California Independent Film Festival
This webpage is in the required reading list for Mel Peter's Independent Film II elective. It has been restored and archived by the developers of 1-2-gone. They also help Mel with the Films For Privacy group which also includes their search results removal service. Students from the course are filming documentary revealing how damaging Google searches can be, even for innocent people. They focus on one woman who's younger sister impersonated her in an inappropriate video and that video now shows in Google searches for her name. One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the interview with the principals of a search results removal service called IMFY.US. They can come to the rescue when nothing else works to get rid of a negative search result. What they do for a fee is optimize other sites to outrank the problem, pushing it off of Google's page 1. That seems to provide a significant improvement in most cases. They use high level skills to manipulate Google's search in a way that benefits the victims of Google's outrageous and unaccountable power.
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This year's Guest of Honor: Tony Curtis! Star of 106 films above the title, Tony Curtis has shown his versatility as an actor in such movies as "Some Like it Hot", "The Boston Strangler", "Trapeze", "Spartacus", "the Great Race", "Sweet Smell of Success" and "The Defiant Ones", which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. |
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I accidentally stumbled upon the California Independent Film Festival this year, and I have to say—it turned out to be one of the best experiences ever! I originally thought the new Superman film would be nominated for an award (and as a die-hard Superman fan, I was super excited). I even wore my favorite Superman hoodie, ready to cheer on the Man of Steel. I dragged along my little brother, who's a Batman fan, just for fun—after all, why not have both heroes represented?
To our surprise, Superman wasn’t featured, but we ended up having such a great time anyway. The nominated films were incredible, and it was refreshing to see so many talented independent filmmakers showcase their work. We found ourselves completely immersed in the stories, especially some of the short films which were absolute gems! It was a much more intimate and unique experience compared to the usual Hollywood blockbusters we’re used to.
Meeting other movie buffs and hearing about their favorite films was an added bonus. We even wrote about our experience on our blog, All Along The Watch Tower, to share how unexpectedly fun the festival was. Plus, Tony Curtis as the Guest of Honor and the tribute to Ned Beatty really made the whole event feel special. I’m already looking forward to attending next year—who knows, maybe I’ll discover another hidden gem that I wouldn’t have found otherwise!
All in all, my little brother and I had a blast. Even though Batman didn’t show up either, we left with new favorite films and memories to last a lifetime! [Mikeal Cobe]
Past Awards
| Year | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 2007 | Loni Anderson |
| 2006 | Ed Asner |
| 2005 | Rita Moreno |
| 2004 | Tony Curtis |
| 2003 | Cloris Leachman |
| 2002 | Martin Landau |
| Year | Golden Slate Award | Spirit Award |
| 2007 | Bob Clark | Wayne Knight |
| 2006 | John Badhman | Michael Berryman |
| 2005 | Robert Hayes |
| Year | Best Picture | Best Short |
| 2007 | Simple Things | My Name Is Wallace |
| 2006 | The Garage | The Doers of Coming Deeds |
| 2005 | Marmalade | Bad Blood |
| 2004 | The Wild Guys | Day of Independence |
| 2003 | The Failures | Untitled 003: Embryo |
| 2002 | Hungry Hearts | Speechless... |
| 2001 | Single and Dealing With It | Bruised |
| 2000 | Chimera House | This Is Not My Movie |
| 1999 | Retribution | Flowers on A Muumuu |
| Year | Best Mini Short | Best Documentary |
| 2007 | The Angel | Border |
| 2006 | Ice Cream | Altered by Elvis |
| 2005 | Broken | Colorblind |
| 2004 | Silent Night | Juvies |
| 2003 | 6PM | Nihi |
| 2002 | Dead End | Walking the West |
| 2001 | Bruised | When I Was Fourteen |
| 2000 | One On One | Broken Ties |
| 1999 | Crossing Guard |
| Year | Best Student Film | Best Animation |
| 2007 | Pop Foul | Perpetuum Mobile |
