Welcome to the SIMI Music Video Fest 2026
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Location: Simi Valley, California

The SIMI Music Video Fest celebrates the powerful union of music and visual storytelling. Founded by the creators of the 5-Star SIMI Film Fest, this inspiring event showcases the creative synergy between filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists from around the world.

Now part of the SIMI Film Fest’s opening weekend, the SIMI Music Video Fest retains its own distinctive identity with a full day devoted to music videos — culminating in a dedicated award show honoring outstanding achievements in music video artistry.

Why Submit

Visibility: Present your work during the opening weekend of the SIMI Film Fest before an audience of filmmakers, musicians, and industry professionals.
Networking: Connect with creative minds across both the film and music worlds, expanding your reach and future collaborations.
Recognition: Compete for exclusive SIMI Music Video Fest Awards celebrating excellence in direction, concept, performance, cinematography, editing, and innovation.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome music videos of all genres and styles — from cinematic storytelling to experimental visuals, live performances, and animated works. Whether your piece inspires, moves, or surprises, this is your stage to share your vision and make it shine on the big screen.

Join us in Simi Valley as we celebrate where music meets motion — and creativity takes center stage.

For Short & Feature Length Films please submit to https://www.filmfreeway.com/simifilmfest/

We are thrilled to announce the award categories for this year’s SIMI Music Video Fest, recognizing outstanding artistry, creativity, and technical excellence in music video production.

Award categories include:

Best Director

Best Cinematography

Best Editing

Best Originality / Creativity

Best Narrative

Best Male Artist

Best Female Artist

Best Production

Best Original Song

Best Dance / Choreography

Best Costume Design

Best Hair & Makeup

Best VFX

Best Creative Design

Best Animation

Outstanding Visual Achievement

Best Cast

Best Performance Video

These awards celebrate the diverse skills and creative collaboration between filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists that make music videos such a powerful medium of expression.

The SIMI Music Video Fest Awards Ceremony takes place at the conclusion of the event, honoring the year’s most exceptional achievements in music video storytelling and visual innovation.

We reserve the right to modify, combine, or add categories as needed to best reflect the range of submissions received.

SIMI Music Video Fest 2026 – Submission Rules & Terms
Eligibility

Duration: Music videos must be under 6 minutes in length, including credits.

Premiere Policy: There is no premiere requirement; videos may have been previously screened or released.

Production Year: Music videos from any production year are eligible.

Distribution: There are no restrictions regarding distribution or streaming availability.

Submission

Selection Process: Submitting your music video does not guarantee selection. All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and selections will be based on creativity, originality, artistic merit, and technical quality.

Waiver Codes: Submission fee waivers are not offered. However, discount codes may be available for:

Current students enrolled in an accredited academic institution (proof of enrollment required).

Ventura County residents or production companies based in Ventura County.
To inquire, email: director@simimvf.com
.

Permissions: Submitters must have full rights and clearances for all visual and musical elements in their video. It is the submitter’s responsibility to ensure proper licensing and permissions for all content.

Liability: By submitting, you release the SIMI Music Video Fest (SIMIMVF) and the SIMI Film Fest from any liability regarding ownership disputes or rights issues.

DCP Requirement

All officially selected music videos are required to be submitted as a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for exhibition.
We are proud to partner with The Archetype Company (Burbank, CA) to provide a special discounted rate for SIMI Music Video Fest participants who need a DCP created.

Using a DCP ensures the highest quality and consistency on the large screens and surround sound systems at our festival venues — allowing your work to be experienced as intended, with full cinematic impact.

Official selection notifications will include DCP delivery deadlines, along with details for any required materials such as still images, press information, and social media handles. All deadlines must be met to ensure inclusion in the festival program.

Awards & Judging

Judges’ Decision: The judges’ decisions are final. Evaluation criteria include concept execution, creativity, performance, and technical excellence.

Awards: Awards will be given across multiple categories, as announced on the festival page prior to the event.

Fees & Refunds

Entry Fees: All entry fees are non-refundable.

Payment: Submission fees must be paid through FilmFreeway at the time of submission.

General

Changes to Entries: Once submitted, entries cannot be modified or replaced. Please ensure your submission is final.

Festival Dates and Venue: The festival reserves the right to adjust event dates or venues. Any changes will be communicated to selected participants.

Promotion: Selected videos may be included in festival promotional materials, such as trailers, social media posts, and press releases.

Ethical Conduct

We embrace artistic freedom and value bold creative expression. However, submissions must respect legal and ethical boundaries:

Permissible Content: Nudity and explicit language are acceptable when used artistically and not exploitatively.

Prohibited Content: Videos must not include illegal material, promote hate speech, incite violence, or intentionally provoke political or social hostility. Entries violating these guidelines will be disqualified.

The SIMI Music Video Fest aims to cultivate a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment that honors the diversity of artistic vision in music video production.

We can’t wait to see your creativity on the big screen.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ian Laughlin

    SIMI Music Video Fest was so supportive of my art/music project Chilling Effects with Glacial Survival Instinct for which I received an Honorable Mention. Next time I submit a work I will be there in person to fully connect with this wonderful festival.

    March 2025
  • Mickey Valenz

    I didn't get to attend the event in person, but the team was very supportive and communicative. They really gave the film makers a platform to present their work in a professional and engaging way.

    March 2025
  • Scott Rocco

    Everyone was wonderful. Top notch. Very communal and amazing experience. They want to see artists and filmmakers excel and do great things. I love this festival!

    March 2025
  • Vaja Music

    The SIMI Music Video Fest shines a well-deserved spotlight on visionary artists from around the world. The heartfelt dedication of its founders, Joseph & Katie passionately shows their support for independent filmmakers.

    Joseph & Katie have created a space where artistic expression is honored, providing a platform for emerging & established talent alike to share their work with a global audience.

    Thank U from the bottom of my heart for honoring us with your “Best Production” Award for my music video “People Are People.” 🏆

    SIMI Music Video Festival stands as a beacon of encouragement & opportunity. It’s a festival driven by passion & authenticity 🙏🏽

    March 2025
  • Michael Ulliman

    Great event with lots of amazing talent

    March 2025