Ojai Film Festival

08/02/2026

Meet the people bringing the 2026 Ojai Film Festival to life. Led by Academy Award–nominated filmmaker Theodore Melfi as Artistic Director, our 2026 Board of Directors brings together filmmakers, producers, creatives, and community leaders — all working to deliver five days of great films and unforgettable stories in one of California’s most inspiring settings.

Swipe to meet the board, and read their full bios at:
https://ojaifilmfestival.com/board-members/

Join us November 5–9, 2026.

For any late submission requests, please contact: [email protected]

05/27/2026

Some places just feel right for telling stories. Ojai is one of them. Between the T**a T**a mountains and the Pacific, Ojai has long drawn artists, dreamers, and storytellers. Each November, our small valley becomes a meeting place for filmmakers and audiences — five days of great films, honest conversations, and the kind of community that only happens here. The 2026 Ojai Film Festival returns November 5–9.

🎬 Submit your film on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/OjaiFilmFestival 📅 Extended Deadline: July 15, 2026

03/31/2026

A place for great stories and film.
Ojai Film Festival celebrates the power of cinema by welcoming compelling voices, original perspectives, and films that leave a lasting impression. We’re proud to create a space where strong storytelling and great filmmaking can truly shine. Join us November 5th–9th, 2026, for four days dedicated to great cinema and the voices behind it.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about tickets, special events, and our official film lineup.

Submit Your Film to the 2026 Ojai Film Festival on FilmFreeway:
https://filmfreeway.com/OjaiFilmFestival

03/09/2026

A beautiful place for storytelling. More than a screening event, Ojai Film Festival brings filmmakers, audiences, and unforgettable stories together in one of California’s most inspiring settings. Join us November 5th–9th, 2026, for five days of inspiring films, special events, and meaningful filmmaker connections.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about tickets, special events, and our official film lineup.

Submit Your Film to the 2026 Ojai Film Festival on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/OjaiFilmFestival

03/01/2026

🎬 Save the Dates — Ojai Film Festival 2026 🎬

The Ojai Film Festival 2026 returns
📍 Ojai, California
🗓 November 5th–9th, 2026

Mark your calendars for five unforgettable days of inspiring films, filmmaker conversations, and community celebration in the heart of Ojai.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about tickets, special events, and our official film lineup.

🎥 Filmmakers: Submissions are now open on FilmFreeway!
Submit your film here:
👉 https://filmfreeway.com/OjaiFilmFestival
We can’t wait to welcome you back to Ojai this November.

02/24/2026

The 2026 Ojai Film Festival Is Now Open for Submissions on FilmFreeway!

Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their films and be part of one of Southern California’s most welcoming and filmmaker-focused festivals. Sign up now: https://filmfreeway.com/OjaiFilmFestival

Now in its 27th year, the Ojai Film Festival continues to grow in importance and prestige as one of the country’s premier destination festivals. This celebrated 4-day event has earned a reputation for showcasing the very best new films from emerging and established filmmakers — and has helped launch numerous careers over the past two decades.

Don’t miss your chance to screen in beautiful Ojai, connect with fellow creatives, and share your story with an engaged and enthusiastic audience.

02/21/2026

Congratulations🥂 on the Academy Award nomination to winner of our 2025 Audience Choice Award and Bill Paxton Award for best Gold Coast film!

Ojai’s Highway West Entertainment produces ‘The Singers,’ up for Academy Award | https://www.ojaivalleynews.com/culture/ojai-s-highway-west-entertainment-produces-the-singers-up-for-academy-award/article_3f5ed9bf-70a9-463f-84d0-f0e096688de5.html

11/20/2025

🏆✨ Celebrating the Winners! ✨🎬

The curtain has closed on the 26th Annual Ojai Film Festival, but the spotlight shines bright on this year’s incredible award-winning filmmakers! 🌟

From powerful documentaries to breathtaking narratives and innovative animations, every film brought something unforgettable to the screen. Thank you to all the artists who shared their vision — and to our audiences for being part of the magic in Ojai! ❤️🎞️

👏 Congratulations to all our 2025 award winners!

11/13/2025

🎬✨ We want to hear from YOU!

The 26th Annual Ojai Film Festival wrapped Monday night — but your feedback helps shape next year’s magic. 🌟

If you attended screenings, panels, or parties, please take a minute to fill out our online audience survey. Your insights help us grow, improve, and attract future sponsors who support independent film in Ojai. 🎥💬

🗓 The festival may have ended, but your voice keeps it rolling!
👉 https://forms.gle/AZDMKyY2qJ2zGhqM6