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A Festival That Honors
Every Craft of Filmmaking

Because great films are built by many hands.

SIMI Film Fest 2026
102 Films - 57 Music Videos - 9 Incredible Days

September 12-20, 2026 - Simi Valley, CA

Proudly Sponsored By

With Thanks To Our Additional Sponsors

Congratulations To The SIMIFF 2026 Winners

Best Actor
Gabriel Conte — Dying for Love

Best Actress
Diana Garle — Dying for Love

Best Supporting Actor
Elliot O’Dea — Killer Set

Best Supporting Actress
Laynie Mitchell — The Witch Pricker and the Hare

Best Writing
Neil Graham & David Cormican — Something Pointless

Best Director
Dawn Fields — Fragile Storm

Best Cinematography
Zach Morrison — The Witch Pricker and the Hare

Best Hair/Makeup
Devan Weitzman — Fragile Storm

Best Editing
P. Patrick Hogan — Blindsided

Best Sound
Blindsided

Best Orchestral Score
Jesse Haugen — Masterpiece

Best Song Placement
Pressure Points

Best Set Design
In the Still of the Night

Best Visual FX
Because I’m Scared

Best Location
Solum

Best Wardrobe
The Witch Pricker and the Hare

Best Emerging Filmmaker
Jessica J. Rowlands — Rise

Best of Ventura County
Toxic Behavior

Best Experimental
Masterpiece

Best Originality/Creativity
Only Space and Time

Best Drama
Fragile Storm

Best Comedy
Pressure Points

Best Storytelling
Emma & Emma

Best Horror/Thriller
Lucía, The Woman Without a Face

Best Sci-Fi
Tempest

Best Magical Realism
Internal Color

Best Stunts
The Mime

Best Non-Orchestral Score
Max Uldahl — Rise

Best Ensemble Cast
Wilma, Wu, and a Stripper Named Lorraine

Best Song Performance
Serenity’s Song

Best Series/Concept
Starflare

Jury Award
Something Pointless

**Jury Award Honorable Mentions**
Because I’m Scared
Internal Color

Congratulations To The
SIMIFF 2026 Youth Award Nominees

Best Youth Film
Livvy, Are You There?

Best Youth Narrative Film
Murder Gum and Fly Fishing

Best Youth Director
Second Chance

Best Cinematography
Since Forever

Best Ensemble Cast
How We Ended Up Here

Outstanding Lead Performance
Livvy, Are You There?

Best Originality/Creativity
The Staring Contest

Congratulations To The 2026 SIMIFF Nominees

Best Actor
A New Day – Benjamin Santgerma
Dying for Love – Gabriel Conte
Fragile Storm – Lance Henriksen
Killer Set – Eric Kolvek 
Last Man’s Land – Jonathon James
Only Space And Time – Adam Paul
Rise – Tongayi Chirisa
Something Pointless – Owen Teale
When Fighting Monsters – Thomas Cokenias

Best Actress
Because I’m Scared – Anabel Moreno
Blindsided – Crystal Loverro
Dying for Love – Diana Garle
Fragile Storm – Mackenzie Mason
Internal Color – Heidi Berg
Only Space And Time – Mari Takahashi
Pressure Points – Joan Deschamps
Something Pointless – Sophie Thompson
The Witch Pricker and The Hare – Anna Telfer

Best Supporting Actor
A New Day – Martial Zani
Door To Door – Jordan Wilson
Killer Set – Elliot O’Dea
Poisoned Skies – Christopher Stanley
Rise – Sikhanyiso Ngwenya
Something Pointless – Leo Harris

Best Supporting Actress
Dying for Love – Madelin Marchant
Eye For An Eye – Danielle Renee Vivarttas
Fragile Storm – Jody Jaress
Heart on the Diamond – Yahaira Valdés
Pressure Points – Norma Jean
The Witch Pricker and The Hare – Laynie Mitchell

Best Director
A New Day – Benjamin Santgerma
Blindsided – P. Patrick Hogan
Fragile Storm – Dawn Fields
Internal Color – Davïd Asambadze, Anastasïa Asambadze
Masterpiece – Kyle Cyr
Only Space And Time – Chris Cameron
Rise – Jessica J. Rowlands
Something Pointless – Asa Bailey
The Witch Pricker and The Hare – Brynn Mitchell

