August 31st, 2025James R. Armstrong TheatreTorrance, CA

    Experience a Night at the Movies Like Never Before!

    Join award-winning producers from Riptide Films and Evol Dog Productions as they present a bold vision of the new Hollywood. This exciting festival showcases the most innovative and boundary-pushing independent filmmakers from Southern California, all competing for top honors. Be among the first to witness these groundbreaking stories unfold on the big screen and see who takes home the festival’s prestigious awards!

    Celebrate Local Talent &
    Independent Cinema!

    Support Torrance’s emerging talent in the High School Screening Block, featuring films from local student programs. Then, immerse yourself in a diverse selection of visionary short films in the Indie Screening Block, spanning an array of genres and styles.

    Upgrade to the Full Festival Experience!

    With a VIP Festival Pass, enjoy exclusive perks like Red Carpet photos, premier seating, and access to our VIP lounge—perfect for networking with filmmakers and fellow cinephiles.

    Riptide Film Festival 2025

    Winners, Photos, Videos, and more.Coming Soon...

    Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation (TOCA)

    The shared vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to enrich the lives of all those within the City of Torrance and surrounding communities through the performing arts. By presenting relevant, accessible, and quality performances of all genres, we bridge cultural divides, inspire the young, support economic development, and begin conversations relevant to the human condition. To connect our community through culturally enriching experiences.

    Riptide Films

    Riptide Films explores the emotional and moral complexities of human nature through compelling storytelling. From action to rom-coms, we showcase the vulnerabilities and strengths of everyday people, inspired by modern cultural conversations and timeless themes.

    Evol Dog Productions

    Evol Dog Productions was founded in March 2021 by friends from the Torrance/South Bay, California area, forging a unique path in the industry by embracing the indie and film festival route.As a bold alternative to traditional film and television, we champion authenticity, collaboration, and resourceful filmmaking, telling human stories across diverse genres and capturing life’s complexities with creativity and innovation.

    Aureate Productions

    We craft immersive, community-driven experiences that inspire and engage. With a passion for innovative storytelling, we create high-quality content that fosters meaningful connections, blending narratives with social causes to leave a lasting impact on both entertainment and the communities we serve.

    Date

    Sunday, August 31, 2025

    Location

    James R. Armstrong Theatre
    3330 Civic Center Dr
    Torrance, CA 90503

    Film Festival Schedule

    HIGH SCHOOL BLOCKRed Carpet Opens (For VIPs)
    11:00 AM    Theatre Opens (For GAs)
    12:00 PM    High School Preshow
    12:45 PM    High School Filmmaker Screening Block Starts
    (1 hour and 10 minutes, 13 Films)
    1:15 PM    Transition to Awards/Intermission (10 Minutes)
    2:30 PM    High School Awards Start
    2:40 PM    High School Awards End
    3:30 PM    INDIE BLOCKRed Carpet Opens (for VIPs)
    4:00 PM    Theatre Re-Opens (for GAs)
    4:30 PM    Indie PreShow Show
    4:40 PM    Indie Filmmaker Screening Block A (40 minutes, 5 Films)
    5:15 PM    Intermission (20 minutes)
    5:55 PM    Indie Filmmaker Screening Block B Introduction
    6:15 PM    Indie Filmmaker Screening Block B (1 hour and 35 minutes, 10 films)
    6:20 PM    Indie Filmmaker Awards Start
    8:00 PM    Indie Filmmaker Awards End
    9:00 PM    Post Event Red Carpet/Networking
    9:30 PM    Event Ends
    10:00 PM

    tICKETS

    Learn more:

    digital program

    Scroll down and the click the Pink Star to access the full digital program.

    Parking and Transportation

    Parking is FREE and plenty!The location is close to many bus stops and near a regional transit center. Transportation app drop off and pick up--easy too!

    Seating

    500 Seats

    Seating Accomodations

    TOCA staff makes every effort to accommodate patrons with special needs. Wheelchair seating is available in a variety of locations in both the Armstrong and Nakano Theatres. Please indicate any special needs on the order form, or call the box office 48 hours prior to the performance. This can be done at the time of ticket purchase.

    Film Festival Flyer

    Official selection 2025

    Films are in order of viewing.