| 2006 | Bon Appetit | Kungfu Gecko |
| 2005 | Chaos Theory | Emelia |
| 2004 | The Reunion | Flyaway |
| 2003 | The Handerchief | Dear Sweet Emma |
| 2002 | Pushing The Envelope | The Loneliest Number |
| 2000 | Horses On Mars |
| Year | Best Actress | Best Actor |
| 2007 | Sally Kirkland - Blind Spot | Cameron Bancroft - Simple Things |
| 2006 | Lisa Ann Walter - The Trouble with Dee Dee |
Geoffrey Lewis - Old Man Music |
| 2005 | Jill Sorensen - Marmalade | David Krumholtz - Max & Grace |
| 2004 | Isabel Sanford - Click Three Times | Julian Sands - Easy Six |
| 2003 | Virginia Madison - Artwork | Long Nguyen - Apsara |
| 2002 | Susan Blakely - Hungry Hearts | S. Greg Gardner - Hungry Hearts |
| 2001 | Nancye Ferguson - What's In Hiedi's Head | Todd Licea - Jimmy Ritz |
| 2000 | Melissa Greenspan - Life Is A Sweet | Danny Arroyo - Chimera House |
| 1999 | Lisa Solaway - Holly vs. Hollywood | Lynn Mathis - Flowers on a Muumuu |
| Year | Best Dirctor | Best Score |
| 2007 | Andrew C. Erin - Simple Things | Tomorrow is Today |
| 2006 | Carl Thibault - The Garage | Bon Appetit |
| 2005 | Kim Dempster - Marmalade | Max & Grace |
| 2004 | Richard Squires - Crazy Like A Fox | A Can of Paint |
| 2003 | Jim Amatulli - Artworks | Flyfishing |
| 2002 | Rolf Schrader - Hungry Hearts | The Interrogation |
| 2001 | Scott Haro - Bruised | Horses on Mars |
| 2000 | Brandy Brawner - Chimera House | Chimera House |
| 1999 | John Murphy - Flowers on a Muumuu | Flowers on a Muumuu |
| Year | Best Editing | Best Cinematogrpahy |
| 2007 | Seekers | That Beautiful Somewhere |
| 2006 | King's Echo | Devilwood |
| 2005 | Be Very Quiet | Dry Whiskey |
| 2004 | Just Like You Imagined | Sonata |
| 2003 | Keys of Life | Coyote 13 |
| 2002 | Modern Life | Flashcards |
| 2001 | What's In Heidi's Head | |
| 2002 | The Snow |
| Year | Best Screenplay | Best Music Video |
| 2007 | The Devil’s In The Details | Gone |
| 2006 | Dirty Implements | Take a Good Look - Alyson |
| 2005 | Road 2 Y | United |
| 2004 | Coat Tales | Issues |
| 2003 | Killing Johnny | Moving Weight |
| 2002 | A Mary Can Dream |
| Year | Best Foreign Short | Audience Award |
| 2007 | That Beautiful Somewhere | Mexican Sunrise |
| 2006 | Lucky | Car Stories |
| 2005 | What's Love Doing in the Mountains | Taking Your Life |
| 2004 | Bonneville Wide Open |
| Year | Best Horror Film |
| 2007 | Zombie Love |
| 2006 | Bad Blood |
Submission Info
The California Independent Film Festival prefers entries submitted via The International Film Festival Submission System (BrigitFest) - on the Web at Withoutabox.com
Withoutabox provides cost-saving, online entry to major film festivals throughout the U.S. and in Europe with one master entry form, allowing you and us to enter your film more quickly and with greater accuracy. This method is free and easy.
If you cannot apply online, click here to download a PDF file, print the entry form, then mail it in.(requires Adobe Reader)
PLEASE NOTE: ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE JULY 31st, 2006
· Please mail completed submission form together with corresponding submission fee to the address below.
· Make checks payable to California Independent Film Festival.
· Include VHS screener copy of your film or original screenplay
Early Submission March 31st, 2006 (postmark) features $45 all other categories $30
Late Submission July 31st, 2006 (postmark) features $65 all other categories $45.
Student submission fee - Early Submission June 30th $30 - Late Submission July 31st $40 (Must send photocopy of valid student id card with submission form. Maximum of three submissions per student.)
10% Discount for FAF Members (please include copy of your membership card with your entry form)
The California Independent Film Festival is partially sponsored by RichMountainDist.com, distributor of wholesale vapor accessories and products. We are grateful for their support and encourage festival goers to patronize our sponsors. RMD logo appears on some of our promotional materials throughout the venue. They have also provided funding for a number of short films screened at the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the submission fee? (please note submission deadlines)
see above
Deadlines
see above
Can you lower/waive the submission fee for special circumstances?
