KING CITY — Organizers of the inaugural Pinnacles Film Festival are seeking submissions from independent filmmakers across California for a new event planned this fall in King City.
Presented by Sol Treasures in partnership with the Arts Council for Monterey County, the festival is scheduled for Oct. 10 at King City Cinemas and will showcase films centered on the theme “Stories on the Edge.”
According to organizers, the festival is looking for films that offer “fresh perspectives, unexpected voices and distinctive points of view.” Submissions are being accepted in a variety of categories, including animation, documentary, experimental, feature, music video, short and student films.
Selected films will be featured in curated screenings followed by live question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers. The event will also include an emcee-hosted program and a filmmaker after-party with live music.
“Rooted in community and collaboration, this festival is more than just a screening — it’s an opportunity to celebrate local talent, support the arts and experience the magic of cinema together,” organizers said. “Guests can expect a dynamic lineup of films, engaging moments with creators and an atmosphere filled with inspiration and artistic energy.”
Awards will be presented in several categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, Best Student Film, Best First-Time Filmmaker, Most Unexpected Film and The Award for Bold Storytelling. A Founders Selection award also will be presented.
The festival is accepting films with runtimes of up to 60 minutes. Organizers said films must be original works and cannot be publicly available online at the time of submission, though films previously shown at other festivals are eligible.
Festival rules state that fully AI-generated films are not eligible. While artificial intelligence tools may be used during production, submitted works must be primarily human-created and directed.
Filmmakers also must provide content warnings for sensitive material, and submitting filmmakers are required to hold all necessary rights and permissions for music and other third-party content used in their films.
Submission deadlines are June 15 for the early-bird period, July 20 for the regular deadline and Aug. 10 for late submissions. To view complete rules and submit a film, filmmakers can visit soltreasures.com/pinnacles-film-festival or search for the Pinnacles Film Festival on FilmFreeway.
“Join us as we launch a new tradition in South Monterey County — one that highlights the beauty of storytelling and the voices that deserve to be seen and heard,” organizers said.
