About SIMIFF
SIMI Film Fest exceeds typical film festival experiences. We strive to make this festival more than just a screening of independent films. SIMIFF is an innovative festival that reimagines the traditional festival experience. Our curated panels aim to boost filmmakers' careers by connecting them with industry professionals. We facilitate 1-on-1 meetings after panels with esteemed individuals, including Oscar and Emmy winners, studio executives, and recognized industry experts, to maximize exposure and career advancement opportunities.
Dedication
SIMIFF isn't about us. It's about YOU...
SIMIFF is dedicated to promoting and highlighting the distinctive creativity and cinematic contributions of filmmakers from across the globe. We understand your aspirations as a filmmaker go well beyond a single screening. The festival events that you'll have access to as a filmmaker are designed to propel your career forward in a meaningful direction.
Celebration
Jury trophies will be awarded to feature and short competition films in a variety of genres and categories, including First-Time Filmmaker and our Ventura Film Award for locally made films. Selections and awards are determined by a trusted panel of industry judges. We recognize under-represented elements of filmmaking as movies are made by a team of talented professionals. Our awards include best Makeup & Hair, Stunts, Music Placement, Creativity & Originality among other categories. Nominees and award winners will be celebrated with a closing Awards Show ceremony at the conclusion of the festival.
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Meet The Festival Directors
We know the kind of support creators need because...we ARE creators! After years of seeing what's missing as well as what we admire at various film festivals, we always aim to provide an event like no other.
Joseph Metcalfe has a 20+ year background in post-production and music composition for film, TV and stage, with experience in producing work for Disney, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Amazon and many independent productions. In 2022 he won the World Soundtrack Award for the major theatrical feature film The King's Daughter. Joseph thrives in the production of immersive events.
Multi-award winning songwriter, producer, and director Katie Garibaldi comes from a background in film directing and music production. Her music video and film work has screened across numerous international festival circuits, with over 140 awards throughout her career. She is also a music supervisor, licensing music for studio & independent productions.
Katie and Joseph are also actively involved in the growth of arts and culture in Simi Valley, CA as co-founders of the SIMI Film Fest, the SIMI Music Video Fest, and the Simi Valley Orchestras.
ABOUT SIMI VALLEY
Simi Valley, a film-friendly town just minutes from Los Angeles, has been a prominent location for film production for decades. From Academy Award-winning Best Picture "Everything Everywhere All At Once" to classics like "Little House On The Prairie" and blockbusters such as "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood," "The Big Lebowski" and "Men In Black," the city has hosted thousands of movies. Nestled in the southeast region of Ventura County, Simi Valley boasts beautiful rolling hills, historical landmarks, and a vibrant cultural arts scene. Conveniently located, it is easily accessible from anywhere in the world, with Los Angeles International Airport, Van Nuys Airport, and Hollywood Burbank Airport all within 40 miles. Simi Valley is committed to helping your production succeed, regardless of its size, ensuring it meets all your goals.