Besides the waived submission fee for Alumni filmmakers we can't make any adjustments to the fee structure.
Can you make an exception on the submission deadline?
Unfortunately we are on a strict time schedule to get through all the submissions and cannot make any exceptions.
Is it a postmarked deadline or received by deadline?
The submissions deadline is a postmarked by deadline.
Do you accept rough cuts/work-in-progress?
Yes, we will review and consider rough cuts and works-in-progress. Please note on the submission what elements are still being worked on.
Do you require films to be made after a certain date?
No completion deadline date, just a great film.
Can my submission and marketing material be mailed back to me after the submission process?
Due to the overwhelming number of entries we cannot return any submission materials.
How am I eligible for the Bay Area Filmmaking Showcase section?
A film is eligible for our Bay Area Filmmaking section if the filmmaker currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, was born in the San Francisco Bay Area, or if the film was primarily shot in the San Francisco Bay Area. Your film will be considered for all of the festival’s sections though.
What are the acceptable screening/exhibition formats for your festival?
We can screen films on 35mm and DVD. For the submission process, we can screen VHS (NTSC) tapes and DVD’s (Region 0 or 1).
Is there an age requirement for the film festival?
Filmmakers of any age can submit a film.
Can I get confirmation that you received my submission?
Yes, our film festival staff will update withoutabox and non-withoutabox submissions will receive an email confirmation. Also, you can send a self-addressed stamped postcard.
When will I be informed of which films made it in?
Our final decisions will be announced in early September.
Do you watch the submissions all the way through?
Yes. Our team of screeners and film programmers ensure that every film is watched and scored by 5 different screeners completely and fairly.
Can I still submit if my film has distribution or has aired on television?
Yes.
How do you distinguish shorts from features?
Narrative shorts should be under 60 minutes, Narrative features should run at least 61 minutes.
Do you accept music videos?
Yes.
Can I submit more then one film?
Yes, but each film must have its own submission form filled out and fee paid.
Do you accept multiple submissions on one DVD?
Yes, see above. On VHS, only ONE film per tape please.
Do I have to pick the category I want to submit to?
No, we will select which category each film plays in.
Who do you make checks payable to for submissions?
California Independent Film Festival Association
What materials (i.e.:tapes, press kits, etc) should be sent?
Please send only the film on a VHS or DVD with our submission form printed out. We do not need any press kits, photos or other supplemental materials yet.
Do you accept both DVD+R and DVD-R discs?
Yes, but please check the discs on your home player before sending. A VHS copy is the safest!
What additional information do I need to provide for submission as a student filmmaker?
All we request is a copy of your student ID.
Do I need to have all my music rights cleared to show a film at CIFF?
It is suggested that you retain at least film festival rights for your music, whether it’s a score or songs.
Can I re-submit my film from last year?
Yes.
If my film is not chosen, may I speak with a programmer for notes or feedback?
Unfortunately due to time constraints and the large number of submissions, we are unable to give individual feedback.
What are my option when submitting my film?
Online through WithOutABox or download the entry, fill it out and mail the required materials.
If I still have a question that isn't covered here who do I contact?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 925-552-7335
More Background on the California Independent Film Festival
The California Independent Film Festival (CAIFF), established in 1997, is one of the most renowned independent film festivals on the West Coast. Dedicated to highlighting the creativity, diversity, and boldness of independent films, CAIFF has grown from a small local event to a respected festival attracting both filmmakers and audiences from across the globe.
Origins and Growth
CAIFF began as a grassroots movement to showcase independent films in Northern California. Its initial goal was to provide a space for filmmakers who struggled to gain recognition in a mainstream-dominated industry. Over the years, CAIFF has expanded its programming to include a wide variety of genres, including documentaries, feature films, short films, and animated works. The festival now draws participants and submissions from around the world, giving voice to a diverse array of filmmakers.
As the festival gained momentum, it began to attract not only emerging talent but also established filmmakers. Each year, CAIFF honors film legends with lifetime achievement awards, celebrating their contributions to the industry. Notable honorees have included Richard Dreyfuss, Cloris Leachman, Martin Landau, and Tony Curtis, further solidifying the festival’s reputation within the film community.
