DaVinci International Film Festival AMC

Welcome to How to Fest — your 2025 DaVinci International Film Festival overview!  Browse the important information below and scroll through the adjacent tabs to prepare for this year’s Festival and Experience the DIFF.  D7 Program will be available September 20th.

Key Dates
  • DaVinci Film Festival: October 10-12, 2025
    • Friday, October 10th: Opening Night (Welcome, Early Will Call (5PM AMC), FilmAfrica Celebration!
    • Saturday, October 11th: Day 1 Festival Programming (10AM – 9PM)
    • Sunday, October 12th: Day 2 Festival Programming (10AM – 7PM)
    • Sunday, October 12th: DIFF Awards Ceremony & After Party (Awards: 7PM – 8PM)
  • Tickets on Sale: Tickets are ON SALE NOW.
  • Festival Program (Film Info, DIFF Ratings, etc.): September 20th Program Announcement
  • DIFF Online Festival: October 10-17th, 2025 (davincifestivalonline.com)
Customer Support & Ticketing Terms

If you have Festival-related questions after browsing through other How to Fest tabs and our FAQ section, please contact us.

Ticketing Terms:

All-Access badge does NOT guarantee seating.  All-Access guest are granted admission to all films, events, awards, and After Party, but seats are on a first come, first served basis.  Ticketed guests are guaranteed a seat, however, unclaimed ticketed seats will be forfeited five (5) minutes prior to screening or event.

Press & Media

Securing accreditation through the DaVinci Film Society Office provides additional benefits for professional attendees.  Please submit your request here.

Dive into the world of independent cinema at the DaVinci International Film Festival! Visit our ticketing page for Day Passes & Event Badges.

How to Purchase a Badge or Day Pass
  • Please visit our ticketing page
  • Select an All-Access Badge to Experience the DIFF and get the best bang for your buck, or;
  • Select a Day Pass or specific film block or event.
  • Click on the Purchase button on that respective ticket and you will be sent to our vendor to complete your purchase
  • Although we will have a record of your purchase, PLEASE BRING YOUR CONFIRMATION to pick up your credentials or pass.
How to purchase Opening Night Ceremonies & Reception

Looking for Opening Night only?  You can purchase this ticket on our ticketing page.

  • Please note the times:
    • 5PM – 6PM Red Carpet
    • 6PM – 8PM Film Showcase “NAWI”, followed by filmmaker Q&A
    • 815PM Honorary Leo Award
    • 9PM – 11PM Reception (Location TBA)
  • Although we will have record of your purchase, PLEASE BRING YOUR TICKET BARCODE CONFIRMATION to the festival. You will receive this via email after purchase.  Thank you!
Refund Policy

All sales are final.  Please see our Refund Policy for more information.

Attending as a Group?

Contact boxoffice@davincifilm.org to learn more about Group Discounts.

Attend In Person & Credentials/Tickets

Credentials can be picked up early as Friday, OCT 10th at 3:00PM at AMC Theaters, The Grove: Mezzanine Level. Day-of badge pickup will be available starting at 9:00AM in the mezzanine at AMC Theaters.  Please bring a valid ID for pick up.

Ticketed guests for Opening Night only must bring proof of ticket purchase (confirmation email with barcode) and valid ID for entry.

We’re so excited to meet you! Thank you for joining us this year at DIFF.

Badge Pickup Locations:

  • Early Will Call & Opening Night opens: Friday at 3:00PM, AMC Theaters, The Grove: Mezzanine Level.
  • Day-of: Starting at 9:00AM, AMC Theaters, The Grove: Mezzanine Level.
  • Opening Night: Simply bring your purchase confirmation email (has a barcode on it)

Questions?

boxoffice@davincifilmfestival.com

Expand your Festival Experience

DaVinci Online: Virtual Cinema link (COMING SOON)

We’re thrilled to announce that we will be expanding our Selections beyond the walls of the theater. Join us online!

