La Under the Stars: Film Festival

Name: La Under the Stars: Film Festival
Address: 4212 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90029, US
Telephone: +13092510749
Price range: $

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La Under the Stars: Film Festival

International Film Festival in downtown Los Angeles. LA Under the Stars is an international film festival held in Los Angeles. Submit & join us under the stars!

Listed as one of the TOP 100 BEST-REVIEWED FESTIVALS on FilmFreeway, LAUTS is home to the best up-and-coming talent in Hollywood. Network with the top filmmakers, discuss films/scripts during the Filmmaker Q&A, vote for your favorite film, take pictures on the red carpet, & close the evening with an Award Ceremony. Held at the historic El Cid Theater on West Sunset Boulevard, LAUTS offers guests t

he best venue in Los Angeles. El Cid is located in the heart of the Silver Lake neighborhood. Unpretentious and atmospheric, the iconic theater, restaurant, and bar offers guests a new experience while retaining its original passion and soul. Each year, an international panel of 12 judges selects several films to showcase during the annual event. All selections are showcased on our website, social media, & given coverage during our highlight reel. As an IMDB-accredited festival, we pride ourselves on being competitive while distinctly worth the price of submission.

06/03/2026

🎟️ TICKETS NOW LIVE — LA UNDER THE STARS 2026

Join us on August 27 at El Cid for an unforgettable night of independent cinema on Sunset Boulevard.

As a Top 100 Best-Reviewed FilmFreeway festival, LA Under the Stars brings filmmakers and audiences together for one curated evening filled with powerful storytelling, red carpet moments, live Q&As, audience engagement, and our signature awards celebration.

One night. One stage. One unforgettable experience.

Secure your seat and celebrate independent filmmaking under the stars.

🎫 Tickets available now:
https://filmfreeway.com/launderthestars/tickets

05/27/2026

Introducing the 2026 LA Under the Stars judging team 🌟

We’re proud to welcome this year’s jury as we gear up for another unforgettable night of independent film in Hollywood.

August 27, 2026
El Cid on Sunset

05/20/2026

🎬🏆 BEST ACTOR – Jake Laney 🏆🎬

Recognized for a compelling performance that captures the emotional volatility and vulnerability of modern dating, “The Fallacy of You” earned Jake Laney Best Actor at LA Under the Stars 2025.

Synopsis:
Adam confronts the side effects of attraction during a seemingly-idyllic first date.

Director: Bruce Clarke

📍 LA Under the Stars 2025
🎥 Narrative Short

05/13/2026

🎬🏆 BEST ACTRESS – Madonna Young MageeKey 🏆🎬

Recognized for a heartfelt and nuanced performance that brings depth and authenticity to a lifelong friendship, Madonna Young MageeKey earned Best Actress for her work in “Aloha Means I Love You” at LA Under the Stars 2025.

Synopsis:
Clara and Bertie have been friends for nearly 60 years, but when Clara wants to add a new man into the mix, Bertie's devotion to her friend is tested.

Director: Katy Dore

📍 LA Under the Stars 2025
🎥 Narrative Short

05/06/2026

🎬🏆 ANGEL CITY TRAILBLAZER – Tash Ann 🏆🎬

Director Tash Ann earned the Angel City Trailblazer Award for her film "Nadine" at LA Under the Stars 2025.

Synopsis:
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1950s, "Nadine" unfolds the journey of an actress who dares to defy the oppressive grasp of her producer.

Having been ensnared in the Hollywood studio system since childhood, Nadine embarks on a courageous quest for freedom and self-empowerment, challenging the constraints that have stifled her voice for far too long. Her journey is exploration of resilience and rebellion in an era where glamour often masked the harsh realities of life behind the camera. Join Nadine as she decides to reclaim her identity and illuminate the strength of women in a tumultuous industry.

Director: Tash Ann

Recognized for its powerful storytelling and its spotlight on resilience, identity, and the untold realities behind Hollywood’s golden era.

📍 LA Under the Stars 2025
🎥 Narrative Short

04/29/2026

🎬🏆 BEST MUSIC VIDEO – OFF THE YAYO 🏆🎬

Synopsis:
The new single by Kovei, “Off The Yayo,” depicts his experience with watching the people closest to him fall victim to the struggles of addiction. Kovei was inspired to write the song from the fear of losing himself in that kind of lifestyle. Based in Los Angeles and Columbus native, Kovei is an alternative hip-hop artist who creates a musical tapestry that stands out in a crowded genre. Through his introspective lyrics, Kovei aims to explore issues affecting his community and shed light on what it means to be brown in today's America.

Director: Nicholas V. Andros

Recognized for its raw, introspective storytelling and its grounded portrayal of personal and community struggles.

📍 LA Under the Stars 2025
🎥 Music Video

04/22/2026

🎬🏆 BEST ANIMATION SHORT – TEASER TRAILER 🏆🎬

A standout from last year’s lineup, “Teaser Trailer” earned Best Animation Short at LA Under the Stars 2025.

Synopsis:
The ultimate trio of unlikely heroes battle an action movie teaser trailer that's out to kill them.

TEASER TRAILER is a fast-paced, off-the-wall, cosmic horror-comedy that satirizes modern action movie marketing. The film takes the familiar stereotypes of classic film genres and turns them on their head to create something wild, crazy, and unapologetically silly.

Director: JJ Gibson

Recognized for its wild comedic energy and inventive satire, delivering a chaotic and memorable animated experience.

📍 LA Under the Stars 2025
🎥 Animation Short

04/16/2026

Late Deadline ends tonight.

Submit for 2026✨

📸

04/15/2026

🎬🏆 BEST SCI-FI SHORT – SHEPHERD MOON 🏆🎬

A standout from last year’s lineup, “Shepherd Moon” earned Best Sci-Fi Short at LA Under the Stars 2025.

Synopsis:
The power struggle between an alien and her human test subject gets complicated when they both see their relationship differently.

Director: Michaela Wadzinski

Recognized for its compelling character dynamics and its layered, emotionally grounded take on a high-concept sci-fi premise.

📍 LA Under the Stars 2025
🎥 Sci-Fi Short

04/13/2026

⏰ LATE DEADLINE – APR 16, 2026

Missed the last one? You’ve still got time. ⏳ Submit by April 16 for the Late Deadline and be part of Los Angeles’s indie film celebration that blends creativity, connection, and culture.

🎬 Red carpets. Awards. A night to remember.
🎥 Submit here: filmfreeway.com/launderthestars

Address

4212 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
90029

Telephone

+13092510749

Website

https://www.launderthestars.com/

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