    High School Block

    Passenger Prince
    Comedy
    Directed by: Lucia Berkovic
    School: Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School
    After making their getaway from a crime scene, two experienced thieves, Jamie and Freddy, inexplicably find a sleeping party guest in their car. They face a moral dilemma as they decide what to do with him, all while being trailed by his panicked friends who accidentally caused the situation in the first place.    A+ Idiot
    Comedy, Drama
    Directed by: Jake Soren Bossin
    School: Culver City High School
    When Andy hacks into his school's grading system to save his friend Jonah from summer school, he unknowingly opens up a Pandora's box of cash and lies as Jonah begins using Andy's techniques to sell better grades to other students. Will their friendship be able to handle the strain between Andy's scholarly ambitions and Jonah's greed?    Between Two Gardens
    Documentary, Experimental, Cultural
    Directed by: Tasneen Amin, Sam Rizzo, Isabella Sade Mancinas
    School: 32nd Street / USC Performing Arts Magnet
    After Nazneen is chosen in the diversity visa lottery, she starts anew in the U.S. and raises her children to preserve their Bangladeshi heritage. Through her own testimony, intercut with 16mm footage, home movies, cultural artifacts, and shots from her own garden, this intimate documentary short examines the subtle determination it takes to preserve identity in the face of assimilation, racism, and generational shifts.    Happy Fish
    Animation, Informational
    Directed by: Madeline Yutong Wong
    School: Arcadia High School
    A happy fish family is broken apart by pollution.    Light Work
    Experimental, Introspective
    Directed by: Zahra Eneyiye Bello
    School: Sierra Canyon School
    Ava faces her therapist, grappling with the haunting ambiguity of her identity. Torn between societal norms and her deepest yearnings, she embarks on a journey to uncover her authentic self before it slips away forever.    Flashback
    Drama, Comedy
    Directed by: Charlotte Sasson
    School: Culver City High School
    Despite being surrounded by her closest friends, Sabrina can't escape the feeling of dread as she celebrates her 18th birthday. The last thing she wants to do is grow up - and she wishes more than anything to just be a kid again. But when she wakes up as her 13-year-old self and relives her middle school days, she must decide whether to stay stuck in the past or finally choose to grow up.    Retribution
    Drama, Silent, Thriller
    Directed by: Zayn Saade
    School: Huntington Beach High School
    When a haunted man confronts the friend who betrayed him, a quiet alley becomes the stage for reckoning. What unfolds is a deadly encounter that explores the true cost of vengeance on the human soul, leaving behind only silence, shadows, and unbearable regret.    SIDE-TRACK'D
    Drama
    Directed by: Bardia Seiri
    School: Saugus High School
    "SIDE-TRACK'D" is a short film that follows the story of Daniel, a talented high school track athlete who receives a scholarship opportunity. However, his friendship with Tom leads him down a destructive path of addiction and violence, jeopardizing his future.    Before It's Too Late
    Drama, Public Service Announcement
    Directed by: Jasmine Isabella Linares
    School: Brentwood School
    A PSA about why wearing headphones loudly in public can be a dangerous risk.    Life After the Storm
    Drama
    Directed by: Hailey Johnston
    School: Redondo Union High School
    Alice Heart always tries to leave her hometown before Christmas; unfortunately, a thunderstorm blocks her from leaving. She is forced to face the grief she has been harboring for years, with the help of her Cousin Mary.    Intertwined
    Drama, Thriller
    Directed by: Lilly O’Brien
    School: LACHSA
    A person with dissociative identity disorder must face their past to integrate their three identities.    Stage Fright
    Horror, Experimental
    Directed by: Dean Gofnung
    School: Sierra Canyon School
    Things turn for the worse as a student's fears of public speaking overpower him during a speech.    Sunrise Falling
    Animation, Sci-Fi, Comedy
    Directed by: Alexander M. Salomon
    School: The Buckley School
    Two robots contemplate why they should keep their cogs turning on the edge of turning into scrap metal.

