Film Festival ".. Have you ever said to yourself:  "Gee, those folks helping to put on Cinecon sure look like they're having a lot of fun!" ? Join the Big Parade and become a Cinecon volunteer!..." First week in September

COLCOA "City of Lights City of Angels" seeks volunteers. A week of French film premieres in LA, featuring films from acclaimed French filmmakers not likely to be seen in the US otherwise. Early April.

Dance Camera West Dance Film Festival "... venues for the festival range from The Getty Center, REDCAT at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hammer Museum, Skirball Center, and Track 16 at Bergamot Station to movie theaters like American Cinematheque’s Egyptian and Aero and the Laemmle’s, to outdoor locations like TreePeople in Coldwater Canyon Park. DCW represents a truly unique cinematic experience. Contemporary Dance for Screen, Documentaries, Dance Installations, Dance Technology Symposiums, Panel Discussions and Workshops are all part of an expanding Dance Film Festival structure. The Dance Camera West Dance Film Festival showcases many forms of dance including modern dance, post modern dance, world dance, tap dance, dance theater and practically all dance that has been captured on film in a way that is electrifying and exciting...is looking for volunteers to help with fundraising, assist in administrative duties, distribute programs, help with marketing or contribute in other ways...." Annually in June

Hollywood Film Festival "...Exciting volunteer opportunities await you with the Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Film Awards..... Our venues include the prestigious Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, as well as the Beverly Hilton Hotel and our offices in Beverly Hills. The Hollywood Film Festival needs volunteers year round to help with all aspects of preparation and execution of our projects and events. Volunteers assist at the theaters, festival office and hospitality desks at the venues — and in many other ways. By becoming part of the festival team, you will network with other people, see films, and play a valuable role in the festival organization.... Volunteers can assist in a variety of departments: Administration, Marketing, Programming and Sponsorships. Virtual Volunteering: All year round. If you have computer access and the necessary Internet skills, we need you as a virtual volunteer...."

Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles ".... have the opportunity to experience first hand how a film festival comes together and to interact with a dynamic group of filmmakers whose films will be featured. Plus there will be opportunities to see these great films for free!..." Takes place third week in April at ArcLight Hollywood.

Israel Film Festival "...Are you a student? An Israeli living in the U.S.? An avid filmgoer? Film Festival Devotee? An American who loves Israel? Join the Israel Film Festival as a valued Volunteer, the backbone of the festival and an integral part of bringing these astonishing films to the US audience...."

LA Short Film Festival "... We are seeking hardworking, cooperative, and dedicated individuals who enjoy working with a team of other volunteers in a fast-pace moving environment..." LA Short Film Festival "...is looking for College Reps to promote the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival. We're looking for outgoing students who know the college scene and enjoy the college life. This just might be YOU! Now people will come up to you asking, �when is the next hot LA Shorts Fest event?� Soon you will be more popular than the starting center on the varsity basketball team...."

Long Beach International Film Festival "... Long Beach was the first city in California to have, at the turn of the last century, an operational silent film studio. While the Queen Mary has transported and entertained many of Hollywood's Golden Age cinematic luminaries, including: Bob Hope, Laurel and Hardy, Gloria Swanson, Clark Gable, and many more...." Is seeking help to put on their festival... held annually in the fall.

Los Angeles Film Festival "... For ten days each June, more than 60,000 people descend on the Los Angeles Film Festival to see and celebrate the best of independent American and international cinema. We rely on the help of hundreds of volunteers to make the Festival a great experience for everyone who attends...."

Los Angeles Italian Film Awards "...Are you passionate about Italian films? We are currently seeking volunteers to help organize LAIFAFEST .... Learn the nuts and bolts of putting a festival together while working in a creative and stimulating atmosphere. we are seeking the support and assistance of qualified volunteers..."

Los Angeles Latino Film Festival "... The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival features over 100 films from all over Iberoamerica. Last year, over 25,000 people attended the Egyptian Theatre to experience this cultural awakening. As our organization grows we continue to seek more experienced volunteers.... Volunteer positions now available include: Marketing, Promotions, Production, Print Traffic, Venue, Programming and Publicity. Our volunteers are the heart and spirit of the Film Festival. We could not be successful without dedicated men and women. However, we are compensated through the friendships with other volunteers and the satisfaction of giving back to the community...." Third or fourth weekend in October.

Malibu International Film Festival "... is a competition festival that focuses on premiering new films and talent that are looking for distribution and representation.  Quality independent films from around the world, the Opening Night Film under the stars, the Opening Night Party and Maui & Sons Fashion Show, sponsors exhibits and the lavish IndieVest Awards Night Dinner Party sponsored in part by Gladstone's Malibu & Classic Party Rentals make this event one to sponsor and attend. " Seeks volunteers. Takes place second week in April

Newport Beach Film Festival Needs volunteers for their late April festival. Last 11 days in April.

