Blog: Film festivals

Our Films go from PIFF to CANNES! And some even win! Such as the films: "Tuesday", "Our Father" and "Til Then/Bis Gleich"! Or perhaps your film will be acquired by the SHORTS HD Channel! Who's it going to be for 2018?!

PIFF Attendees: Martin Sheen, Michael Gross, Doris Roberts, Jason Ritter, Clare Kramer, Mimi Kennedy, John Bowe, Kim Coates, Melissa Fitzgerald, James Marsters, Jay O. Sanders, Lee Meriwether, Sadie Calvano, Tom Lenk, Charisma Carpenter, Dee Wallace, among others

Many of our films garner distribution at PIFF. We host a selection of the finest distribution companies at the top of their game who find gems at PIFF and go on to acquire them.

"The Pasadena International Film Festival is an experience not to be missed by filmmakers. From the elegant black tie Great Gatsby Gala Opening night, to the diverse, informative panels, to the top quality screenings in an actual mainstream movie theatre… in over ten years of traveling the festival circuit with multiple films, this was, hands down, one of the best-run festivals, and the best times I have even had AT a festival. I wish I had another film ready to go so I could submit next year!"
-- Filmmaker, Heather Connell

"You guys really put on a show! I can't imagine doing what you did to pull things together. The organization and logistics… everything ran so smoothly, and looked so positively effortless, that it belied all the long hours and dedication you poured into this project. You also managed to assemble a marvelous group of volunteers and staff, all of whom are to be commended for their work. I heard nothing but superlatives from all who attended. Filmmakers and audiences alike felt welcomed and nourished by the experience, and I feel certain that the good words they take home with them will go a long way to put this festival -- and your hospitality -- on the map. My wife and I, along with our friends, are already looking forward to next year's festival -- and to watching it grow in your capable hands."
-- Michael Gross, actor, T.V.'s "Family Ties"

The Pasadena International Film Festival seeks to create a place for artists to come together. Sure, there are many festivals, but there can never be a cap on creating art, can there? We harken back to a time of Old Hollywood, before this world got crowded, and jaded, and super-saturated… the entertainment industry was fresh and new… before the stock market crashed...when there was enough space, and time, and money for everyone. Parties lasted all night, and friendships lasted a lifetime. Won't you join us?

Awards & Prizes
If accepted, winners receive All Access Passes, swag, Filmmakers receive a screening of their film at the beautiful Laemmle Playhouse 7 Cinema and a "Q and A" after every screening. Passes include access to our Filmmakers Lounge, Great Gatsby Gala, and Filmmakers Fiesta.

If you win an award, you receive a stunning Sculpture and Laurels for each award. In addition, our Jury is a cross-section of the best in the industry.

Our winning filmmakers go on to meet with top managers, agents, and other industry pros. For example, one of our jurors is part of Cannes Film Festival with the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase program, and has "discovered" films via PIFF. Our Jury are also in acquisitions and purchase films for their various outlets and platforms such as Shorts HD.