WHO WE ARE

UNSEEN Film Festival is a Los Angeles–based international semi-annual film competition devoted to the thoughtful curation of independent cinema.

CINEMA BEYOND SELECTION

The festival presents films and screenplays distinguished by craft, clarity of voice, and artistic intention, welcoming work across all genres, budgets, and exhibition histories. UNSEEN values careful storytelling, expressive visual language, and films shaped by purpose, patience, and creative discipline.

Through two annual selection cycles and an in-person showcase, UNSEEN provides a professional and considered platform for filmmakers and writers whose work reflects originality, integrity, and cinematic rigor. Each selected project is approached with attention and respect, allowing the work to be seen and engaged with on its own terms.

UNSEEN is committed to fair review, clear standards, and thoughtful dialogue with filmmakers, fostering an environment grounded in trust, transparency, and care throughout every stage of the creative journey.

At its core, UNSEEN exists to support cinema made with intention—work that values craft, meaning, and lasting artistic presence.

Semi-Annual Competition Format

Monthly submission cycles

Curated selection process

Limited recognitions per month

Select films advance to the annual showcase

(UNSEEN does not operate as an awards mill. Not all categories are awarded each month)

ELIGIBLE FORMATS:   FICTION  · DOCUMENTARY · ANIMATION · EXPERIMENTAL

UNSEEN accepts films that demonstrate:

  • Strong authorial voice

  • Emotional or cultural necessity

  • Visual intention and restraint

  • Independence from institutional backing

(There are no premiere requirement: Films previously rejected elsewhere are explicitly encouraged to submit.)

Eligibility &

Film Focus

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AWARD CATEGORIES

Semi-Annual Recognition

  • The Unseen Award
    For a film overlooked by traditional systems yet essential in voice and intent.

  • Best Director

  • Best First-Time Filmmaker

  • Best Screenplay

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Actor

  • Best Actress

  • Best Production Design

  • Best Social Justice Short

  • Best Drama Short

  • Best Film Score

  • Best International Short

  • Best African Short

  • Best Art Film

(Awards are curated recognitions. Not all awards are presented every month.)

Annual Awards

Each year, UNSEEN presents an in-person showcase in Los Angeles, bringing together a curated selection of films drawn from its two annual selection cycles.Selected films may be considered for annual honors, including:

  • The Johnny Simmons, ASC Award For Cinematography & Visual Language

  • The Unseen EyeFestival Recognition

  • Audience Recognition

The UNSEEN Annual Festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences for: community-centered exchange, focused screenings & intimate conversations

Projects must be completed after January 1, 2022

All genres accepted

English subtitles required for non-English dialogue

Submissions accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway

Multiple submissions allowed with separate fees

Entrants retain all rights to their work

No refunds after submission

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Early Deadline: $35

Regular Deadline: $45

Late Deadline: $50

Notification dates listed on FilmFreeway.

© 2026 Unseen Film Festival — Los Angeles, California. All Rights Reserved.

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