DaVinci Masterwork

DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) is a premier platform for independent filmmakers worldwide. We offer a unique combination of industry exposure, networking opportunities, and prestigious awards. Our unmatched awards, including the coveted museum-grade Leo statue, provide filmmakers with unparalleled recognition and visibility. Additionally, DIFF offers strategic partnerships and streamer distribution opportunities—including the upcoming late 2026 launch of our new DaVinciPlus streaming service for DIFF alumni and global audiences—to help launch careers and reach viewers everywhere.

AMC at The Grove, Los Angeles CA

DaVinci recognizes outstanding achievements in the following categories:

• Best Feature Film Narrative*
• Best Short Film Narrative*
• Best Feature Documentary
• Best Short Documentary
• Best Short Animation
• Best Music Video
• Junior Leo® Award
• GENiUS (Ultra-Short) (Audience Award)

For more information, please visit our FAQs.
*Spotlight Programs (Military, Bollywood) compete in these categories.

Each year, DIFF’s Jury and Board of Directors are tasked with qualifying finalists in feature, short, documentary, animation, and screenwriting.  Official Selections are notified via FilmFreeway of their position and go on to screen in competition at our showcase event at AMC Theatres, The Grove in Los Angeles, CA.

For submission dates, please visit our film festival partner, FilmFreeway.  Questions? info@davincifilm.org

Official Selections are invited to screen at the festival’s live event showcase and are in competition for DaVinci’s coveted Leo Award.

Please visit FilmFreeway for a full list of rules & regulations and submission deliverables.

By submitting your project you agree and allow the DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) to showcase, publish, screen, tease, or otherwise promote the submitted project (Finalist or Official Selections) and are obligated to your commitment* for the live event.

Questions about other DIFF programs?  Please visit their respective websites or contact us at info@davincifilmfestival.com. Thank you.

* Due to our exclusive format, we ask that Official Selections make every effort possible to attend the festival, however, if it is not possible, DIFF will still require filmmaker(s) to provide film file/s as well as print materials for showcase and Program.  Please contact us with any questions.  

Still have questions?  Check out our Submission FAQ Page.

DaVinci International Film Festival proudly accepts entries through our film festival partner, FilmFreeway which offers free HD online screeners, unlimited video storage, digital press kits, and more. Submit with confidence at FilmFreeway.com.