International Film Festival

Echelon Studios International Film Festival

The Echelon Studios International Film Festival (ESIFF) is a celebration of global independent cinema, dedicated to showcasing outstanding work from up-and-coming talent, providing a platform where unique voices, fresh perspectives, and bold storytelling come to life.

Echelon Studios has long championed the art of storytelling by nurturing emerging filmmakers. With a robust portfolio that spans feature films, documentaries, and genre cinema, we’re committed to giving independent artists the support they need to bring their visions to life. Our festival is a natural extension of that mission—a space crafted to empower new voices, celebrate independent artistry, and connect creators with industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and like-minded artists.

Festival Screenings

Supported by NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, the festival is a hybrid model consisting of both virtual and in-person components. The virtual festival takes place on Eventive prior to the in-person event, where the winners of the six categories will be screened in Los Angeles before the live awards celebration.

All official selections are invited to the in-person screening and ceremony. The trailers for the films will be screened on Mometu, one of our streaming partners. The trailer that receives the most views on the streaming platform will win the Mometu Trailer Competition award category.

Awards and Prizes

Best US Feature

Best US Short

Best International Feature Film

Best International Short Film

Best Documentary

Best Series

  • The Best Picture winner will receive a free round trip airline ticket anywhere in the U.S.
  • $1,000 USD Cash prize for Best Picture
  • The Audience Award winner will receive a free round trip airline ticket anywhere in the U.S.
  • $1,000 USD cash prize for Audience Award winner
  • $500 USD cash prize to the winner of each category
  • All films will be offered a distribution deal with Echelon Studios
  • Additional sponsorship awards to be announced

2025 Winners

Best Picture Soulmate, directed by Richard Fenwick
Best US Feature Swoon, directed by Byron Manuel
Best US Short Where the Children Go to Play, directed by Jada George
Best International Feature Witte Wieven, directed by Didier Konings
Best International Short Soulmate, directed by Richard Fenwick
Best Documentary Avant-Drag, directed by Fil Ieropoulos
Best Series Get a Real Job, directed by Samantha Lochs and Yogi Paliwal
Best Trailer And We’ll Be Okay, directed by Francesca Escarraga

2024 Winners

Best Picture Roswell Delirium, directed by Richard Octavious Bakewell
Best US Feature Roswell Delirium, directed by Richard Octavious Bakewell
Best US Short Get Away, directed by Michael Gabriele
Best International Feature The Founder Effect, directed by Justin MacGregor
Best International Short Valley of Souls, directed by Edileuza Penha de Souza and Santiago Dellape
Best Documentary His Name is Ray, directed by Michael Del Monte
Best Series Who’s Annie, directed by Sophia Peer
Best Trailer Thirst Trap, directed by Chantel Massuh-Fox

Echelon Studios International Film Festival

Contact The ESIFF Team

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(800) 208-9052