Best Cinematography
Blindsided – James Suter
Fragile Storm – Yaron Levy
Internal Color – Andrey Nikolaev
Masterpiece – Kyle Cyr
Rise – Jacques Naudè
Solum – Brian Tang
Something Pointless – Keefa Chan
The Mime – Kevin Barile
The Witch Pricker and The Hare – Zach Morrison

Best Writing
Auditory Problems – Lorin Davis
Because I’m Scared – Benjamin Santgerma
Dying for Love – Gabriel Conte
Fragile Storm – Dawn Fields, Carly Street
Internal Color – Davïd Asambadze
Pressure Points – Janelle Lee Austin
Rise – Jessica J. Rowlands
Something Pointless – Neil Graham, David Cormican
The Witch Pricker and The Hare – Mashael Alqahtani, Brynn Mitchell

Best Hair/Makeup
American Woman – Carly Oreck, Matison LeBlanc
Fragile Storm – Devan Weitzman
Internal Color – Zukhra Akhmet
Only Space And Time – Lillian Faye
Pressure Points – Lainie Garcia
The Witch Pricker and The Hare – Emma Page Bailey

Best Editing
Blindsided – P. Patrick Hogan
Internal Color – David Asambadze
Skyward: The Sport Rocketry Revolution – Matthew Middendorf
Something Pointless – Laurence Cohen
The Mime – Kevin Barile
The Witch Pricker and The Hare – Phoebe Fu

Best Sound
Auditory Problems 
Blindsided
Debbie Walks Her Duck
Internal Color
Only Space And Time
The Mime

Best Set Design
Blindsided
Evie’s Christmas Gift
Fragile Storm
In The Still Of The Night
Internal Color
Masterpiece
The Mime
The Red Book
The Witch Pricker and The Hare

Best Song Placement
Because I’m Scared
Black Cake
Heart on the Diamond
Lucía, the Woman Without a Face
Pressure Points
Rise 
Wichita
Wilma, Wu, and a Stripper Named Lorraine

Best VFX
Because I’m Scared
Blindsided
Memoria Obscura
Only Space And Time
Rebecca Gold 
Skyward: The Sport Rocketry Revolution
Something Pointless
Star-Crossed
Tempest

Best Emerging Filmmaker
Dying for Love – Gabriel Conte
Emma & Emma – Alexandra Corin Johnston
Killer Set – Elliot O’Dea
No Left Turns – Douglas Ryan
Rebel Flowers – Roberta Pia De Angelis
Rise – Jessica J. Rowlands
When Fighting Monsters – Sherill Quinn

Best of Ventura County
Bike Short
Everything You See is For Sale
Gumshoe Gals
My House, My Father
Sandwiched 
Serenity’s Song
The Buzz in Ben
Toxic Behavior
Trail End

Best Drama
Because I’m Scared
Dying for Love
Fragile Storm
Rise 
Something Pointless
The Witch Pricker and The Hare

Best Comedy
Auditory Problems 
Bike Short
Door To Door
Killer Set
Please Hold
Pressure Points
Sandwiched 
Well(ness)

Best Horror/Thriller
Blindsided
Ghost in the Machine
Lucía, the Woman Without a Face
My Severed Arm
Only Space And Time
Toxic Behavior
When Fighting Monsters

Best Sci-Fi
Memoria Obscura
Solum
Star-Crossed
Starflare
Tempest
The Night The Sky Fell

Best Magical Realism
Emma & Emma
In The Still Of The Night
Internal Color
The Night The Sky Fell

Best Storytelling
Emma & Emma
Evie’s Christmas Gift
I F*cking Hate You!
Masterpiece
Out Of My System
The Night The Sky Fell

Best Experimental
An Effective Policy
Children of the Sun
Debbie Walks Her Duck
Masterpiece
Sam and Me

