In an era defined by algorithmic noise and disposable content, the DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) stands as a cultural lighthouse for the modern polymath. We are not merely a destination for screenings; we are a crucible for the Auteur—the filmmaker who views their craft as a delicate balance of light and logic, emotion and engineering.
The Unseen Architecture
Inspired by our namesake, we believe every frame possesses an unseen architecture. Our philosophy is rooted in the Golden Ratio of filmmaking: the rare point where technical rigor meets profound imagination. Whether it is the physics of a lens or the anatomy of a screenplay, we celebrate the multidisciplinary spirit that moves the medium forward.
The Disciplines
While we maintain industry-standard categories, we recognize them as The Disciplines. At DaVinci, we don’t just categorize films by length or genre; we judge them by their architecture. From our signature GENiUS ultra-short program—the discipline of the essential—to Storyline, where we honor the structural blueprint of the script, DIFF provides a high-level platform for the filmmaker who treats their work as a masterwork, not content.
The Weight of Excellence: The Leo Award
The pinnacle of our festival is the Leo Award. This museum-grade, custom masterpiece, is designed to represent the literal and metaphorical weight of artistic responsibility. Winning a Leo is not just a victory; it is a certification of merit, awarded to those who have mastered their discipline and reshaped perception through the lens, and on the page.
Boutique by Design. Global by Influence.
Based at the iconic AMC Theatres at The Grove in Los Angeles, we remain intentionally boutique. This exclusivity allows us to foster The New Patronage—a sophisticated environment of mentorship, intellectual exchange, and true connection between the filmmaker and the enlightened circle that supports them.
At DaVinci, we don’t just project your vision. We validate your craft.
Experience the DIFF
Chadwick Pelletier
Founder & CEO
DaVinci Film Society Inc.
DaVinci International Film Festival