Santa Monica Film Festival

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! 🌟

03/22/2026

🎬✨ Don’t miss the Santa Monica Film Festival!

Experience powerful films from bold truth tellers and visionary storytellers—all on the big screen.

📍 Hosted at the Directors Guild Theater Complex
🗓 Saturday, March 28

This is where rising filmmakers meet unforgettable cinema in the heart of LA. Seats are limited—grab yours now!

🎟 Tickets & info:
http://santamonicafilmfestival.com
http://santamonicafilmfestival.eventbrite.com

03/22/2026

Follow two friends as they set out to walk across the United States. It’s far from glamorous—they spend months pitching tents along highways and slogging through mud, all to finally reach

Directed by Tomer J. Keysar
Screening: Saturday March 28 @ 2:15P
Venue: Directors Guild of America
Tickets: santamonicafilmfestival.eventbrite.com
Website: santamonicafilmfestival.com

03/18/2026

🌊 SALTY 🌊
Dave, an aging surfer navigates life’s frustrations and opens up to an anger management counselor about his triggers—foilers, Onewheels, and vanlifers.

📅 Screening Saturday, March 28
Hosted
⏱ Short Program 3
🎬 Director: Josh Martin

Catch the wave at the Santa Monica Film Festival! 🎥✨

Salty is:

Written | Directed | Produced:
Production led by
Co-Directed:
Assistant Director:
Director of Photography:
Production Design & Wardrobe:

Hair & Makeup:
1st AC:
Script Supervisor:
Sound Mixer & Boom Operator:

Carson Woeste
Editor | Color | Sound:
Grip:micallef diekaiser
Ocean Camera Operator: .by.slava
Production Assistants:

Photography:a.buchholtz
Catering:

Cast:
Crog
Conner Johnson
Abe Hiro T**e
Josh Martin
Trent Popovich
Johnee Gange
Partrick Leonard
Shane Stoneman
Daniel Daniel
Mike Ryan .ryan
Tim Walsh .tw2
Will Chung
Angelina Barbieri
Marilyn Paris ( & )
Olaf Saul-Behrend .notfrozen
Jenny Gonell
Paul Zies
Music By: .sc |

03/17/2026

🎬 Don’t miss one of the most exciting film events of the season — the Santa Monica Film Festival! 🌟 Ranked among the Top 100 filmmaker-reviewed festivals, this is your chance to experience incredible films and connect with the creative community.

📍 Directors Guild Theater
📅 Saturday, March 28

🕙 Doors Open — 11 AM
🎥 Screenings — 12–8 PM
🏆 Awards — 5:30 PM
🥂 Reception & Networking — 5–8 PM

🎞️ Whether you're a filmmaker, actor, or film lover — this is where you need to be. Bring a friend, network, and celebrate storytelling on the big screen!

🎟 Secure your spot now: santamonicafilmfestival.eventbrite.com

03/17/2026

🎬 Santa Monica Film Festival
Ranked a Top 100 Filmmaker-Reviewed Festival! 🌟

📍 Directors Guild Theater
📅 Saturday, March 28

🕙 Doors Open — 11 AM
🎥 Film Screenings — 12–8 PM
🏆 Awards Ceremony — 5:30 PM
🥂 Reception & Networking — 5–8 PM

Join filmmakers, creatives, and film lovers for an incredible day of cinema, celebration, and connection! 🎞️✨

🎟 Get your tickets: santamonicafilmfestival.eventbrite.com

05/24/2025

Our next entry deadline is almost here! Head on over to FilmFreeway to submit your project today

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