Welcome to the GIFF 2025 FAQs! We’ll continue to update this page as the festival approaches, so be sure to check back for the latest details. You can also follow us on social media @GlendaleIFF and @GlendaleArtsCA to get the latest festival announcements, ticket info, and highlights.
ATTENDING GIFF / TICKETS
You can purchase tickets and passes directly through the GIFF website by clicking here.
Attending GIFF is easy (and fun)! Browse the full schedule of events, screenings, and panels and choose the experience that fits you best.
Individual Screening Programs – Planning to see just one feature film or a block of shorts? Buy a ticket for that individual program.
Day Passes – Curious to dive in for multiple screenings on a particular day? Buy a Day Pass and you’ll have access to all the film programs and panel discussions scheduled on the day of your choosing. Please note: Some programs run simultaneously in different theaters, so while your pass allows entry to them all, it’s not possible to attend every program scheduled that day. We recommend reviewing the schedule in advance to plan your festival experience.
Panel Discussions – GIFF also offers engaging panel discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals. Panels are free to attend for passholders and individual ticket buyers who show proof of purchase for screenings and special events. Panel topics and panelist lineups will be announced leading up to the festival.
Special Events – Looking beyond the screen for the full festival experience? You can also purchase tickets to join us on the red carpet at special events including our Opening Night Party and Awards Night.
We recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time to secure your spot, as many screenings and events sell out quickly. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the GIFF check-in table at each venue, as long as we’re not at capacity.
When you arrive at the festival, first you’ll stop by the GIFF check-in table, even if you purchased your tickets or passes online in advance. For screenings at the Laemmle, show our team your digital ticket and you’ll receive a physical ticket issued by the theater, which is required for entry. From there, you can head into the lobby, where Laemmle staff will scan your ticket before you head to the concessions stand or take your seat. This quick step helps keep everything running smoothly and on time.
Yes! GIFF is for everyone – movie lovers, filmmakers, students, and industry professionals alike. You don’t need to work in film or the entertainment industry to attend. Whether you’re here to support a filmmaker, discover new stories, or just enjoy great cinema, you are welcome to be part of building the GIFF community, where creativity, connection, and support are at the heart of every experience.
Not at all. We welcome visitors from across Los Angeles, throughout the US, and around the world.
GIFF SCHEDULE, SCREENINGS, SPECIAL EVENTS
We’ve made it easy for you to find what you’re looking for – whether you want to browse everything at a glance or plan your days in detail.
Film & Screenplay Guide (A-Z) – Browse all films and screenplays alphabetically, including loglines, runtimes, cast & crew details, and program dates and times. Perfect if you want to explore the lineup one project at a time.
Festival Schedule (Day-by-Day) – Browse the festival’s full schedule in chronological order, broken down by day. This schedule includes screenings, panels, and special events, making it easy to map out your GIFF experience.
All official GIFF screenings take place at the Laemmle Glendale, located in the heart of Glendale, CA. Laemmle Theatres is known for its legendary status in LA’s indie film scene and outstanding projection quality, making it the perfect home for our festival. The Laemmle Glendale is located at 207 N. Maryland Ave., Glendale, CA 91206.
All GIFF screenings are general admission. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to ensure the best seat selection. Auditoriums open for seating approximately 30 minutes before the posted start time of each program.
Most screenings feature a moderated post-screening Q&A. This is your chance to hear directly from the filmmakers, gain insight about each film, and ask questions about the process, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories that makes each film unique in its own right. Check the Festival Schedule (Day-by-Day) page for up-to-date information on Q&As.
What other events can I experience at GIFF besides screenings?
In addition to film screenings at the Laemmle Glendale, GIFF offers a full slate of events and experiences designed to bring filmmakers and audiences together in a fun, celebratory atmosphere. Highlights include:
Opening Night Party to kick off six days of film, friends, and fun (Mya Rooftop at The Glenmark Hotel)
Panels featuring insightful discussions with industry pros (ace/121 Gallery)
The Festival Lounge, a relaxing gathering space for festival attendees (ace/121 Gallery)
Happy Hour Mixers to connect with fellow festival-goers (ace/121 Gallery)
Exclusive gallery exhibition opening for GIFF attendees (ace/121 Gallery)
Awards Night celebrating cinematic excellence and artistic achievement (Glen Arden Club)
Check the Festival Schedule (Day-by-Day) page for the most up-to-date details.
