The Glendale International Film Festival (GIFF)is a celebration of the cinematic arts–spotlighting the powerful medium of film, the creative artists who make them, and the tradition of moviegoing–presented and produced by Glendale Arts.

GIFF, which has been ranked in the Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals in the World on Film Free way, is a platform for filmmakers in all stages of their careers and showcases films, screenplays, and student films selected from local, national, and global submissions.

The eight-day festival features in-competition and out-of-competition screenings at the iconic Laemmle Theatre, Q&As, and panel discussions; a film, screenplay, and student competition and awards ceremony; and networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals.

Launched in 2014,GIFF is based in Glendale CA, the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County. Glendale is home to a robust creative sector including DreamWorks Animation’s global headquarters and the Walt Disney Company’s Grand Central Creative Campus.

The festival was founded by actress, writer, producer, director Velvet Rhodes. A multifaceted artist, Velvet was dedicated to highlighting emerging and established independent films and filmmakers from around the world. She ran the festival from its inception until her passing in 2020.

Glendale Arts (GA), an award-winning 501(c)3 non-profit, took the helm of the Glendale International Film Festival in 2022. Founded in 2008, GA has been at the forefront of delivering dynamic arts and entertainment programming on the stage and screen throughout its 15-year history.

GIFF serves as the centerpiece of Glendale Arts’ programming, whose hallmark is building connections and collaboration among filmmakers, audiences, the industry, and our community.

Find out more at GlendaleArts.org or @GlendaleArtsCA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

GIFF 2023

The Glendale International Film Festival returns for its ninth year from September 28-October 5, 2023. The eight-day festival will feature in-competition and out-of-competition screenings, Q&As, and panel discussions; a film, screenplay, and student competition and awards ceremony; and networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals.

GIFF is a platform for filmmakers in all stages of their careers and welcomes film and screenplay submissions from all over the world. The festival accepts submissions through FilmFreeway. Official Selections are screened at the legendary Laemmle Theatres, an icon of independent cinema in Los Angeles

The Glendale International Film Festival is absolutely on top of our list. Everything was done in a very friendly and personal matter. Maria and her staff did a really great job to make sure everyone was warmly welcomed. The venue where our film was screened was top notch. It was amazing to watch our film on the big screen in a room that was packed and sold out! We felt utmost respect and kindness as artists and film enthusiasts. Communication was so great! Would highly recommend to everyone looking for a great film festival to submit to. Definitely worth the entry fee, and even more!

Dexter HernandezDirector/Writer/Producer, The Reliever

The Glendale International Film Festival is highly recommended. Great programmers, fun events, good networking opportunities, multiple theaters screening films, active community participation, and phenomenal leadership and communication with filmmakers.

Martha McGrath Director/Writer/Producer, Famous

Great festival in my hometown. Such an honor being selected and screened at the Laemmle. Thank you to all the organizers and filmmakers. It was a great experience. I highly recommend.

Annette BedrossianDirector/Writer/Producer, The Patisserie

Was great to be part of such a fantastic festival. Very professional and run well. Lots of great films and regularly got big audiences to its screenings. Love the venue, too! I would highly recommend.

Nic GregoryDirector/Writer/Producer, Suddenly

We really enjoyed attending GIFF this year! Huge thanks to Maria Sahakian, Glendale Arts, and all organizers for bringing this wonderful event to the City of Glendale. We really appreciate the Mayor of Glendale, Ardy Kassakhian, for paying a visit and highlighting how important this event is in the cultural life of the city.

Armen SarkisyanDirector, Dream

One of the biggest highlights of 2022 was being selected for the GIFF Film Festival. Being honored as a WINNER of Best Short Variety for my web series, Meet Me at the Barre, was the icing on top! My beautiful crystal award sits on my mantle as a reminder of all the hard work and dedication and the celebration we felt after the win, but it also serves as a reminder of the wonderful organizers I met, the volunteers, and the connections made with other passionate filmmakers. It was a pleasure and we’ll be submitting again in the future. Thank you, GIFF!!!

Cyntha GravineseWriter/Producer/Actress, Met Me at the Barre

Dear Glendale International Film Festival – You are one of the best film festivals we have taken part in. Our team would like to thank you for the excellent organization of the festival, as well as the members of the jury, thanks to whose decision our film The American Good Samaritans was an Official Selection at the festival.

Manvel SaribekyanProducer, The American Good Samaritans

Glendale International Film Festival

About GIFF

GIFF 2023

Theresa Jordan