The Ojai Film Festival has a reputation for showcasing the best new films from emerging and established filmmakers, and has helped launch a number of careers over the last two decades. Since 2000, 15 alumni have received Academy Award nominations, two have won an Oscar, and numerous others have gone on to gain distribution and win prestigious awards.
With its relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking beauty, Ojai is an ideal spot for filmmakers to mingle with visiting industry guests, artistic colleagues, and distributors. Ojai gives filmmakers access to a highly appreciative audience of savvy and informed film fans.
All local filmmakers are automatically entered into our regional Gold Coast track which highlights local talent and offers its own prize: the Bill Paxton Award.
Filmmaker Benefits
1. Free Lodging: Local hosts open their homes and welcome accepted filmmakers attending the festival
2. Awards Brunch: Filmmakers and guest are treated to a picturesque brunch at the Awards Ceremony
3. VIP Passes: Filmmakers and guest enjoy the entire festival, receive virtual passes and get access to exclusive networking evening parties
4. Q&A Panels: Filmmakers are invited to engage with the audience after their film presentations
Filmmaker Awards
Trophies are awarded to the winners in every category, along with Honorable Mention Certificates.
Categories
- Best Narrative Feature
- Best Narrative Short
- Best Documentary Feature
- Best Documentary Short
- Best Animated Film
- Best Film Exemplifying The Festival Theme
- Audience Award
Prizes
Best Student Film: Winners receive a Panasonic $60,000 Camera Rental Package
Social Impact & Vision Award: Winners receive a Panasonic $60,000 Camera Rental Package
Bill Paxton Award: The best film in the Gold Coast track (805 area) receives a Castaway 7 Sound Package which includes an award winning sound engineer and studio time
Entry Deadlines
Early Deadline: February 29, 2024
Regular Deadline: March 31, 2024
Late Deadline: April 30, 2024
Extended Deadline: May 31, 2024