Enjoy over 100 films (Selection overflow, Honorable Mention, Shorts Program, and Storyline) on demand:

  • Due to limited theater capacity, only a portion of our Official Selections will be screened live at the October 10-12, 2025, event.
  • DIFF Online offers video-on-demand access to over 100 additional films, including:
    • In-competition selections: Witness the best of independent cinema competing for the Leo, Jr. Leo, and Audience Awards
    • Honorable Mention films: Discover hidden gems recognized for their originality and artistry.
    • Narrative, documentary, and animation films: Explore a diverse range of genres and cinematic expressions.

More than just movies:

  • Dive deeper into the filmmaking process with filmmaker and screenwriter bios.
  • Capture your own red-carpet moment with access to DIFF’s virtual step-and-repeat banner!
  • Share in this online experience with global audiences!

Availability:

DIFF Online will be available from October 10-17, 2025. Get your tickets for online access now. (CURRENTLY OFFLINE)

Ratings

Content Rating:

Please note that the majority of projects in our Festival program have not been formally rated. DIFF assigns a subjective rating to each film block (“DIFF Rating”), which you will find in both our online and printed program.

Look for the red dot:

  • A red dot (🔴)next to a film block indicates mature content.
  • DIFF curates bold and creative films, some of which can be provocative and may not be suitable for all viewers.

Before you buy:

To ensure the film is appropriate for everyone in your group, please review the detailed description before purchasing a specific film block. You can find these descriptions in our online and printed program guides. (AVAIL ONLINE 9/20/2025)

AMC, The Grove Los Angeles & Short Stories Hotel
hotel How to Fest How To Fest

If you haven’t been to The Grove in LA … you’re in for a treat.

Nestled within the vibrant heart and world-famous Grove Marketplace, DaVinci at AMC Theaters offers the perfect escape into the world of independent cinema. Relax in plush, stadium-style seating and enjoy award-winning films on the big screen.

Address:

189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Short Stories Hotel: Hotel Partner of DaVinci International Film Festival

Call (323) 937-3930 and ask for a room under the DaVinci International Film Festival rate and get a 15% DISCOUNT.  Or click this link.

Short Stories Hotel in Los Angeles is a quick walk to the best shopping, dining, and attractions the city has to offer. Drawing inspiration from Los Angeles’s breezy natural aesthetic, our hotel serves as a tranquil retreat in an urban core. We pride ourselves on our unique and personalized service for our guests, complimented by our airy and calming design.

More at shortstorieshotel.com.  This is a boutique hotel located across from The Grove with limited rooms.  It’s recommended if you are coming in for the festival to book your room in September.

Nice Casual: The outfit should be clean, well-fitting, and put-together. You should look like you made an effort to look your best, but you should also be comfortable.  In short, dress like you want to be on camera.

Awards and After Party: While we appreciate people looking their best, these are not formal gala events.

Here are some additional tips for dressing for the DaVinci International Film Festival:

  • Consider the weather. Los Angeles in September is typically mild, with highs in the mid-60s to low-70s and lows in the mid-40s to low-50s. However, it can rain, so be sure to check the forecast.
  • Pay attention to the venue. The festival takes place at The Grove, which is a historic, upscale, entertainment complex. You may want to dress a little more formally than you would for a film festival that takes place at a more casual venue.
  • Be yourself! The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing.
  • Avoid. Graphic t-shirts, flip-flops, torn or revealing clothing, and attire that could be deemed offensive or disruptive. We ask kindly that you respect the high-end nature of the festival.

Etiquette

  • Respectful Communication:  Be mindful of your language and behavior, ensuring it is respectful and inclusive towards all attendees, staff, and filmmakers.  If you are invited to speak in front of DIFF audiences (panel, event, Q&A), please refrain from using offensive language.
  • Consideration for Others:  Be mindful of noise levels and distractions, allowing others to enjoy the festival experience fully.
  • Positive Representation:  We encourage all guests to uphold the positive and professional image of the festival through their attire and behavior.
  • Politics: This is not a political platform.