    Indie Block

    BLOCK AMannequin's Waltz
    Experimental, Magical Realism, Dance
    Directed by: Mercedes Garcia
    School: Stephens College
    A shopping mall mannequin comes to life as a curious ballerina.    Between Us
    Drama, Romance, Coming of Age
    Directed by: Colin Miller
    School: CSU Long Beach
    An anxious high schooler is caught between his toxic best friend and the girl of his dreams, changing their friendship forever.    Isaac
    Animation, Fantasy, Romance
    Directed by: Gianna Lucia Morreale
    School: CSU Long Beach
    A teen boy takes a walk along the beach while on a date with his best friend, but he starts to get increasingly nervous as they traverse closer and closer to the water.    Dad's Car Keys
    Drama, Coming of Age, Queer, Comedy
    Directed by: Esme Farro
    School: CSU Long Beach
    When a persistent 18-year-old girl isn't allowed to take the family car out after months of grieving at home, she tries to convince her overprotective father to move on and let her go.    Helium
    Romance, Comedy
    Directed by: Zack Abdulbaki
    School: Chapman University    After accidentally inhaling helium that leaves him with a squeaky high-pitched voice, a young man must navigate a high-stakes dinner date without speaking, leading to a series of misunderstandings and chaos that threatens his relationship.BLOCK BStabby Stabby
    Action, Comedy
    Directed by: Kenji McGuire
    A group of mobsters finds out one of them is a spy. Can they figure out who it is before they're all eliminated?    El Yapper
    Drama, dark comedy
    Directed by: Adam Perez
    Schools: CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, El Camino College
    When a mysterious accident renders him mute, Diego must navigate a world that no longer seems to understand him, confronting isolation and the fear of being a burden.    Good Boy
    Suspense, Thriller, Drama
    Directed by: Abraham Abotel
    School: CSU Long Beach
    Andrew must leave home to escape the shackles of his horrifying mother, but the only way to make that possible is to take on his biggest fear and defy her authority.    Sock Snatcher
    Comedy, Fantasy
    Directed by: Ellie Creighton
    After Steven discovers his lucky sock is missing, he embarks on a fantastical quest to retrieve it from the Sock Snatcher before his job interview begins.    Déjà Divinorum
    Experimental, Dark Fantasy, Comedy
    Directed by: Anthony Nathanial
    Without food or water, two unlikely strangers are stranded in an unfamiliar place and must find a way home.    Where All Inhalers Go
    Thriller, Drama
    Directed by: Joshua Baldwin
    School: CSU Long Beach
    In order to join a mysterious cult, a lonely man is hazed into killing his roommate, who suffers from severe asthma.    The Hunger
    Horror, Drama
    Directed by: Alexander Peet
    School: CSU Northridge
    A man isolates himself at home, slowly eating his health away while his girlfriend tries desperately to save him.    Almost Date Night
    Romance, Slice of life, Indie, Queer, melodrama
    Directed by: Skyler Nicole Bimat
    Schools: CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, El Camino College
    A slice of life glance into a modern Queer romance that follows Tommy and Jordan on a date night under their special circumstances.    Words to Live By
    Documentary, Short, Student
    Directed by: Richard E. Haywood
    School: CSU Long Beach
    A sign language interpreter tries to heal from childhood trauma through expanding idiomatic expression and minority representation in the deaf community.    What Are We?
    Comedy, Romance
    Directed by: William Burney
    Things get awkward after a couple is forced to explain their complicated relationship after being pulled over by a cop.

    Submit Your Short Film to the
    Riptide Film Festival

    Submit your film today and be part of a festival that champions independent voices and fresh perspectives. We can’t wait to see your vision on the big screen!

    Are you ready to share your story with the world?The Riptide Film Festival is calling for bold, original short films that inspire, entertain, and push creative boundaries. Whether you’re a student filmmaker, an indie creator, or an emerging storyteller, this is your chance to have your work screened in front of an engaged audience and industry professionals.

    Submission Important Dates and Deadlines

    Indie Filmmaker Deadline: May 23rd, 2025High School Deadline: June 29th, 2025High School Selection Notification Date: June 5th, 2025Indie Filmmaker Selection Notification Date: June 10th, 2025

    Use code "Riptide50off"at checkout for 50% off submissions.

    Please email [email protected] for deadline waiver requests

    The following awards and prizes will be awarded at the 2025 Riptide Film Festival. This list includes awards and prizes granted or determined by the selection committee and (film school professors and industry professionals) judges. Award categories, award names, and possible prizes are subject to change and are up to the discretion of the judges, screeners, and programmers.By discretion, special awards may be given at the jury's discretion to recognize exceptional talent, innovation, or impact beyond the listed categories.To learn more about sponsor, please check out Our Sponsors!

    High School Filmmaker Awards

    Best Short Wave
    (Best Overall Film)

    Sponsored by Watch Plus

    Awarded to the most outstanding high school short film, recognizing excellence in storytelling, creativity, and technical execution.

