DeepARTment - West Hollywood International Film Festival

WEST HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL

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The West Hollywood International Film Festival is a newly unified global celebration of storytelling, formed through the merger of the West Hollywood International Film Festival and the Cine Choice Awards. This evolution brings two creative platforms together under one name, creating a stronger and more impactful space dedicated to independent cinema and diverse voices worldwide.

Originally founded by DeepARTment, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting art for social good, the festival continues to champion representation, inclusion, and meaningful storytelling. It serves as a platform for emerging and independent filmmakers, amplifying bold perspectives and encouraging dialogue through creativity and compassion.

The festival presents a curated selection of innovative and inspiring films across genres, including thought-provoking dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, imaginative shorts, and compelling thrillers. Each selected work reflects a commitment to cultural exchange, empathy, and artistic excellence.

Beyond screenings, the festival is a vibrant global hub where filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals connect. It fosters collaboration, supports emerging talent, and creates opportunities for discovery—bringing together creators, audiences, and industry leaders in one dynamic environment.

By uniting with the Cine Choice Awards under the banner of the West Hollywood International Film Festival, this new chapter strengthens its mission to elevate independent filmmaking and shape a future defined by inclusion, innovation, and meaningful human connection.

OCTOBER 30, 2026.
West Hollywood City Council Chambers

625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

(parking in the structure will be validated)

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Film Screenings:
Experience a diverse lineup of films that challenge conventions and explore new narratives. Each screening will offer a window into the creative minds behind the works, allowing audiences to engage with fresh perspectives.

Q&A Sessions:
After select screenings, join us for interactive Q&A sessions with filmmakers. This is your chance to gain insight into their creative processes, inspirations, and the challenges they faced while bringing their stories to life.

Panel Discussions:
Participate in thought-provoking panel discussions featuring industry experts, seasoned filmmakers, and emerging talents. These sessions will cover a range of topics, from funding and distribution strategies to the evolving landscape of independent cinema.

Networking Opportunities:
Connect with fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. Our festival provides ample opportunities for networking, and fostering relationships that can lead to exciting new projects.

Join the CineChoice Family:
By attending the Cine Choice Awards, you become part of a dynamic network that champions independent filmmakers and their stories. We are committed to promoting your projects, attracting investors, and creating a platform where exceptional works can thrive. At Cine Choice Awards, we believe in your vision and are dedicated to helping it reach the world.

AWARDS & PRIZES

Prizes and Recognition

Gold Laurel
Winners in each category will receive an official Gold Laurel, symbolizing excellence and achievement. This emblem may be proudly displayed on film posters, trailers, and other promotional materials.

Certificate of Achievement
All winners will be presented with a professionally designed Certificate of Achievement, honoring their exceptional performance and contribution to the festival.

Festival Screening & Q&A

Only films that win in their respective categories will be selected for official festival screening.
Filmmakers whose films are screened will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the audience, providing insights into their creative process and engaging with festival attendees.
Screening notifications and updates will be sent separately, along with instructions for attending the festival and participating in the Q&A.

FORMATS

Creative video pieces presenting full length or short documentaries, features, music videos and art video compositions.

RULES & TERMS

1. Eligibility Criteria:

Genres Accepted: We are pleased to accept films across a diverse range of genres, including but not limited to:

- Drama
- Comedy
- Action
- Thriller
- Horror
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy
- Romance
- Documentary
- Animation
- Experimental
- Musical
- Historical

2. Submission Requirements:

Submission Format: Films should be submitted in a high-definition digital format. Acceptable formats include MP4, MOV, or AVI. The preferred resolution is 1920x1080.

Press Kit: Each submission must include a comprehensive press kit, which should consist of:
- A detailed synopsis of the film (up to 300 words)
- A biography of the director (up to 200 words)
- Cast and crew credits
- A minimum of three high-resolution stills from the film (minimum 1920x1080)
- A trailer or teaser (if available)

Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by given dates. Late submissions will not be considered.

3. Rights and Permissions:

Grant of Rights: By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants the festival a non-exclusive right to use all submitted materials, including the film, press kit, and stills, for promotional, marketing, and festival-related purposes. This includes the use of excerpts for promotional trailers and social media.

Screening Rights: Filmmakers grant the festival the right to upload and stream the submitted film on our streaming platform, CINELOOM.NET. This includes the right to make the film available for viewing by registered users of the service.

Publicity and Promotion: The festival reserves the right to use clips, trailers, and stills from the film for promotional and publicity purposes, including but not limited to festival posters, website features, and social media campaigns.

4. Selection and Notification:

Selection Process: Submitted films will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of industry professionals. Films will be evaluated based on artistic merit, originality, and overall quality.

First-Round Selection:

- All submitted films are initially reviewed and may be selected in the first round.
- If your film is selected in this round, you will receive the official festival laurels as recognition of your achievement.

Screening Consideration:

- First-round selection does not automatically mean your film will be screened at the festival.
- Only films that are later chosen as winners in their respective categories will be included in the official screening lineup.

Notification of Screening:

- If your film is selected for screening, you will receive a separate notification indicating your updated status.
- Until you receive this notification, your film is considered under review for screening.

Official Status Updates:

- Your film’s status on the festival platform will be updated accordingly once the screening decisions are finalized.
- Films that do not win an award will not be screened, but they will still retain their first-round laurels.

