After honoring legendary filmmaker Costa-Gavras with a powerful retrospective in 2025, the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) now turns its focus to the future. Submissions are open for the 20th edition in 2026, inviting filmmakers from Greece, Cyprus, and the diaspora to bring their stories to one of the most important stages for Greek cinema abroad.
Last year’s tribute brought together artists, cinephiles, and community members in Los Angeles to celebrate a career defined by political courage and cinematic brilliance. It captured the essence of what LAGFF represents, a bridge between Greek storytelling and Hollywood, and set the stage for the next generation of filmmakers to step forward.
How to Submit Your Film
Filmmakers are invited to submit feature films, short films, and animations completed in 2024 or later. Los Angeles premieres are preferred for short films, but not required. All non-English works must include English subtitles. Entries are accepted through FilmFreeway or private links, with a separate form and fee for each film. Organizers encourage a trailer with English subtitles. Projects not selected in 2025 may be resubmitted if completed after January 2024.
The early bird deadline for submissions is January 10, 2026.
More information: Submit Your Film.
Spotlight on Documentaries
Launching in 2026, LAGFF-doc is the inaugural documentary edition of the festival. It is dedicated to documentaries from Greece and Cyprus, to filmmakers of Greek or Cypriot descent worldwide, and to works exploring subjects related to these countries. The event will be held in Hollywood and will present a diverse selection of contemporary and retrospective works that highlight culture, history, and regional voices.
Participating filmmakers will also have access to Industry One-on-One meetings, exclusive sessions that connect them with Hollywood professionals for dialogue, mentorship, and potential collaboration.
LAGFF-doc will take place on January 30, 31, and February 1, 2026, in collaboration with Loyola Marymount University’s Classics and Archaeology Department and the Gianopulos Family Theater at St. Sophia Cathedral.
The deadline for documentary submissions is November 15, 2025.
More information: Submit Your Doc.
Awards for documentaries will include the Orpheus Award for Best Feature, Best Short, Audience Choice for Feature and Short, and a Special Jury Award. Eligible films must have been completed in 2024 or later and cannot have had a public screening in Los Angeles before the festival.
Spotlight on the Orpheus Awards
The main festival concludes with the Orpheus Awards, which recognize excellence in categories such as Best Feature, Best Short, Best Animation, Best Director, Best Actor or Actress, and Audience Choice. Over the years, winners have gained international recognition, showing how LAGFF can be both an honor and a springboard for wider success.
Looking Toward the 20th Festival
According to official figures, LAGFF has screened over 580 films and hosted more than 530 filmmakers since its founding. Some festival materials suggest the totals are even higher, reflecting its expanding reach. As it celebrates its 20th year, LAGFF continues to be a key hub for Greek cinema in North America, bringing together established filmmakers and emerging talent.