The DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) is a premier international destination for independent filmmakers, hosted at AMC Theatres at The Grove. The festival celebrates the Architects of Cinema, awarding excellence in independent filmmaking with the prestigious Leo Award®. DIFF also honors celebrity visionaries with its Visionary Award, previously presented to icons including Michael J. Fox and Randall Wallace.

Established in 2017, DIFF is a 5-star, top-reviewed platform honoring independent creatives across four signature categories: narrative, documentary, animation, and screenwriting.

Beyond the screen, DIFF hosts panel events including FilmAfrica, The Writers’ Corner, and the all-new RiseUP initiative. In 2024, the DaVinci launched the Junior Leo Program, fostering the multidisciplinary spirit in burgeoning creatives and providing a powerful platform for the next generation of storytellers.

Following our 8th Edition at AMC The Grove in Los Angeles, DaVinci is headed to the South of France for a high-impact 9th Edition Pop-Up Festival & special event during the Cannes Film Festival. Submissions open on FilmFreeway on November 1, 2026, running a shortened call for entries through April 15, 2027.

This exclusive, shorts-only edition focuses on narrative, documentary, and animation categories. Screenings take place May 13, 2027, embedded directly into the world’s largest film market, culminating in winner announcements at the ‘must-attend’ DaVinci Masquerade at the Carlton Hotel on May 14. Winning films will be announced via print, banners, and trailer teasers before leading industry decision-makers.

Because this event is built around on-the-ground networking, we strongly encourage submissions from filmmakers who are able to attend in Cannes. Following our 9th Edition, DIFF will return home to LA at The Grove in 2028.

DaVinci International Film Festival is hosted at AMC Theaters, The Grove in Los Angeles.

Premier LA Film Festival, DaVinci International Film Festival is hosted at AMC Theaters, The Grove.