Attending the Festival:

- Even if your film is not selected for screening, you are welcome to request tickets to attend the festival and celebrate the achievements of all selected filmmakers.

LEGAL & LIABILITY

Copyright and Ownership:
Filmmakers must ensure that their submission does not infringe on any copyrights or intellectual property rights. By submitting, filmmakers confirm that they hold all necessary rights and permissions for the film’s content.
Indemnity:
Filmmakers agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival, its affiliates, sponsors, and partners from any claims, liabilities, or damages arising from the content of the film or its submission.

AGREEMENT

By submitting a film to the festival, filmmakers agree to comply with all rules and terms outlined in this document. Submission of a film constitutes acceptance of these terms.

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FESTIVAL TEAM

ARMAN SAYAT

DIRECTOR

Arman Sayat is a Los Angeles–based writer, director, cinematographer, and editor whose work bridges Central Asian and American cultural perspectives. A graduate of the New York Film Academy in LA with an MFA in Filmmaking, he trained across all major disciplines, refining his craft on the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot. His 2023 drama On the Other Side of the Road marked his breakthrough as a writer and cinematographer, earning praise for its emotional depth and visual style. In 2024, he directed the psychological thriller Mr. Nightmare, further establishing his bold, visually driven voice in contemporary cinema.

AYAULYM SAYAT

OPERATION MANAGER

Ayaulym Sayat is a Los Angeles–based producer and writer known for her work in short films and commercials. She has worked extensively in both the United States and Central Asia, bringing a strong cross-cultural perspective to her projects. In Central Asia, she served as a film festival organizer and founded Scenum, a platform dedicated to supporting and empowering emerging filmmakers and young creative voices.

RIMMA PANINA

PROGRAMMER

Rimma Panina is an accomplished cinematographer, writer, and producer with a rich background in film production. She is currently spearheading an exciting new project, the International Slavic Film Festival, in collaboration with a diverse and trusted team of friends. This initiative aims to shift the perception of the Slavic world from Russian-centric to Slavic-centric and address the underrepresentation of Slavic culture in the US. In addition to her creative endeavors, Rimma enhances the academic and creative environment at Saddleback College as a laboratory technician in the Cinema, TV, and Radio Department, and supports female filmmakers as an event coordinator for the on-campus club LoFI. Her work organizing the LoFI Film Festival for the last four years further showcases her dedication to fostering talent and promoting diverse cultural narratives within the cinematic landscape.

MISHA SUVOROV

HOST

Misha Suvorov is a trained actor from the city of theaters, Saint Petersburg, Russia. He graduated Sanford Meisner Center in 2016 and works on stage, TV and in film. Coming from an artsy soviet intelligentsia family, he enjoyed a privilege of having the best of what late soviet era of underground arts could offer. As of his acting style, Misha undertook Konstantin Stanislavski's method study and additional training in Mikhail Chekov's technique. In 2013 Misha arrived at Hollywood were he studied at Sanford Meisner Center of Los Angeles to learn an American way of acting. In 2024 his solo acting stage performance The Boarder won the Best of The Actors' group during the Hollywood Fringe festival.

Submit Your Film

Reserve Your Attendance

Make a donation (tax deductible)

Partnership, sponsorship and accreditation

PArtnership

We invite you to join our network of partners in supporting a vision of peaceful coexistence and meaningful collaboration, transcending political agendas and conflicts of dominance.

DeepARTment, the organizational body behind thefestival, is a nonprofit charity powered by volunteers and donations from generous individuals and organizations. We are committed to helping creative immigrants rediscover their voices and express themselves in their new environments, alleviating the stresses of survival and cultural adaptation.

If you’re looking to engage with our audience through your products, services, or ideas, consider opportunities such as providing catering, coffee breaks, custom T-shirts and merchandise, or printing services. Your team could also volunteer to assist with greeting guests, preparing event spaces, or handling post-event cleanup. We’re always open to your suggestions for new ways to collaborate.

Sponsorship

Join our "Thanks to..." list, see your banners, flags, and posters across the festival venues and your logo - featured in promotional materials and the festival program.

Your sponsorship of the festival is a tax-deductible charitable contribution. Your support allows us to produce more promotional content, publish impactful articles, and create powerful videos — each helping to shift perspectives on the consequences of war and amplify the call for peace, we all want to live in. Link your brand with the idea and image of a protecting shield.

By supporting DeepARTment, you indirectly foster opportunities for artists to enrich society through their work. DeepARTment exists to enable creators to produce more art, and art is the essence of what makes us human.

Let’s celebrate creativity as a force for peace and humanity— your support can help us achieve this.

For media

We’re here to make your job easier! Our team is happy to provide information, ideas, interviews, stills, and videos to help you create compelling stories for your audience.

If you’re interested in using festival as a promotional opportunity for your media outlet, we’d love to discuss options for coverage in exchange for placing your logo on our flyers, banners, festival programs, website, ticketing platforms, and social media. Let’s collaborate creatively and establish a partnership that benefits us both.

Additionally, offering informational support to a nonprofit is considered a charitable contribution and may benefit your tax filings.

With our team of media professionals who understand the needs of your audience, working with DeepARTment is sure to be a smooth and rewarding experience.

Make a Donation (tax deductible)