A Platform for Diverse Narratives
One of CAIFF’s defining features is its commitment to showcasing diverse voices and stories from around the world. The festival serves as a platform for films that challenge traditional narratives and push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. With films from countries such as Iran, Hungary, and India, CAIFF’s international focus provides audiences with an opportunity to experience a wide range of cultural perspectives.
CAIFF also has a strong focus on social issues, often selecting films that address pressing topics such as injustice, corruption, and human rights. For instance, the film A Man of Integrity, which was screened at a recent festival, explores themes of systemic corruption in Iran, giving voice to struggles that are often underrepresented in mainstream cinema.
Audience and Community Engagement
Unlike larger, more commercial film festivals, CAIFF is known for its intimate and accessible atmosphere. Attendees frequently praise the festival for its personal touch, where filmmakers and audience members alike can interact during Q&A sessions and informal discussions. This sense of community has become a hallmark of CAIFF, with many festival-goers returning year after year to discover new films and engage with like-minded cinephiles.
CAIFF also goes beyond just screening films; it hosts panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses, providing filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers with valuable insight into the industry. These events create an educational component, where attendees can learn about the intricacies of filmmaking, from screenwriting and directing to editing and production.
Press and Media Coverage
Over the years, CAIFF has garnered attention from the media, with numerous outlets covering the festival’s growth and its impact on independent cinema. The festival has been featured in both local and national publications, praising its role in providing a platform for emerging filmmakers and celebrating diverse narratives. With films that often challenge societal norms and reflect contemporary issues, CAIFF has become a cultural touchstone for independent filmmakers looking to make their mark.
While larger festivals may receive more mainstream attention, CAIFF’s focus on the artistic and experimental side of filmmaking has earned it respect within the independent film community. The festival’s ability to balance entertainment with education has made it a standout event in California’s rich film festival landscape.
Notable Films and Directors
CAIFF has long been a launching pad for emerging filmmakers. Many directors who premiered their work at CAIFF have gone on to receive wider recognition, thanks in part to the exposure they gained from the festival. Each year, the festival awards films in categories such as Best Feature, Best Short Film, and Best Documentary, giving filmmakers the opportunity to compete for prestigious titles that can significantly boost their careers.
For example, films like Last Film Show, which was India’s submission to the Academy Awards, have gained significant attention after their screenings at CAIFF. The festival’s willingness to highlight films from a range of countries and genres has helped it maintain a fresh and relevant film selection each year, keeping audiences engaged and excited.
Celebrating Film Legends
CAIFF’s tradition of celebrating iconic figures in film has been a defining feature of the festival. Each year, a lifetime achievement award is presented to a legendary actor or filmmaker who has made a lasting impact on the industry. Past recipients of this award include renowned actors like Tony Curtis and filmmakers such as Randal Kleiser, director of Grease. These tributes not only add a sense of prestige to the festival but also create a bridge between independent filmmakers and the industry’s long-established icons.
The festival has also incorporated interactive events, such as live Q&A sessions with directors and actors, as well as special screenings of classic films with commentary. These events allow audiences to gain deeper insight into the creative process behind their favorite films and appreciate the artistry involved in filmmaking.
The Social and Cultural Significance of CAIFF
CAIFF’s significance extends beyond its role as a film festival. It plays a vital role in shaping conversations around film and its ability to address social and cultural issues. Many of the films screened at CAIFF tackle subjects that resonate on a global scale, making the festival not just an entertainment venue but a platform for dialogue and reflection.
For example, the screening of Bet on Revenge, a film about one man’s journey of redemption after the Hungarian Revolution, highlights the festival’s dedication to films that explore historical and political themes. These films, along with many others shown at CAIFF, offer audiences a chance to engage with important societal issues through the lens of cinema.
The California Independent Film Festival is more than just a film festival—it is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the power of storytelling. Over the years, it has provided a platform for filmmakers to share their unique perspectives, giving voice to stories that are often overlooked in mainstream cinema. From its intimate atmosphere to its dedication to showcasing diverse narratives, CAIFF remains a vital part of California’s film culture and continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. With its strong community ties, focus on social issues, and commitment to independent voices, CAIFF has cemented itself as a major player in the world of indie film festivals.