PROOF Festival Expands to Support Filmmakers' Journeys from Shorts to Features

In October 2025, the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles is hosting the third edition of its PROOF film festival, which has expanded to provide more support for emerging filmmakers. The event, which runs from November 7-9, will feature screenings of proof-of-concept short films, along with panels and development funds to help these filmmakers take their projects to the next level.

One of the festival's centerpiece events is the "Pitch Deck Show & Tell," which will give filmmakers the opportunity to present their feature and series concepts to a live audience of industry professionals. Participants will have five minutes to pitch their ideas and receive real-time feedback to help refine their projects.

Additionally, PROOF will host the Los Angeles premiere of the Sundance-winning feature film "Atropia," which began as a short before being expanded into a full-length movie. Writer/director Hailey Gates and star Alia Shawkat will participate in a Q&A session between the screenings of the short and feature versions.

The festival's primary mission is to empower the next generation of filmmakers by providing a platform for their proof-of-concept shorts. These shorts will be eligible for several juried awards, including a new "Shot on Film" Award sponsored by Kodak. The winners will also receive grants from the newly created PROOF Development Fund to support their creative journeys.