
the Los Angeles Stars International Festival

About
At the Los Angeles Stars International Festival, we seek to discover a new wave of filmmakers who dare to dream big, challenge conventions and create stories that linger in the mind and heart.
We are looking for directors who carry the spirit of great creators such as Federico Fellini, whose poetic surrealism redefined the language of cinema, Ingmar Bergman, who revealed the complexities of the human soul, and Andrei Tarkovsky, whose meditative narrative transcended time itself. We're looking for bold creators like Gaspar Noé, who confronts us with the raw and visceral, György Palfi, who bends form and genre, or Davitt Lynch, who leads us into the strange and beautiful depths of the subconscious.
This festival is a celebration of risk takers, innovators and storytellers who refuse to settle for the ordinary. If your work reflects existential angst, emotional honesty, or vivid chaos, we want to see it.
The Los Angeles Stars International Festival is not about playing it safe. Its goal is to elevate cinema as an art form, discover unpolished gems, and celebrate filmmakers who remind us why we fell in love with movies to begin with.
If you have a story burning inside you that challenges, inspires and captivates, this is your stage. We're here to support your vision and share it with audiences hungry for something real.
Let's find the next generation of cinematic stars together.


Awards

Grand Prize
For the festival's most outstanding film, a visionary work that embodies the spirit of auteur cinema and pushes the boundaries of storytelling.
Best Director
Awarded to a director whose bold direction and creative vision elevate cinema to an art form, following in the footsteps of icons such as Ingmar Bergman, Andrei Tarkovsky and Alejandro Jodorowsky.
Best Screenplay
For a screenplay that masterfully weaves together complex characters, compelling dialog and a story that stays with you.
Best Cinematography
Awarded to films with breathtaking visual effects, innovative cinematography and impeccable aesthetic execution
Best performance
Recognizing an actor who has played an unforgettable, transformative role that brings his or her character to life, giving it emotion and authenticity.
Best Animated Film
For the most visually imaginative and emotionally resonant animated film.
Best Experimental Film
Honors directors who dare to innovate and redefine cinema, following the avant-garde spirit of directors such as Andrzej Żulawski and Gaspar Noé.
Best Debut Film
Awarded to an emerging director whose film heralds the emergence of a bold new voice in cinema.
Best Feature Film
For a picture that holds the viewer's attention until the last frame, leaving a deep trace and surprising the power of expression.
Audience Award
This award is given to a film that has captured the hearts and minds of our audience, proving that great cinema appeals to everyone.
Best Documentary
For a documentary that captures the beauty, complexity, and harshness of reality with a self-awareness or humanism.
Best Short Film
Awarded to a short film that manages to tell a complete, powerful story in a short period of time, showcasing the genius of its creator in every frame.
Rules for the Los Angeles Stars International Festival
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1. Originality Above All
Submissions must be the original work of the filmmaker. Films with unauthorized use of copyrighted material will not be accepted. 2. Completion Date
All films must have been completed after January 1, 2018. 3. Global Inclusion
This is an international festival. Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles. 4. Film Length Guidelines
Feature Films: 40+ minutes
Short Films: Up to 40 minutes
Experimental Films: Any length 5. Premiere Status Encouraged
While not required, films premiering at the festival will be given special consideration. 6. Submission Format
Films must be submitted digitally via a secure screener link (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube) or through our partnered submission platform. 7. Technical Requirements
Submitted films should be in HD (minimum 1920x1080 resolution) with clear audio. 8.Multiple Entries Allowed
Filmmakers may submit multiple films, but each entry requires a separate submission form and fee. 9. Student Films
Students must include proof of enrollment (e.g., valid student ID) when submitting under the "Student Film" category. 10. Experimental & Bold Vision
We welcome films that challenge traditional storytelling, genres, or visual forms—creativity and innovation are highly valued here. 11. Deadlines Matter
Films submitted after the final deadline will not be considered. 12. No Streaming Rule
Films that have been widely distributed via online platforms prior to the festival are not eligible for competition categories. 13. Promotional Use
By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use stills, clips, and promotional materials for marketing purposes. 14. Genre Diversity
All genres are welcome—from drama and comedy to horror and experimental—but the focus should always be on artistic vision. 15. Rights & Permissions
It is the filmmaker's responsibility to secure all necessary rights and permissions for music, footage, and other materials used in their film. 16. Festival Screening
If a film is selected, you will be notified by specified mail 10 days prior to the festival. We designed these rules to celebrate bold, innovative cinema while ensuring a smooth and professional experience for everyone involved. Let’s make something extraordinary together!

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