    Winners (4) will receive an exclusive WatchPlus Award Package, with a choice of either on-set access to shadow industry professionals, the chance to be considered for a creative role on an upcoming production, or distribution of their short film on the Watch+ app.

    Breakout Filmmaker
    (Best Young Director)

    Sponsored by IndieHubPro

    Celebrating a high school director who demonstrates exceptional filmmaking vision, leadership, and innovation.

    Winners (2) will receive one awarded account, which will grant the filmmaker instant access to VIP investors, increased upload limits, and a connection to influencers and musicians for licensing opportunities.

    A Cut Above
    (Best Storytelling)

    Sponsored by Watch Plus

    Honoring a high school film with the most compelling narrative, character development, and emotional impact.

    Winners (4) will receive an exclusive WatchPlus Award Package, with a choice of either on-set access to shadow industry professionals, the chance to be considered for a creative role on an upcoming production, or distribution of their short film on the Watch+ app.

    Indie Filmmaker Awards

    Golden Crest Award
    (Best Overall Film)

    Sponsored by Mometu

    Recognizing outstanding achievement in all aspects of filmmaking.

    Winner (1) will receive a distribution offer for their film to be available for streaming on the Mometu platform.

    Rising Tide Filmmaker (Best Director)

    Sponsored by IndieHubPro

    Celebrating an independent filmmaker whose direction brings a unique and compelling vision to life.

    Winners (2) will receive one awarded account, which will grant the filmmaker instant access to VIP investors, increased upload limits, and a connection to influencers and musicians for licensing opportunities.

    Heart of the Tide
    (Best Screenplay)

    Sponsored by Watch Plus

    Awarded to the most well-crafted screenplay, showcasing originality, structure, and powerful storytelling.

    Winners (4) will receive an exclusive WatchPlus Award Package, with a choice of either on-set access to shadow industry professionals, the chance to be considered for a creative role on an upcoming production, or distribution of their short film on the Watch+ app.

    Shoreline Spectacle
    (Best Cinematography)

    Sponsored by Watch Plus

    Recognizing excellence in visual storytelling, composition, and cinematography.

    Winners (4) will receive an exclusive WatchPlus Award Package, with a choice of either on-set access to shadow industry professionals, the chance to be considered for a creative role on an upcoming production, or distribution of their short film on the Watch+ app.

    Meet our 2025 Judging Team!

    Michelle Fenn

    Director, Producer, & Editor

    Michelle Fenn is a Los Angeles–based Producer, Director, and Editor originally from a small New England town. With a background in both scripted and nonfiction storytelling, she has built a career championing character-driven work across genres and platforms.She has worked on series, documentaries, branded and marketing content for clients including Netflix, Fox, Sony Pictures Animation, FX, Magnolia Network, and Live Nation. Her work with the BBC earned multiple Telly Awards for excellence in digital documentary series, while her direction of promotional campaigns for the television series Billions received both a Bronze Clio and a GEMA Award.Her scripted projects include the independently produced TV pilot Psychic School, which earned “Best Pilot” at the 2023 LA Independent Women's Film Awards and the Omni Cultural TV Festival, as well as “Best Producer” honors from the Toronto International Women’s Film Festival and LAIFF Awards. She has also edited several series and shorts across genres for both independent productions and major platforms.In the documentary space, she co-produced the feature films 21 Miles in Malibu and Black Outside. Her directorial debut, Beyond the Herd, the flagship project of her production company Outrider Films, screened at more than 20 festivals in 2024 and 2025, earning “Best Short Documentary” at EQUUS Film and Arts, Borrego Springs, Sunscreen North, Animalis Fabula, Tonkawa, and Equinale Film Festivals.Through Outrider Films, Michelle continues to develop bold, female-led stories rooted in grit, independence, and the untamed spirit of Americana.

    Psychic School (2025)
    Beyond the Herd (2024)

    Sophie Power

    Director & Producer

    Sophie Power is an award-winning NYC based documentary Director and experienced Producer working with such international clients as Nike, Converse and Carhartt. In the past, she collaborated on feature documentaries which broadcast on National Geographic and Sky Documentaries. Her personal work strives to give a lens to under-represented voices and is marked by a distinctive use of immersive soundscapes. Sophie’s style taps into the emotional world of its subjects by blending the real with the surreal. All the while using the cinematic language of fiction.Sophie recently worked on Sundance & SXSW winning documentary Selena y Los Dinos (2025), was nominated for a BAFTA scholarship in 2024 and qualified as a Netflix Documentary Talent Fund finalist in 2023. She holds an MFA in Directing and was shortlisted by the Academy Awards for the Student Oscars in 2025 for her hybrid documentary film Whatever A Sun Will Always Sing.

