Children of the Sun, Wichita, An Effective Policy, The Red Book, Sam and Me, The Night The Sky Fell, Masterpiece - Block run time 1:30:58
Step beyond the boundaries of conventional storytelling with Experimental Cinema, a collection of bold and imaginative films that play with genre, style, and perspective. From surreal worlds and otherworldly encounters to art, corruption, and a dollar-eating Uncle Sam, expect the unexpected.
Children of the Sun - dir. Outerspace Leo - 06:58
A visually spectacular Mandopop music video blending cinematic storytelling, intricate animation, and cutting-edge effects in a big budget production created with Wētā Workshop.
Wichita - dir. Sergine Dumais - 05:35
How fast would you run to hide your affair?
An Effective Policy - Erich Kemp - 04:00
A man is antagonized to his breaking point.
The Red Book - dir. Kyprianos Dimosthenous - 14:28
Alice, a police detective is framed for her partner's murder after exposing deep corruption and she is locked in an asylum. Her supervising doctor slowly realizes her claims are true through strange incidents, but he discovers the horrifying truth far too late.
Sam and Me - dir. Orly Morris - 12:57
In a bizarre alternate America, the economy is regulated by Uncle Sam, an immortal, childlike being who literally eats U.S. dollars for sustenance. When Chloe starts her first week at the Fed, she is asked to spend the week keeping an eye on Sam and develops unexpected feelings for the quirky cash-consum
The Night The Sky Fell - dir. Matthew Arkema - 16:00
Chase, a young boy mourning the loss of his older brother, struggles to connect with his emotionally strained father when an otherworldly encounter upends their lives forever.
Masterpiece - dir. Kyle Cyr - 31:00
Two passionate lovers unite their artistic souls on a canvas, channeling their deepest emotions and shared experiences. As their painting evolves, it becomes a reflection of their connection and relationship.
Screenings are followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
About SIMI Film Fest
Now in its fourth year, SIMI Film Fest returns for nine extraordinary days with its most ambitious program yet: 103 films, 69 music videos, youth filmmaking, industry events, and live orchestral film music, all brought together in one festival built to celebrate every craft of filmmaking.
At its heart, SIMI Film Fest is about putting great movies on the big screen and giving the public the opportunity to discover original work from filmmakers around the world. From features and shorts to documentaries, animation, genre films, youth projects, and music videos, the festival offers audiences stories and creative voices they may not encounter anywhere else.
But screening exceptional work is only part of our mission. SIMI Film Fest is equally committed to helping filmmakers propel their careers. This year’s expanded program includes meaningful industry connections, filmmaker field trips, panels, networking opportunities, more than 25 awards, and the new SIMIFF Jury Prize: a three-month mentorship with CAA agent Matt Smith for one standout filmmaker.
The 2026 festival also introduces the SIMIFF Film Music Competition, culminating in a live concert with the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra. Selected composers will hear their original scores performed before a live audience, highlighting the essential role music plays in bringing stories to life.
SIMI Film Fest is where audiences discover remarkable films, where every filmmaking discipline is valued, and where talented artists gain recognition, relationships, and real opportunities to move forward.
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