Mammoth Lakes Film Festival

The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival, a staple of California’s cinematic landscape, is a five-day celebration of independent filmmaking that unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of Mammoth Lakes, a premier mountain resort in the Eastern Sierra. This event, often referred to by locals and repeat attendees as MLFF, is a haven for film enthusiasts, emerging filmmakers, and industry professionals.

At its core, the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival is designed for a diverse audience of film aficionados, including families, students of cinema, and anyone with a passion for storytelling. The festival attracts a mix of local residents, tourists, and film industry insiders. Notable guests include emerging and established filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders who come to showcase their work, network, and mentor the next generation of filmmakers. Past festivals have featured world premieres and screenings of films that have gone on to achieve great success, including Academy Award nominations.

The 2025 edition of the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival is scheduled to take place from May 21 to May 25, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend. Each day is packed with screenings, panels, workshops, and social events. The festival kicks off with opening night parties that set the tone for the rest of the weekend, featuring live music, open bars, and opportunities to mingle with filmmakers and other attendees. Daily schedules include multiple screenings of feature-length narratives and documentaries, as well as various shorts programs, including a new program dedicated to music videos and a local favorite, the Mojave To Mammoth shorts program.

The primary venue for the festival is the Edison Theatre, located at 100 College Parkway in Mammoth Lakes, California. This venue, nestled in the heart of Mammoth Lakes, offers an intimate setting that fosters a strong connection between filmmakers and their audience. The festival also utilizes other local venues to accommodate the diverse range of events and screenings.

Mammoth Lakes, with its stunning natural beauty, provides an idyllic setting for the festival. The town is accessible via the Mammoth Yosemite Airport or by driving along US Highway 395. The Eastern Sierra region is renowned for its rugged beauty, with towering mountains, alpine lakes, and lush forests, creating a dramatic and inspiring environment that complements the artistic focus of the festival.

The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival stands out for its unique blend of cinematic excellence and mountain resort charm. It offers a range of signature experiences that make it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts. Attendees can enjoy a curated selection of independent films, many of which are world premieres or have been handpicked for their innovative storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship. The festival also features live music events, industry panels, and workshops where attendees can learn from and interact with industry professionals.

One of the highlights of the festival is the array of social events and parties designed to foster networking and camaraderie among attendees. These includeOpening night galas, filmmakers’ mixers, and after-parties that keep the energy high throughout the weekend. The festival’s commitment to discovering new voices in film and its history of launching successful careers make it a vibrant and dynamic celebration of the art of filmmaking.

In essence, the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival is more than just a film event; it is a community-driven celebration that combines the beauty of nature with the creativity of film, making it an unforgettable experience for all who attend.