    Whatever A Sun Will Always Sing (2025) - hybrid documentary
    Selena Y Los Dinos (2025)
    Mr. Polaroid (2025)
    Life's A Mother (2025)
    Babygirl (short - 2025)
    Por Fabiana (2025)
    Tendu (2024)
    Hawking, Can You Hear Me? (2021)
    Back to the Titanic (2020)

    Lada Egorova

    Screenwriter & Director

    Lada Egorova is a director and screenwriter who loves exploring different genres and themes in her work. Her films often touch on resilience, the human need for connection, and the complexities of finding or leaving home. With over a dozen short films to her name and several series created, Lada is committed to telling stories that resonate on a deep emotional level.

    Papochka (short film)
    A Bad Joke (short film)
    Journey to Origin (sci-fi series)
    Blade & Bullets (Western Series)

    Please email or fill out the contact form, if you have any questions or concerns about submissions, submissions rules, or submission terms.

    All submissions must have been completed after January of 2023.Films must not exceed 10 minutes in total length.The festival will only communicate with the project submitter. Please make sure your contact information is correct and monitored regularly, as we will only communicate with you, through email.All films must be the original work of the filmmakers, and all filmmakers must have the necessary rights. The festival will not be responsible for any copyright-related issues.The submitter agrees that the festival will use the trailer, poster, stills, and promotional material upon selection for festival promotional purposes.Selected films and directors will be included in pre-event director interviews.Filmmakers are required to submit their films through an online screener. Please note that we do not accept new or updated versions of the submitted films. Therefore, changing or updating the originally submitted link is not allowed. Our programmers will only review one version of your film.Filmmakers may submit multiple films. However, each film must be accompanied by a separate entry form and submission fee.Selected films must acknowledge that the festival reserves the right to promote the films on Riptide Films, Aureate Productions, Evol Dog Productions, and the Riptide Film Festival website and social media using both images and videos that you provide. By submitting, you permit us to use clips, stills, and trailers for promotional purposes.All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway, no physical or mailed submissions will be allowed.If your film was selected and screened at previous Riptide Film Festivals, it will not be accepted for this iteration.Films in a language other than English must include English subtitles.Entry fees are non-refundable.Selected films will receive 1 VIP ticket.

    Thank you! We have already selected our screeners for 2025!

    Help us select titles for this year’s official selection!

    Our Screening Committees assist with viewing titles submitted to the Festival and nominating short films for awards. 3-5 Volunteer Screeners will help carefully curate a bold and exciting festival program.Whether you have a background in film, are a dedicated cinephile, a critic, or are simply curious, we’re open to anyone to join us as we assess the many submissions from local indie filmmakers.No need for resumes, cover letters, or interviews.

    Benefits

    1 Free VIP Ticket – Access to all festival screenings & perksCertificate of CompletionSee festival selections before anyone else!Network with indie filmmakers & gain festival experience

    Film Screener Expectations & Responsibilities

    Must have reliable internet access to stream submissions.
    Should expect to watch a minimum of 15 short films (with a duration of less than 10 minutes each).    All screeners are required to watch each film in full before completing an evaluation and nomination form for each short film.An open and unbiased mind is essential. You will need to provide fair, objective, and constructive evaluations of all films assigned.

    All screeners are not allowed to submit a film to the festival to remain conflict-free.All screeners must keep all film submissions confidential and not share any content with external parties or online.Screeners will be required to attend an online evaluation training and guidelines webinar.

    Attending the festival requires a ticket, learn how to purchase General Admissions and the VIP Festival Pass!

    Ticket Tiers and Pricing

    High School Block

    $15

    G.A. Access to the High School Block and it's Award Ceremony

    Indie Block

    $15

    G.A. Access to the Indie Filmmaker Block and it's Award Ceremony

    VIP Festival Pass

    $40

    Access to both screening blocks, the Award Ceremony, and VIP exclusive perks.

    Purchase Tickets

    G.A. = General AdmissionThe price of tickets does not include a $2.25 Internet Processing Fee.Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office (Hours: Tues. - Fri. 1 - 8 pm, Sat. 12 - 4 pm).

