Rules &
Guidelines.
Everything you need to know before submitting your film or screenplay to the SoCal Film Awards. We celebrate independent storytelling and provide honest, thoughtful consideration to every eligible submission.
Review Submission RulesSubmission Requirements
Please review the following requirements before entering. By submitting a project, you acknowledge and agree to these rules and guidelines.
The submitter must be directly involved in the submitted project as a producer, director, or screenwriter, or be legally authorized to represent the project and its rights holders.
Projects are considered only for the categories in which they are entered. Submitters are responsible for selecting the appropriate categories for their films or screenplays.
Submitters are responsible for obtaining all necessary rights, permissions, and clearances for materials included in their projects. This includes copyrighted music, footage, images, trademarks, and any commercial or private property represented in the work.
SoCal Film Awards assumes no responsibility for copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property infringement arising from submitted materials.
All projects must be submitted digitally. Films must be accessible through an online screener, including FilmFreeway, Vimeo, or another supported screening service. Screenplays must be submitted in PDF format.
Physical submissions, including DVDs, Blu-rays, printed screenplays, and other physical media, are not accepted.
SoCal Film Awards does not accept pornographic material. Projects containing prohibited content are not eligible for consideration.
Judging & Recognition
Every eligible submission receives individual consideration as part of our awards evaluation process.
Award categories and recognitions are determined at the discretion of SoCal Film Awards and may be modified or adjusted as necessary.
All selection, finalist, honorable mention, and award decisions made by SoCal Film Awards are final.
We watch every eligible submitted film in its entirety and read every eligible submitted screenplay in full.
Every project receives honest, thoughtful consideration from our evaluation team.
An Online Awards Competition
SoCal Film Awards currently operates as a non-screening, online awards event. We do not currently host in-person screenings, ceremonies, or other physical festival events.
Our focus is on recognizing outstanding achievements in independent filmmaking and screenwriting through our selection and awards process.
All submissions, evaluations, and award announcements are conducted through our online awards program. Participation does not include an in-person screening or awards ceremony.
SoCal Film Awards does not publicly screen submitted films and does not guarantee any public exhibition or display.
Because we are a non-screening competition, participation ordinarily does not constitute a public premiere of your film.
Important: Each film festival establishes its own premiere eligibility requirements. Although SoCal Film Awards does not publicly screen submitted films, filmmakers should always confirm eligibility with any other festival they plan to enter.
Partners & Sponsors
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We look forward to discovering your film or screenplay and celebrating the independent voices that make filmmaking extraordinary.
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