Best Stunts
Father’s Blessing
Piroba
Rebecca Gold
Solum
Tempest
The Mime

Best Wardrobe
Blindsided
Last Man’s Land
Poisoned Skies
Starflare
The Mime
The Witch Pricker and The Hare

Best Orchestral Score
Because I’m Scared – Benjamin Santgerma
Evie’s Christmas Gift – Giuseppe Alfano
Masterpiece – Jesse Haugen
Poisoned Skies – Duy Tran
Skyward: The Sport Rocketry Revolution – Nathaniel Wolkstein
Something Pointless – Andrea Bellucci
Starflare – Nick Longoria and Joseph Longoria 
The Buzz in Ben – Ethan Anderson
The Witch Pricker and The Hare – Joel Santos

Best Non-Orchestral Score
I F*cking Hate You! – Pablo Acevedo
Inshallah – Maia Thomas
Internal Color – Nick Marsella
No Left Turns – Douglas Ryan and Conan Ryan
Only Space And Time – Mo Milan
Out Of My System – Alexander Hansson
Please Hold – Austen Moret
Rise – Max Uldahl
Solum – Pietro Milanesi 

Best Originality/Creativity
404
All You Need
Masterpiece
Only Space And Time
Pressure Points
The Mime

Best Location
Penguins In Paris…A Love Story?
Poisoned Skies
Rebel Flowers 
Solum
Starflare
The Witch Pricker and The Hare

Best Ensemble Cast
Cindy 
Everything You See is For Sale
Gumshoe Gals
Killer Set
My Movie Starring Paul Dano
Rebecca Gold 
Tempest
Well(ness)
Wilma, Wu, and a Stripper Named Lorraine

Best Series/Concept
Eye For An Eye 
I Could Eat Episode 3
Sandwiched 
Starflare
The Stallion Whisperer Contract

Congratulations To The
SIMIFF 2026 Youth Award Nominees

Best Youth Film
How We Ended Up Here
Livvy, Are You There?
Second Chance
The Staring Contest

Best Youth Narrative Film
Livvy, Are You There?
Murder Gum and Fly Fishing
Since Forever
Stupid People

Best Youth Director
Livvy, Are You There?
Second Chance 
Since Forever
The Staring Contest

Best Cinematography
Livvy, Are You There?
Murder Gum and Fly Fishing
Since Forever 
Us and Them

Best Ensemble Cast
How We Ended Up Here
Murder Gum and Fly Fishing
Stupid People
The Parts We Keep

Outstanding Lead Performance
Livvy, Are You There?
Murder Gum and Fly Fishing
Stupid People
Sunday’s Paper

Best Originality/Creativity
Since Forever
Sunday’s Paper
The Quiet Goal
The Staring Contest

Congratulations To This Year's Official Selections

404

3 Minutos

A Comfort

A Dollar’s Worth of Hope

A New Day

A Paradox of Quantum Superposition

A Sunset Smell

All You Need

American Woman

An Effective Policy

Auditory Problems

Because I’m Scared

Bike Short

Billy’s Intervention

Black Cake

Blindsided

Buddies

Children of the Sun

Cindy

Debbie Walks Her Duck

Deceiver

Door To Door

Dying for Love

Emma & Emma

Enemy Heroes

Everything You See is For Sale

Evie’s Christmas Gift

Eye For An Eye – The Short

Father’s Blessing

Foreign Relations

Fragile Storm

Ghost in the Machine

Gumshoe Gals

Heart on the Diamond

I Could Eat Episode 3

I F*cking Hate You!

In The Still Of The Night

Inshallah

Internal Color

Just Us

Killer Set

Last Man’s Land

Lotería

Lucía, the Woman Without a Face

Lucy’s Last Dance

Masterpiece

Memoria Obscura

My House, My Father

My Movie Starring Paul Dano

My Severed Arm

No Left Turns

Only Space And Time

Out Of My System

Penguins In Paris…A Love Story?

