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NOVEMBER 11-14 2027

LAMA International Film Festival (LAMAIFF)

A Celebration of True Independent Film


Welcome to the first year of the Los Angeles Movie Alliance (LAMA) International Film Festival (LAMAIFF), nestled in the scenic Conejo Valley in Thousand Oaks, California.

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Founded by LAMA Entertainment—a multi-award-winning independent production company based in Los Angeles—LAMAIFF is built by working filmmakers, for working filmmakers.

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We believe a film festival should do more than hand out laurels; it should launch careers, spark real industry connections, and celebrate character-driven storytelling. Located just outside the noise of downtown Los Angeles, LAMAIFF offers intimate access to working directors, producers, actors, and distributors in an environment focused on craft, community, and collaboration.

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At the LAMA International Film Festival, we are built around a single, driving mission: a celebration of true independent films. In an era where independent cinema is often crowded out by massive studio machinery, LAMAIFF exists to restore the heart, soul, and creative freedom of indie filmmaking. We champion authentic, original, and character-driven storytelling—giving voice to bold creators who put passion, truth, and artistry above corporate formulas.

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What Makes LAMAIFF Different?

  • Judging by Leading Industry Professionals: Submissions are evaluated by a distinguished panel of active Hollywood filmmakers, producers, directors, casting directors, and distributors who understand the craft and business of true independent cinema.

  • Hands-On Workshops & Panels: Official Selections gain access to daytime industry panels, masterclasses, and craft workshops covering screenwriting, directing, music scoring, distribution strategies, and the business of independent film.

  • Filmmaker Q&As & Networking: Selected screening blocks feature dedicated, moderated Q&A sessions with directors, cast, and crew, followed by evening networking mixers designed to foster real professional relationships.

  • A Dedicated Signature Lane — Veterans Stories: We proudly champion stories by and about military veterans. Our signature Veterans Stories competition category highlights powerful, character-driven narratives and offers fee waivers for veteran and active-duty filmmakers.

  • Faith, Family & Values: We dedicate space to showcase uplifting, high-quality family and values-driven cinema to connect filmmakers with an eager, highly engaged audience.

Venue & Dates Notice

All published dates, screening schedules, and venue locations for our inaugural season are currently tentative and subject to final confirmation. Finalized event dates, theater locations, and screening schedules will be announced to all submitters and official selections well in advance of the festival.

 

Award Catagories

Best Picture & Directing

  • Best Picture

  • Best Directing

Acting

  • Best Actor in a Leading Role

  • Best Actress in a Leading Role

  • Best Actor in a Supporting Role

  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Writing

  • Best Original Screenplay (produced)

  • Best Original Screenplay (un-produced)

Feature & Short Animation / International / Documentary

  • Best Animated Feature Film

  • Best Animated Short Film

  • Best Live Action Short Film

  • Best Documentary Feature Film

  • Best Documentary Short Film

  • Best International Feature Film

  • Best Independent (under $100k)

Genre Awards (Feature)

  • Best Comedy

  • Best Thriller/Horror

  • Best Action

  • Best Sports

  • Best Sci-Fi

  • Best Sports

  • Best Faith-Based

  • Best Veteran 

  • Best True Story

Craft & Production

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Film Editing

  • Best Production Design

  • Best Costume Design

  • Best Makeup (special effects)

  • Best Visual Effects

  • Best Sound

Music

  • Best Original Score

  • Best Original Song

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