VisionFest 2025

Filmmaker Alliance has hosted VisionFest for over 25 years, spotlighting the most talented emerging indie filmmakers in LA and celebrating LA’s vast and vibrant filmmaking community in unique style. VisionFest attracts hundreds of filmmakers, celebrities, industry notables, film companies and true indie film lovers.

This year, we are adding Cinemix, a dynamic gathering of indie film support followed by a reception with amazing food and drink. At night, we’ll present The Vision Award and announce the the winner of the LA Short Film Grant. We’ll finish with our always inspiring screening of world class short films made by the best indie filmmakers in Los Angeles

As part of our “brand” the filmmakers are always ALL in attendance for a brief Q&A after each film.

Cinemix is a pre-screening event bringing together organizations, companies, festivals and other entities dedicated to the support and empowerment of independent filmmakers and content creators.

Besides, exhibitor tables where filmmakers can meet and learn about key filmmaking support orgs, there will be a day of compelling panels covering key aspects of indie filmmaking. Panelists include Ted Hope, Linda Nelson of Indie Rights and Ami Vora of Kinema.

The LA Short Film will be awarded at VisionFest. The grant is awarded to one talented filmmaker with an amazing script and includes a full menu of production services, equipment package, post services and cash. It was created to nurture and launch the next generation of filmmaking talent.

The Vision Award
Since 2000, VisionFest has provided the platform for Filmmakers Alliance to present the prestigious Vision Award to a high-profile member of the Independent film community who has positively and significantly impacted the vitality of American Independent cinema and/or maintains a singular filmmaking aesthetic. Previous recipients include Mike Figgis, David O. Russell, Christine Vachon, Werner Herzog, Alex Payne, Allison Anders, Wim Wenders and Ted Hope.

This year’s Vision Award will be presented to NEON, the cutting-edge distribution and production company and Oscar winner for last year’s acclaimed film Anora. The award honors NEON’s unwavering commitment to bold, auteur-driven storytelling and its continued support of visionary filmmakers around the world.

As the traditional film industry faces collapse—from unstable distribution models to a culture of disposable content—a new wave of filmmakers is emerging with a different vision. This panel brings together writers from FilmStack, voices at the forefront of the NonDē film movement, to discuss how personal cinema, audience accountability, and intentional community-building can rewire the relationship between filmmakers and the people they create for.

Making an indie film (or NonDe, preferably) that doesn't look like an indie film is not just an art, it's a necessity in today's film marketplace. Blackmagic's John Parenteau (a talented DP) will show you how to get amazing imagery without busting your budget.

Distribution and monetization of films is the elusive puzzle piece seemingly always outside a filmmaker's grasp. Our panel of experts will show us what paths we can take.

Sponsored by

eoFlix (Entertainment Oxygen’s streaming + networking platform) is a hybrid streaming / creator-ecosystem built specifically for independent filmmakers, festival organizers, and industry professionals. Festivals can manage their on and offline presence and filmmakers can monetize their films.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Westerbeck Recital Hall, 1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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