September 25–27, 2027 · Catalina Island, California

Cinema by the Sea

A cinematic weekend on Catalina Island, where emerging voices, industry conversations, and unforgettable screenings meet the atmosphere of one of California’s most iconic destinations.

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Imagination. Education. Destination.

More Than a Film Festival. A Destination for Storytellers.

Catalina Film Festival & Institute champions imagination, education, and destination through film. Each year, the festival brings together independent filmmakers, audiences, industry professionals, and the Catalina community for screenings, conversations, events, and creative discovery.

About the Institute

Festival dates September 25–27, 2027

Edition 17th Catalina Film Festival

Submissions Open via FilmFreeway

Audience enjoying an outdoor screening at Catalina Film Festival

Three Days. One Island. Hundreds of Stories.

The Festival Experience

From premieres and short films to documentaries, animation, screenplays, horror, student work, panels, and networking events, Catalina Film Festival creates space for filmmakers and audiences to connect beyond the screen.

Plan Your Visit 2027 Program Coming Soon

Festival Mood

People, place, programme.

Festival

Films

Discover independent features, shorts, documentaries, animation, student work, and genre cinema from new and established voices..

Guests enjoying a festival on a yacht in Catalina harbor

Community

Island Events

Experience cinema alongside Catalina’s coastal atmosphere, historic venues, community culture, and off-screen gatherings.

Institute

Conversations

Join filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, and industry events designed to support creative growth.

Recognized for filmmaker experience

For Filmmakers Who Want More Than a Laurel

Catalina Film Festival is built around filmmaker experience: visibility, conversation, community, and meaningful industry connection. Listed by MovieMaker Magazine and highly reviewed by filmmakers on FilmFreeway. Submit your film and bring your work to an audience that values independent storytelling.

Submit on FilmFreeway

Submission fees, deadlines, and notification dates are available on FilmFreeway.

Group of filmmakers at Catalina Film Festival industry event

Be part of Catalina Film Festival

Support Independent Film. Support the Island.

Your support helps Catalina Film Institute create opportunities for filmmakers, students, audiences, and the Catalina community. Donations, partnerships, merchandise, and volunteer involvement all help sustain the mission.

Support the Institute