Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
7.2€
Drama, adventure, romance, or a unique blend, we invite you to submit shorts that captivate and resonate.
13 Sep 2025
Call for entries
16 Oct 2025
Early deadline
22 Jan 2026
Standard deadline
16 Apr 2026
Late deadline
09 Jul 2026
Extended deadline
9
mths
09 Sep 2026
Notification date
27 Aug 2026
27 Aug 2026
Festival start: 27 August 2026 Festival end: 27 August 2026
LA Under the Stars is an IMDb-accredited, Top 100 Best-Reviewed international film festival hosted in the heart of Los Angeles.
Now in our 8th year, LAUTS continues to celebrate bold storytelling and creative voices from around the world. Held at the historic El Cid Theater on Sunset Boulevard, the festival blends old Hollywood charm with the vibrant indie spirit of Silver Lake.
We’ve showcased work featuring talent like Woody Harrelson, Juno Temple, and Danny Trejo, and continue to champion fresh, original voices—both on screen and on the page.
Why Submit?
IMDb-eligible recognition for all Official Selections
Red carpet interviews & step-and-repeat photos
Live Q&A sessions for selected filmmakers & screenwriters
Packed screenings with an engaged, passionate LA audience
Audience Choice voting
Custom-designed trophies & exclusive filmmaker perks
VIP access and networking with fellow creatives
Diverse international judging panel
Dedicated awards for both films and screenplays
Awards & Prizes
Notable Awards Include:
SUPERSTAR – Best Overall Film
WONDER WOMAN – Outstanding Female Filmmaker
AUDIENCE CHOICE – Voted by the audience
SCRIPT SUPERNOVA – Top Feature & Short Screenplay
Best Director, Actor, Actress, Comedy, Horror, Animation, Documentary, Student Short
M. Night Shyamalan Award – Best Plot Twist
City of Angels Spotlight – Best LA Film
Special Jury Prize – For extraordinary impact
Submit your project today and join us for an unforgettable night of storytelling, community, and celebration—under the stars.
Notable Awards Include
SUPERSTAR – Best Overall Film
WONDER WOMAN – Outstanding Female Filmmaker
AUDIENCE CHOICE – Voted by the audience
SCRIPT SUPERNOVA – Top Feature & Short Screenplay
Best Director, Actor, Actress, Comedy, Horror, Animation, Documentary, Student Short
M. Night Shyamalan Award – Best Plot Twist
City of Angels Spotlight – Best LA Film
Special Jury Prize – For extraordinary impact
Submit your project today and join us for an unforgettable night of storytelling, community, and celebration—under the stars.
By submitting your film to LA Under the Stars (LAUTS), you agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Language Requirement: All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time of submission.
2. Original Works: Films must be original creations, and you affirm that you have all the necessary rights and permissions for the submitted material.
3. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend LAUTS and its employees from any liability, claims, damages, fees, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising from the submission or any related activities.
4. Adherence to Rules: Failure to comply with the competition rules and regulations may result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee.
5. Defense of Claims: You agree to hold LA Under the Stars harmless and defend against any claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising from any third-party claims related to the submitted film, whether valid or groundless.
We appreciate your understanding and compliance with these terms as we strive to maintain a fair and successful film festival experience.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
Drama, adventure, romance, or a unique blend, we invite you to submit shorts that captivate and resonate.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
Slapstick, satire, parody, absurdist, dark comedy, the list goes on! Submit films that entertain and amuse.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
Psychological, gory, or supernatural, we welcome shorts that are bound to keep our audience on the edge of their seats. Make us scream, make us squirm, but most of all, make us remember.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
Hand-drawn wonders to cutting-edge CGI, we celebrate animated stories in all their forms. Submit your work that transforms imagination into visual art.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
Factual storytelling. From intimate portraits to global issues, bring us films that provoke thought and conversation.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
Films that synchronize sight & sound, creating experiences that amplify the music.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
An introduction or pilot to a potential television series. These scripts introduce central conflicts, set the tone & direction for the series.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
For short screenplays that deliver powerful narratives and memorable characters within a limited timeframe.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
For short screenplays that deliver quick wit and laugh-out-loud moments in a brief format.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
For short screenplays that create intense scares and gripping narratives in a shorter format.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
For feature-length screenplays that blend suspense, innovative plot twists, and terrifying characters.
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
Submissions deadline
09 Jul 26
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