Mammoth Lakes Film Festival (12)

Festival start: 20 May 2026      Festival end: 24 May 2026

We are the West Coast’s premier festival dedicated to showcasing fresh and innovative filmmaking, screening everything from festival favorites like Damsel (starring Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska), to world premieres like Netflix favorite Abducted in Plain Sight.

We are committed to discovering and supporting emerging filmmakers. There’s a reason MovieMaker magazine has named Mammoth Lakes Film Festival as one of the “Top 50 Film Festival’s Worth Your Entry Fee” for the last nine years in a row: We put our filmmakers first! And now we are one of the "Top 25 Coolest Festivals in the World" named by MovieMaker Magazine — a true testament to the experience you will have with us.

We always secure top-level press to attend the festival in order to get exposure for our filmmakers. Attending press and industry professionals have included Variety, The Wrap, Indiewire, MovieMaker Magazine, Hollywood Reporter and more.

The 11th annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival takes place on the five days leading up to Memorial Day, May 20-24, 2026.

MLFF captures the imagination of audiences and contributes to the vitality of film culture by providing emerging filmmakers with an opportunity to show their latest work in a vibrant and nurturing atmosphere. Visitors are drawn to the area to experience exciting new films by both new and established independent artists, and for the opportunity to mingle with them at fun and friendly daily events. The festival is also a forum for filmmakers to have their work seen by industry professionals who have the potential to provide mentorship and propel their careers.

We are committed to promoting film as an art form by focusing on personal, innovative, imaginative films by writers and directors with a unique style and point of view. We present these films in the beautiful natural setting of Mammoth Lakes — a perfect backdrop for an independent film festival and a premier tourist destination in its own right. Because we are a destination resort, just a 4 to 5-hour drive or a quick flight from Los Angeles, we have strong allies within the entertainment industry. Our jury members are acclaimed artists and professionals from the world of independent film. We give out multiple awards in the categories of Narrative Features, Documentary Features, and Short Films.

We award cash and prizes valued at more than $40,000.00. We provide housing and festival passes for our filmmakers. Our juries have included Tim Moore (Producer of AMERICAN SNIPER, INVICTUS), Allison Amon (Producer of THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES), Rachel Winter (Academy Award winning producer of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB), and John Fiedler (Producer of SERIAL MOM and PECKER).

The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival is a DBA of the Eastern Sierra Arts Alliance and is a 501(c)3.

MAMMOTH LAKES FILM FESTIVAL SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging, innovative screenwriters. We welcome screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from anywhere in the world. We are looking for stories from writers that have a unique voice and a specific point of view. Every submission will receive 3-5 lines of feedback. You can request detailed feedback of 4-5 pages of feedback for an additional fee. MLFF will present the Grand Prize for the best screenplay at the 2026 Mammoth Lakes Film Festival, May 24th, 2026.

We look forward to reading your work!

The top 10 screenplays will be offered housing and passes to attend the festival and network with attending press, industry, distributors and filmmakers. Along with a Writers Round Table at the festival with an industry professional that offers one on one advice.

Cash Prizes: 10,000$

Cash prizes from $500.00 to $1,000.00 are included with each award. We will also provide housing and festival passes for our filmmakers and the top 10 screenplays. We award camera packages and more to our winners. Over $40,000.00 in cash and prizes are awarded.

Awards & Prizes for the Screenplay Competition
The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash award $1,000.

Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2025.

Films may have screened in other festivals but we do not accept films with past theatrical distribution or that have been broadcast (televised) or on social media platforms or anywhere in the U.S. before May 24, 2026.

Films must be submitted via online screener.

No Fee Waivers are available.

Entry fees are non refundable.

No commercials.

We do consider works in progress but your film needs to be close to completion and if selected it must be completed before April 15, 2026.

Do not send a press kit until your film has been selected.

All non-English language films must have legible English subtitles.

All multiple submissions must have separate forms and appropriate fees.

The selection committee's decisions are final.

If your film is selected, your screening print and one backup must arrive by May 1, 2026.

If your film is selected, you must provide two high-resolution screen shots, a secure online link for press by April 25, 2026. You will also be asked to provide press materials and a trailer for the website.

All filmmakers under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian submit on their behalf.

Filmmakers must be authorized to submit their films to the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival (MLFF) and are responsible for the accuracy of all information provided on the application form.

The MLFF may use images, sounds and excerpts from the films for promotional purposes in all media including the MLFF website and may present accepted films at the 2026 MLFF.

You indicate that you have read and understand the MLFF entry guidelines and rules and regulations and that you agree to the MLFF Terms and Conditions. Furthermore, you indicate that you shall indemnify and hold harmless the MLFF from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.