… It’s the DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF), but also a question many filmmakers ask as they browse through hundreds, if not thousands, of film festivals to submit their work — what makes DIFF stand out from the others?
Insofar as our brand, the way we see it is that Leonardo da Vinci was the epitome of the divergent and creative mind—a luminary—and so we aim to recognize much of the same on our platform.
Like many film festivals, we set out to honor the best in independent cinema from around the world, and do so by taking into account the full scope of creative integration in any given project. From performances to color correction; score to sound design, our Jury is tasked with assessing each film based on overall cohesiveness as it relates to storytelling. In addition, DIFF shines a [very important] light on screenwriting through its sister brand, STORYLINE℠ with quarterly and annual competitions in feature and short formats.
DIFF founders are intimately familiar with and appreciate the full cycle of, independent filmmaking and the demands therein. From the perils of financing, through the distribution of any given work—the process is often complex and unforgiving. Those behind DIFF understand that a film or screenplay can take a short lifetime to complete, and whether or not any given work is Selected at DIFF, the Creative is always encouraged to keep pressing forward!
Another standout at DIFF is its nonprofit 501(c)3, DaVinci Film Foundation. The NGO component is committed to supporting the arts by way of a new filmmaker program and festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, honoring high school students with Jr. Leo’s under the banner of the DaVinci Film Institute.
FESTIVAL FORMAT
Each year, the DaVinci International Film Festival honors Creatives from around the world with their Vitruvian Selection (“Official Selection”). “Vitruvians” remain in-competition and screen at DaVinci’s live event held annually at AMC Theaters, The Grove in Los Angeles California. Here, the Selections compete in respective categories for the festival’s most coveted award, The Leo.
We understand filmmakers and writers have many options when it comes to festivals and we appreciate your interest in DaVinci. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Good luck!
Come experience the DIFFerence!
DaVinci International Film Festival
Chadwick Pelletier
Founder & CEO