ETHOS Film Awards
April 21 – 26, 2026 | Santa Monica, California
For seven years, the ETHOS Film Awards International Film Festival has brought together filmmakers, industry professionals, students, and audiences from around the globe to celebrate purpose-driven storytelling. Founded by producers, directors, and actors, the festival is hosted annually in Santa Monica, CA and organized by the ETHOS Film Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to education, inclusion, and impact.
A Festival With Purpose
The ETHOS Film Awards is more than a festival — it is a movement for a better tomorrow. We showcase films that promote peace, diversity, inclusion, disability and neurodiversity, mental health awareness, addiction recovery, animal protection, family and youth advocacy, and environmental sustainability. We believe the art of storytelling transcends cultures and languages, and we champion projects that spark dialogue, healing, and action.
We accept all genres and lengths — fiction, non-fiction, scripts, PSAs, commercials, reels, and experimental work — as long as they carry a message with social impact.
Venues & Live Events
Our live event takes place across Santa Monica, with screenings at Laemmle Monica Film Center and additional partner venues. Just steps from the beachfront, our festival experience combines world-class cinema with inspiring conversations.
In addition to screenings, ETHOS Film Awards offers panels, workshops, and industry discussions on topics critical to humanity and the film business — giving filmmakers the chance to learn, connect, and expand their reach.
Our Team & Industry Leaders
The ETHOS Film Awards is led by a passionate team of professionals:
Anabelle D. Munro — Founder, Festival Director & CEO
Suzette Troché-Stapp — Chief Creative Director
Diane Miller — Executive Producer
Erman Baradi — Creative Director
Judges and advisors include industry leaders such as James Keach, Joseph Rosendo, Kay Sumner, Carole Joyce, and many more. Past participants and panelists have included Meg LeFauve, Barnet Bain, Cindy Cowan, Henry Jaglom, Lewis Teague, and other distinguished voices.
Awards & Prizes
Winners are recognized with the ETHOS Film Award Statue, certificates, mentorship awards, stipends, production gear, and more.
We honor excellence across categories such as:
Fiction Film (all genres)
Documentary
Script / Written Word
PSA
Commercials
Reels
Special Awards highlight themes including:
Courage
Sustainability
Diversity & Inclusion
Peace
Disability & Neurodiversity
Mental Health
Addiction Recovery
Gender Equality
Education Matters
Next Generation (youth up to 18)
Additional honors include:
Grand Jury Best Director
Grand Jury Best Feature Film
Lifetime Achievement Award
ETHOS Female Empowerment Award
ETHOS Writer of the Year
ETHOS Producer of the Year
Why ETHOS
Over 100 projects are officially selected each year, with more than 20 awards presented. The festival has become a trusted platform where filmmakers from 180+ countries connect with peers, mentors, and audiences.
By joining ETHOS, you become part of a global community of purpose-driven storytellers committed to social change.
Submit Your Film
We invite filmmakers of all backgrounds and genres to submit their work. Whether subtle or bold, your story matters — and ETHOS is here to amplify it.
