The Lee Strasberg Film Festival
Founded at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York, the Lee Strasberg Film Festival was designed to encourage students and alumni to put their training into practice, create original work, and explore new roles. From its earliest days, the festival provided a setting to share and celebrate their work while fostering connection and collaboration within the LSTFI community.
Today, the Lee Strasberg Film Festival has grown into a three-day celebration of independent cinema and exceptional acting, set in the vibrant hub of Los Angeles. As a platform for both emerging talent and established voices, the festival showcases the best in narrative short and feature films from around the world — connecting LSTFI talent with the global industry.
Rooted in the legacy of Lee Strasberg, the festival places special emphasis on actor performance, honoring the actor’s craft as central to great storytelling on screen. With a rich history tracing from the Group Theatre and the Actors Studio through today’s industry, the Institute continues to stand as a beacon of excellence in actor training.
The Lee Strasberg Film Festival celebrates the power of performance while recognizing the collaborative craft of filmmaking through awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and more. Past jurors include Michael Imperioli, Rebecca De Mornay, John Hindman, Gabe Bologna, Claudia Stedelin, David Rappaport, Joel Gretsch, and Peter Flood.