Piroba

Please Hold

Poisoned Skies

Pressure Points

Rebecca Gold the Movie

Rebel Flowers

Rise

Rocketship

Sam and Me

Sandwiched

Serenity’s Song

Skyward: The Sport Rocketry Revolution

Solum

Something Pointless

Somewhere Between

Squash Casserole

Star-Crossed

Starflare

Tempest

The Buzz in Ben

The Donut Hole

The Millennial Trap

The Mime

The Night The Sky Fell

The Red Book

The Routine

The Stallion Whisperer Contract

The UFO

The Witch Pricker and The Hare

Toxic Behavior

Trail End

Trouble

Well(ness)

When Fighting Monsters

Wichita

Wilma, Wu, and a Stripper Named Lorraine

Congratulations To The SIMIFF 2026 Youth Filmmakers

How We Ended Up Here

Livvy, Are You There?

Murder Gum And Fly Fishing

No Small Matter

Second Chance

Since Forever

Stupid People

Sunday’s Paper

The Parts We Keep

The Quiet Goal

The Staring Contest

Us and Them

NEW IN ’26 — THE SIMIFF JURY PRIZE

A 3-Month Mentorship with Matt Smith, Agent at CAA

Beginning in 2026, SIMI Film Fest introduces the SIMIFF Jury Prize — awarded to one standout film selected by an independent panel of industry judges.

The recipient will receive a three-month mentorship with CAA agent Matt Smith, offering real-world guidance on career strategy, representation, project positioning, and next-step opportunities.

A defining opportunity for bold filmmakers ready to move forward.

Learn More Here

Why Filmmakers Choose SIMI Film Fest

Every Submission Is Watched

Every film submitted to SIMI Film Fest is viewed in full by our programming team and judges.
No algorithms. No shortcuts. Your work is respected.

Awards That Open Doors

Our Jury Prize for Best Film includes a three-month mentorship with CAA agent Matt Smith, designed to support filmmakers at the next stage of their career.

One Festival. Many Creative Voices.

SIMI Film Fest brings together feature and short films of all genres, youth films, music videos, and a live film music competition — all under one curated festival experience.

Curated By Creatives Who Care

SIMI Film Fest is built by working filmmakers, composers, and music supervisors — people who understand the creative process and the courage it takes to submit your work.

A festival built with intention — for filmmakers who care about their work.

CELEBRATING:
Acting • Directing • Cinematography • Editing • Sound • Orchestral Scores • Non-Orchestral Scores • Music Placement • Production Design • Costume • Hair & Makeup • Stunts • Locations • Writing • Set Design • Visual FX
RECOGNIZING GENRE AWARDS INCLUDING:
• Drama • Horror • Thriller • Comedy • Animation • Documentary • Sci-Fi • Magical Realism • Experimental • Series Concepts

NEW IN 26 - THE FILM MUSIC COMPETITION

Would you like the chance to have your score played LIVE by a Symphony Orchestra?

Learn More Here

One Festival. Four Distinct Experiences.

SIMI Youth Film Fest

Sunday, September 13

A dedicated day within SIMI Film Fest honoring young filmmakers whose work reflects creativity, intention, and respect for the filmmaking process.

SIMI Music Video Fest

Saturday September 12
& Sunday, September 13

A dedicated event putting the spotlight on filmmakers who push creative boundaries through the craft of visual storytelling set to music. A space where filmmakers and music artists network and celebrate their artistry together. 

SIMI Film Fest

September 12-20

A multi-day presentation of feature-length and short films across all genres, showcasing selected works representing the strongest submissions from filmmakers aworldwide.

Film Music Concert

Wednesday, September 16

A live orchestral concert celebrating film music, featuring iconic scores alongside selected works from the festival and winning entries from the film music competition.

Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway.

See Last Year's Festival Guide. 2026 Appearing Soon...

Why Submit Your Film to SIMIFF

Putting Filmmakers In The Seen

AWARDS

Join Us On September 20th To Truly Honor The Winning Films Of SIMIFF 26

At SIMI Film Fest, we believe recognition should be earned — and be meaningful. Our awards honor a wide range of achievements, from standout performances and visionary direction to groundbreaking visuals, editing, sound, and the many areas of filmmaking that often go unrecognized. 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 27 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!

Read More

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!

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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!

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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!!

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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.

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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!

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A Festival More Than Just A Screening. It’s a Full Experience.

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.