Santa Monica Film Festival

07/24/2026

🎬 Filmmakers, this is your sign!

The Regular Deadline for the Santa Monica Film Festival® is just 3 days away!

If you've been putting the finishing touches on your film, now is the perfect time to submit. Don't miss your chance to showcase your work, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of an exciting celebration of independent cinema.

⏳ The countdown is on—submit before the Regular Deadline closes!

We can't wait to discover your story on the big screen.

Santa Monica International Film Festival is ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals on FilmFreeway! According to reviews from real FilmFreewa...

03/28/2026

03/27/2026

🎬 The full schedule for the Santa Monica Film Festival is now live!

Featuring award-winning films and bold documentaries by emerging filmmakers, artists, and fearless truth-tellers. From premieres to filmmaker receptions and the awards reception—this is where stories that matter take the spotlight.

👉 Explore the schedule and plan your festival experience! Date:

Santa Monica Film Festival
Saturday March 28
Venue: Directors Guild of America

Sponsored by Quixote Studios, Alligator Pear Catering Simple DCP Wolk & Levine, LLP Goose Island Elysian Brewing

03/24/2026

🎬 FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHT

At just 14, director Azai Willis, son of Mikki Willis, is already using film as a powerful tool for change.

SHINE explores subliminal messaging, trend culture, and screen addiction—shedding light on the pressures social media places on today’s youth and the importance of protecting your inner voice in a hyper-digital world.

Following the success of his first short film To My Generation—which garnered millions of views and led to his first TED Talk—Azai returns with a bold and timely new vision.

✨ WORLD PREMIERE
📅 Saturday, March 28
⏰ 2:15 PM
📍 Directors Guild of America
🎤 Q&A moderated by .Hansson

🎟️ Tickets: santamonicafilmfestival.eventbrite.com

Come support the next generation of storytellers and experience a film with purpose!

We’re expecting big things from Azai Willis! 🌟