Welcome To

SIMI Film Fest 2025

Discover

Be DISCOVERED

SIMI Film Fest is where passionate audiences meet filmmakers at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re an emerging director ready to make your mark or an established storyteller exploring bold new work, SIMIFF offers a platform to connect, be celebrated, and move your career forward.

For audiences, it’s a chance to experience fresh voices and seasoned artists alike — discovering stories that resonate, surprise, and stay with you. Every film you watch might be a breakthrough moment — for the filmmaker and for you.

This is where careers evolve, stories come alive, and the next chapter begins.

Discover what’s next. Be the one who’s next.

Why Submit Your Film to SIMIFF

Putting Filmmakers In The Seen

Career-Boosting Visibility
Get your work in front of the people who could help take it further.
Your film deserves an audience that matters. SIMI Film Fest helps both emerging and established filmmakers connect with film lovers, industry professionals, and new opportunities.
Premium Screening Experience
Every detail is designed to honor your film and lift the audience experience.
Screenings take place in Simi Valley’s top theaters with laser-sharp projection, rich sound, and in-seat dining. Your story is treated with the presentation it deserves.
Unique Networking Opportunities
Connect with fellow creators and industry insiders in real, meaningful ways.
From filmmaker mixers to behind-the-scenes field trips, SIMI creates space for authentic connection — where future collaborators often meet for the first time.
Real Recognition
We don’t just hand out awards — we shine a spotlight where it matters.
With over 25 awards, press coverage, red carpet moments, and curated panels, SIMI Film Fest shines a genuine spotlight on exceptional work.
A Festival That Moves You Forward
Whether this is your breakout moment or your boldest work yet, we’re here to support what’s next.
Whether you’re breaking in or breaking out, SIMI is here to help you advance to the next stage in your career — with integrity, care, and community.

IMPORTANT DATES

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

SUBMISSIONS

REGULAR DEADLINEJune 23rd '25
For the best rates available for both shorts and features.
FINAL DEADLINEJuly 14th '25
The absolute deadline for final submissions
NOTIFICATION DATEJuly 25th '25
We will announce our official lineup
DCP SUBMISSIONSAugust 4th '25
All selected films must submit their DCPs by this date to one of the best DCP companies on the planet: The Archetype Company!

THE FESTIVAL

OPENING NIGHTSeptember 3rd '25
Red Carpets, Arival In Style and a Grand Simi Valley Welcome To Our VIPs
SCREENINGSSeptember 4th-7th '25
Experience SIMI screenings in the city’s best theaters — comfy seats, laser-sharp projection, immersive sound, and in-seat dining. Nothing but the best.
PANELSSeptember 5th-7th '25
Some of the leaders in Hollywood will give you keys to success in the film industry, and meet with you one-on-one
AWARD CEREMONYSeptember 7th '25
No other award show quite like it... recognizing the best of the fest.

AWARDS

Recognizing Bold Voices, Technical Excellence, And Standout Storytelling Across All Genres.

At SIMI Film Fest, we believe recognition should be earned — and meaningful. Our awards honor a wide range of achievements, from standout performances and bold direction to groundbreaking visuals, editing, sound, and more. Whether you’re making your first short or delivering a powerful feature, we want to celebrate the work that makes a lasting impression. With over 25 award categories, our honors reflect the full spectrum of creative filmmaking — and help exceptional talent stand out in a crowded industry.

Awards Include

Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best VFX
And 20+ more...

A 5 STAR FESTIVAL

Ryan Willer (Writer/Producer)

This is the best new festival around!!! I’ve been accepted the last two years (I didn’t get around to writing a review last year sadly…my bad) and it’s been the greatest experience!!

Joe and Katie are two festival directors who truly care! They make you feel welcome and appreciated. And their awards show is no joke, it’s competitive but fare. To even be nominated is a true accomplishment! This is a festival that is going places and anyone who submits should be proud to be given the opportunity to be accepted!

Gigi Grigorian (Director/Composer)

An experience like no other! So happy I got to participate in this unforgettable event. This festival should be on everyone’s MUST APPLY LIST. Thank you Simi Film Fest!

Chantal Massuh-Fox (Writer/Director)

The best festival I’ve ever been to! Wow Katie and Joe go above and beyond with the panels, activities, and selections. It’s truly amazing films of quality playing and it’s very inspiring to be grouped with the best. One of the most welcoming and fun events I’ve ever been to! The prizes were also incredible!

Emily Sandifer (Director/Filmmaker)

Hands down worth going to every single day of this festival and to all their events, filmmaker opportunities, screenings, etc. Thank you so much, Joe and Katie, and the rest of the team/judges. We were blown away by Simi Film Fest. I could blabber on, but I think anyone reading this should just go enter right now. The best organization and communication of any festival I’ve been to. Thank you for the warm welcome, the personal touches, everything. Keep it up!!

Julianna Robinson (Actor/Director)

You won’t find a festival that loves, cares for and honors filmmakers more that this one. Katie and Joe are so kind and generous and thoughtful and they work their tails off to ensure that your festival experience is the best is could possibly be. You will feel like a star here! Highly recommend.

Lauren Moreno (Writer/Director)

The SIMI Film Festival was an unforgettable experience that truly honors filmmakers! From the moment I arrived on opening night, I felt immense care and quality that went into every detail, making it a truly exceptional festival!

Every event was meticulously crafted, from the intimate one-on-one conversations to the thoughtfully planned outings, ensuring a deep connection between filmmakers and the festival itself. It’s rare to find such a new festival with this level of care, attention to detail, and commitment to storytelling.

The passion, dedication, and sheer love for the craft of filmmaking were felt in every interaction and event. It’s a festival that celebrates not only the films but the filmmakers themselves, making it one of the most beautiful and memorable festivals I’ve ever attended!

At SIMIFF, the films are just the beginning.

Hands-on training at Cinemoves

SIMI Film Fest isn’t just about what’s on the screen — it’s about what happens around it. From exclusive field trips to real-world filming locations and hands-on workshops with industry gear, to one-on-one meetings with our panelists, we create opportunities that go beyond the theater.

Expect filmmaker mixers, unique live events, and behind-the-scenes access that turns a festival into something much more: a space to grow, connect, and take your next step forward.

One-On-One Panelist Meetings

Our 2024 Co-Sponsors, ShotDeck and Scriptation, provided real-world training and exclusive attendee discounts on their industry-leading tools.

Built for Filmmakers.

Backed by Industry.

Tools, connections, and a setting designed to propel your career.

At SIMI Film Fest, we’re not just celebrating filmmakers — we’re empowering them.

From access to cutting-edge equipment during hands-on training sessions, to meaningful conversations with producers, composers, distributors, and VFX professionals, this is where creators get what they need to level up. You’ll meet sponsors who believe in investing in emerging talent and experts who offer real-world insight — not gatekeeping.

And it all happens in an atmosphere that respects your work: laser projection, surround sound, plush seating, and in-seat dining at the state-of-the-art Studio Movie Grill in Simi Valley.

If you’re looking for more than a laurel — if you’re looking for momentum — SIMIFF is where it starts.