Our Awards Night celebrates the talents and artistry of our GIFF 2025 filmmakers and screenwriters with a special reception and awards ceremony. Awards are presented across multiple categories, including narrative features, documentaries, shorts, student films, and screenplays. Check back soon for a list of award categories and nominees.
VENUES
All official GIFF screenings take place at the Laemmle Glendale, located in the heart of Glendale, CA. Laemmle Theatres is known for its legendary status in LA’s indie film scene and outstanding projection quality, making it the perfect home for our festival. The Laemmle Glendale is located at 207 N. Maryland Ave., Glendale, CA 91206.
In addition to screenings at the Laemmle Glendale, we host special events at several key venues in the City of Glendale. These venues are all located within central Glendale, making it easy to move between screenings, panels, and special events.
Mya Rooftop at The Glenmark Hotel (1100 N. Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202)
Our Opening Night Party takes place at this chic open-air venue, offering stunning rooftop views and a celebratory kick-off to the festival.
Glen Arden Club (357 Arden Ave, Glendale, CA 91203)
A timeless venue with classic style and historic character, the Glen Arden Club is the setting for our celebration of the best of the fest.
ace/121 Gallery (121 N. Kenwood St, Glendale, CA 91206, entrance is located at the back of the building)
The Glendale Arts-run multidisciplinary space is a gathering hub for festivalgoers located just one block away from the Laemmle. ace/121 Gallery hosts our Festival Lounge, panel discussions, and Happy Hour Mixers, along with a special exhibition that will be on view exclusively for GIFF attendees before opening to the public. Exhibition details will be announced leading up to the festival.
Ample and conveniently located parking is available for all GIFF venues. We recommend allowing extra time to park and check in before your screening or event. Please be sure to check posted parking signs.
Laemmle Glendale + ace/121 Gallery – The Laemmle and ace/121 Gallery are within walking distance of each other, located approximately one block apart. Parking options for both locations are as follows. Standard garage and surface lot rates apply and are subject to change.
Validated Parking:
The Exchange Parking Garage (115 N. Artsakh Ave.) – $1 for 4 hours with validation from the Laemmle (for screening attendees). Located just south of the theater, off Wilson Ave.
Non-Validated Parking:
Paid parking at City Lots 3 & 4, located on Maryland Ave. just north of the theater.
Metered street parking is also available on Wilson Ave. and surrounding streets.
Mya Rooftop at The Glenmark Hotel – Paid valet parking is available at the hotel via the entrance on Dryden St. Free parking is also available on surrounding streets.
Glen Arden Club – Free parking is available for Awards Night guests at the lot directly across the street from the venue on Arden Ave. and on surrounding streets.
Yes. The Laemmle Glendale, ace/121 Gallery, Mya Rooftop at The Glenmark Hotel, and Glen Arden Club are all ADA accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, we recommend reaching out to us in advance so we can best assist you.
VISITING GLENDALE
Recognized for its rich arts and cultural scene, Glendale is a diverse city of nearly 200,000 residents, offering world-class dining, premier shopping destinations such as the Glendale Galleria, and plenty of vibrant neighborhoods to discover. As the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County, Glendale also boasts a robust tech sector and is home to some of the most iconic creative institutions in the world, including DreamWorks Animation and Disney’s Grand Central Creative Campus. GIFF is proud to carry the city’s name and elevate its stature as a hub for culture, creativity, innovation, and storytelling.
Yes! We’ve partnered with some of Glendale’s top hotels to provide special discounted rates for our guests, including The Glenmark Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, and Residence Inn Los Angeles Glendale. Visit our Visiting Glendale page for details on rates, amenities, and reservation links.
Glendale offers no shortage of ways to enjoy your time before and after GIFF events – the city is full of experiences and spots to explore in close proximity to our venues. Special discounts at participating restaurants, shops, and attractions throughout Glendale are available for festival attendees. Check out the City of Glendale’s official Local Promotions Guide for a list of offers.