    Tickets to attend the festival will be available for purchase on TOCA’s website.A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door, on the day of the event.For group sales, additional seating options or discounts please call the box office 310-781-7171.

    VIP Perks

    Step and Repeat + Professional Red Carpet Photos
    Early Entry
    Access to VIP Lounge
    VIP Badge
    Concession Tickets

    Want your logo featured on our site and our Instagram, among other perks? Sponsor the festival!

    Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!

    Our 2025 Venue Sponsor & Festival Location Host

    Our 2025 Festival Award Sponsors

    Best Short Wave, A Cut Above, Heart of the Tide and Shoreline Spectacle

    Rising Tide Filmmaker and Breakout Filmmaker

    Golden crest award

    Our 2025 Sponsors

    Shining Supporter

    El Jacalito
    Lomita, CA

    Island Hut
    Lomita, CA

    Silver Cinematic Insider

    After-Party Host

    Mom Said Yes
    Torrance, CA

    Our 2025 Marketing and Communication Efforts

    Social media Content samples

    Explore our content samples to see the quality, creativity, and impact your sponsorship helps bring to life.Click below to preview our work!

    Our 2025 sponsor ads (Produced by Riptide Films and Aureate productions)

    Contact Us - Schedule a call or meeting with our sponsorship team to learn more, before the deadline.

    Support the event and the future of film!

    Join us in celebrating creativity, innovation, and the next generation of storytellers. The Riptide Film Festival brings together passionate filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience—where fresh voices shine and bold ideas take center stage.By becoming a sponsor, you’re not just supporting an event—you’re investing in the arts, in local talent, and in the power of storytelling. Your partnership helps us provide emerging filmmakers with a platform to share their work, connect with audiences, and take their careers to new heights.

    Types of Partnerships and Sponsors

    Financial Sponsors
    In-Kind Sponsors
    Partnerships (Marketing and Communication)
    Media Partners
    Festival Award Sponsors

    How to become a sponsor

    Our Sponsors – Meet the incredible businesses and organizations already making this festival possible.

    Sponsor Guide – Discover the benefits of sponsorship and how your brand can be a part of this exciting festival.

    Social Media Content Samples - Preview the best part of being a sponsor.

    Contact Us - Schedule a call or meeting with our sponsorship team to learn more.

    Sponsor Intake Form & Payment Options - Ready to become a sponsor? Fill out the form to help us get to know you and your business. Payment information included.

    Sponsorship Tiers

    A downloadable brochure with Sponsor tiers.

    Sponsorship Fact Sheet PDF

    A downloadable sponsor fact sheet, on demographics and attendee profiles

    for survey, demographic, film submissions, screeners applications, and personal data for Riptide Film Festival page

    Effective Date: April 7th, 2025Riptide Film Festival | Torrance, California, USARiptide Film Festival ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to respecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal information.This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your data through our submission platforms, surveys, social media, and communications-including FilmFreeway, Gmail, Instagram, and Google Forms.1. Information We Collect
    We may collect and store the following types of information:    A. Personal Information
    - Full name
    - Email address
    - Phone number
    - School affiliation (for students)
    - Mailing address (if applicable)
    - Social media handles (if applicable)    B. Demographic Information (optional)
    - Age or age range
    - Gender identity
    - Race/Ethnicity
    - Other voluntary identity-based data    C. Film Submission Details
    Collected via FilmFreeway or forms:
    - Film title and synopsis
    - Director, producer, and crew bios
    - Screening links and video files
    - Posters, stills, press kits
    - Release forms and permissions
    - Production year, genre, and duration
    -Student Status
    More information is collected within reason.    D. Survey & Feedback Data
    Collected via Google Forms or similar tools:
    - Opinions about the festival experience
    - Suggestions for improvement
    - Accessibility or inclusion needs
    - Community engagement input    E. How We Use Your Information
    We use the information you provide to:
    - Process and review film submissions
    - Communicate event updates and screening information
    - Program festival selections and schedule
    - Analyze survey feedback and improve the event
    - Report anonymized demographics for funding, outreach, or grant purposes
    - Promote selected films and filmmakers (with credit and consent)    F. Sharing and Disclosure
    We do not sell or rent your personal information. Data may be shared with:
    - Festival organizers, staff, and judges (for review and planning)
    - Trusted third-party platforms (e.g., FilmFreeway, Google Forms, Gmail)
    - Partners, sponsors, or granting organizations (in aggregated or anonymized formats only)    G. Data Security
    We take reasonable steps to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized access or disclosure. However, no internet-based service is 100% secure. Submitting information is at your own discretion and risk.    H. Data Retention
    We retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. After the conclusion of the festival, only email addresses and non-identifiable demographic data may be stored for internal use, future festival updates, or grant reporting. All other personally identifiable information will be deleted.
    Submission and survey data may be archived for programming records, internal research, or future festival planning.    I. Social Media and Third-Party Links
    Our pages on Instagram (@riptidefilmfest). Website (riptidefilmfest.com) or external links (e.g., YouTube, FilmFreeway) may lead to third-party sites not controlled by us. Please review their individual privacy policies for more information.    J. Youth and Student Submissions
    For high school submissions, teacher or school representative verification may be required.    K. Updates to This Policy
    We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted here and noted with a revised effective date.    Contact Us
    For questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us via email.