Ojai Film Festival "...Four days of non-stop screenings at convenient venues... The best of world-wide new... independent films... Hot filmmaking seminars with top industry icons... Opportunities to mingle with the filmmakers, directors, production staff... As a non-profit organization, the Festival relies heavily on its dedicated, hard working volunteers. If you would like to take part, and can make a minimum commitment of at least 12 hours...In return, you'll experience the behind-the-scenes excitement of the prestigious film industry Festival. You'll also get:
* An All-Screening Pass valued at $75
* Free entry into the Opening Night Barbecue

Other Venice Film Festival "... Volunteers make the Other Venice Film Festival a success. We are a community event that's been getting larger each year, and we need your support to make it happen.... Almost all volunteers commit to some portion of 'working' the weekend, which typically entails working the door, answering questions, ushering and other event specific responsibilities. It's not high pressure work, and you get to meet interesting people and see some great screenings. Some volunteers dive in deeper, helping with local marketing and out reach, working the projection booth or getting our gift bags in order. For students, we can try to help with school credit, and for locals who want to be part of the mix, come join in..." Annually, Mid-March.

Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival "...WE NEED YOU. Support an established nonprofit that serves the LGBT community. Meet new friends. Earn a free Outfest membership. Earn access to festival screenings (space available)...."

Palm Springs International Film Festival "... depends upon our team of over 500 dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. By becoming part of the festival team, you will work in a stimulating, exciting and fun atmosphere and have the satisfaction of contributing to the production of our internationally acclaimed film festivals. You’ll have opportunities to assist in the theatres, festival office, merchandise and ticket sales venues; assist at special events; and help in many other ways.  We ask that you attend training specific to your assigned area and celebrate the success of the Festival at a special volunteer celebration...."

Pan African Film and Arts Festival "... Without you we could not get it done... We are most grateful to the many volunteers, sponsors and friends who make this Festival possible...."

Santa Barbara Film Festival Begins volunteer applications in December. Must attend one of two volunteer meetings in January. "... Volunteers work long hours, ideally committing to 8-10 hour days for the ten days of the Festival. In exchange, they become a vital member of the Santa Barbara Film Festival family, getting a chance to see some films and gain an exclusive hands-on, behind the scenes glimpse of the Film Festival in action. Approximately 400-500 full and part-time volunteers will be needed..... All Festival events, (films, panel discussions, special events, etc.), are essentially run by a team of volunteers.... helping out in all areas, from general office help, to data entry and technical operations, theatre operations, ticket taking, and much more...." Annually, end of January/beginning of February.

Short Shorts Film Festival "...we have several volunteer opportunities [in their LA Office] throughout the year and you are welcome to submit a cover letter and resume..." Festival takes place in Japan... and is expanding to include the best of short films worldwide.

Silver Lake Film Festival: LA's Independent Film and Arts Festival "... is Los Angeles' leading film festival organization. But we haven't forgotten our roots. In fact, we remain largely a grassroots, volunteer organization. If you would like to find meaningful employment (not the salaried kind), then we'd love to hear from you...." Last week in March.

Slamdance Film Festival "... is one of the top film festivals in America.... olunteers needed for all departments of the Slamdance Film Festival...."

SoCal Independent Film Festival "... Five days of official selections and award winning movies; industry speakers; professional workshops; Q&As with directors and actors; special guests; a professional panel of jury members and screeners; volunteer opportunities; and scores of film watching attendees ... " Takes place in Huntingdon Beach, early September.

Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival "...has successfully cultivated an appreciation for the arts in the Temecula Valley by spotlighting the work of outstanding independent filmmakers and musicians from across America and around the world.... Volunteering at the Festival is an opportunity to be a part of the behind the scene-excitement. Learn the nuts and bolts of putting a festival together while working in a creative and stimulating atmosphere. We are seeking volunteers who are willing to contribute their time, enthusiasm and hard work..." Some of the perks include:

2 One Day Passes to Festival Screenings

2 Workshops Tickets Complimentary Festival T-Shirt

Access to Volunteer Appreciation Party

Special Discounts on Special Event Parties (Opening Night Regular $25, Discount $15 after 2 Shifts Worked Black Tie Gala Awards Regular $95, Discount $50 after 3 Shifts Worked)

VC Filmfest: The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival "...Visual Communications, the nationís premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, is seeking outstanding, motivated individuals for employment and volunteer opportunities..... Visual Communications is recognized for its 30 year-plus track record of producing, presenting, and preserving the Asian Pacific American experience in film, video and new media technologies; and offers training and educational workshops in various areas of media arts production. Additionally, Visual Communications partners with community arts and social service organizations in an effort to make the arts accessible to all communities in the Greater Los Angeles area...." Click on "VC Filmfest"... then on "Volunteer Opportunities" at bottom of page. Takes place in early May.

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Los Angeles Art Gallery Walks and Receptions, Artists Open Studio Tours

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See Los Angeles Museums for Free

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See and Experience Dance for Free in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Festivals and How To Get Free Admission to Some

Los Angeles Film Festivals and How to Get Free Admission to Some.

Los Angeles Internships

Best Los Angeles Happy Hours

Los Angeles Area Free Wine Tasting

Los Angeles Open Mic Nights and Poetry Slams

Meeting People, Making Friends in Los Angeles

Budget Los Angeles Accommodations

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