Pop the champagne because a new year means new opportunities for film fests. As usual, Los Angeles has a diverse film festival scene with events for all types of filmmakers.

Posted on Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Can’t-Miss LA Film Festivals

To be in the City of Angels, and miss out on the variety of festivals at your fingertips, would be a shame. Check out some upcoming festivals moving into 2020. The following festivals are part of an overarching series supported by LA Film Festivals, a hub for indie filmmakers in the heart of LA.

LA Action Film Fest

When: Jan. 9-12, 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Get in on the action and attend the LA Action Film Fest to kick off the new year. There’s no better time to celebrate the work of ambitious independent artists than a new year and a fresh start for crews everywhere. This four-day adventure will feature notable stunt performances, action-packed scenes and compelling stories. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, you can snag your tickets through the festival page.

LA Sci-Fi Film Fest

When: Jan. 16-19, 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Calling all sci-fi fans. This festival is a true celebration of the magic behind the genre, and what better excuse to immerse yourself into fictional films than this four-day excursion? Spice up your Thursday with access to various film screenings, industry networking opportunities and unforgettable company.

LA Women in Film Fest

When: Jan. 23-26, 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Bring your friends out to this one. It’s truly amazing how far the film industry has come regarding the diversity of filmmakers. Though there’s still a long way to go, this festival is a celebration of the progress made thus far among women from all over.

Submissions for this one must be from female-identifying filmmakers or about female-centric stories. Find tickets on their site as the date approaches.

LA Animation Film Fest

When: Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Reap the rewards of the hard work of animators and film professionals alike at the LA Animation Film Fest. Similar to sci-fi, this genre is known for its unique contributions to the film industry—and certainly worth celebrating. Tickets become available closer to the actual festival date on its site.

LA Black Film Fest

When: Feb. 6-9, 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

The timing of the LA Black Film Fest perfectly coincides with the celebration of Black History Month in February 2020. You have to check out this celebration of inclusion and representation in indie films today. This festival specifically highlights the black community and their contributions to the independent film scene.

Tickets for this must-go festival become available closer to the festival date. Stay tuned with their site for updates.

LA Indie Film Fest

When: Feb. 13-22, 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Since 2007, the LA Indie Film Fest has showcased indie creators and attracted thousands of attendees. The festival currently accepts submissions in any genre you choose for the following categories:

Feature (up to 2 hours)

Short (10-30 minutes)

Short Short (<10 minutes)

Animated Short (<30 minutes) TV Pilot (22 minutes)

Web Series (no more than 3 episodes and combined TRT of up to 30 minutes)

Sketch Comedy (<10 minutes)

Music Video (<10 minutes)

Not only is the 80-seat Let Live Theater in the heart of Los Angeles, but it also features a Christie DLP projector and seven JBL speakers for an elevated screening experience. Those that enter into the LA Indie Film Fest also receive free screening passes, access to networking events and the potential for awards.

Tickets will become available closer to the festival here.

LA Horror Film Fest

When: Oct. 22-25, 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

If you just can’t get enough of the bone-chilling works of independent filmmakers and find yourself in the City of Angels right before Halloween, the LA Horror Film Fest is a celebration of indie horror like no other. As the date approaches, you can purchase tickets directly from the festival’s site through FilmFreeway.

LA Latinx Film Fest

When: Nov. 5-8, 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

This time next year, you could join alongside thousands of other film enthusiasts to show your appreciation for Latinx filmmakers and stories of Latinx culture. Similar to the other cultural festivals, submissions for this festival require filmmakers of Latinx descent and/or a story about the Latinx cultural experience.

Purchase your tickets here closer to the festival.

LA Comedy Fest

When: TBD 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Known as the festival that started it all, the LA Comedy Fest was the first in the LA Film Festival Series. Established in 2001, this festival led to the creation of ensuing festival categories, specifically the LA Film Fest that later followed in 2007.

In previous years, the LA Comedy Festivals have showcased thousands of creatives and numerous films from across the globe. Some filmmakers of the festival even went on to win Oscars or have their series developed and distributed. It’s safe to say this festival provides a platform for aspiring indie filmmakers and gives them the exposure their hard work deserves.

LA Asian Film Fest

When: TBD 2020

Where: Let Live Theater @ The Actors Company

916 N. Formosa Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

Did you miss the LA Asian Film Fest this Nov. 21-23, 2019? No worries, just check it out next year. Though the date for 2020 is still to be determined, there’s an immense appeal for this one, similar to the LA Women in Film Fest. For one, it’s another celebration of diversity and representative works in the film community.

Submissions for this festival must be from either Asian filmmakers or about stories centered around Asian heritage and culture. Check back on our site for updates once the 2020 date is announced.


Needless to say, there’s a little bit of everything in the Los Angeles film festival scene. Whether you’re looking for a celebration of horror or a showcase of diversity, there’s a festival for everyone.

As the year continues, we’ll update our list for your ease of access and to ensure we keep you in the loop about other upcoming festivals.

The City of Angels can’t wait to see you.