    Volunteer

    Be a part of making waves with the breakout Riptide Film Festival! As a volunteer, you’ll play a key role in helping the event run smoothly, ensuring a top-tier experience for guests, filmmakers, and industry professionals. In return, you'll gain hands-on experience, exclusive perks, and a front-row seat to the Riptide Film Festival.Whether you're passionate about film, interested in event production, or just love being in the energy of a creative community, there’s a spot for you on our team!We recommend signing up for at least one full shift, but multiple shifts are welcome (and appreciated!). Indicate your top two team preferences on the form. Final placements will be confirmed by the Riptide Team based on availability and event needs.

    Ideal Volunteers

    Positive and professional attitude
    Reliable and punctual
    Team player with great communication
    Interest in film, media, events, or entertainment

    Volunteer Perks

    Complimentary GA access to the festival outside of your shift (Festival Operations Team Only)
    Exclusive access to the volunteer green room + private crafty
    Networking opportunities with industry professionals & filmmakers
    Complimentary After-party ticket (Clean-Up Team only)
    Volunteer Hours (if required to fulfill)

    Volunteer Teams

    Festival Operations

    Be the friendly face and strong support that helps our festival run smoothly. You’ll work with our core staff to manage crowd flow, help seat attendees, answer questions, and ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.Duties Include:Greeting and checking in guests
    Assisting with seating and venue transitions
    Managing line flow and general admission entry
    Supporting special guests with green room and backstage access    Available Shifts:10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    Clean Up Crew

    Help us close out the festival strong. This shift is short but mighty. Volunteers will help restore the venue to its original condition, including clean-up of trash, breakdown of decorations, and packing up equipment.Duties Include:Collecting trash and recycling
    Assisting with the breakdown of event materials
    Sweeping and organizing event spaces
    Clean-Up volunteers receive a FREE ticket to the After Party!    Available Shift:10:00 PM – 11:30 PM (shift may run shorter)

    21+ Only Event, Seperate Ticketed Event

    An unforgettable night of food, drinks, music, & good vibes

    After the Credits Roll...When the final film fades to black, the night is just getting started! Join the 2025 Riptide Film Festival team and the incredible filmmakers behind the screen for a late-night celebration filled with food, drinks, music, and good vibes.Bring your friends, roll deep with your creative crew, or make new connections under the stars.Let’s end the festival on a high note—together.

    Time

    10:30pm - 1:00am (directly after the festival)

    Location

    Mom Said Yes
    4525 Calle Mayor
    Torrance, CA 90505

    Parking and Transportation

    Plan Ahead. Celebrate Responsibly.If you plan to drink, we strongly encourage you to arrange a safe way home. Please consider bringing a sober companion, a designated driver, or using a rideshare app for pickup and drop-off.Rideshare services are welcome at the venue—just note that transportation costs are the responsibility of each guest.Parking is available and plenty, attached to the venue and on the street.Let’s keep the good vibes going and make sure everyone gets home safely.

    Buy your tickets

    $10 (+$2.51 fees = $12.51)

    Know before you go

    21+ Event — ID RequiredThis after-party is strictly 21 and over. Please be prepared to show a valid ID at the door—no exceptions.This event is a seperate ticketed event from the festival.

    After Party Flyer

    Interested in sponsoring the event? Providing media coverage or media/press opportunities?Want to ask us a question about the festival or submissions?Fill the form out below or email us.