Filmmakers from around the globe are given an assignment to create a short film, documentary, music video or commercial from start to completion within seven days. Each project shines a light on individuals and organizations making a positive difference in our world. It is a film festival like no other, where the audience become participants in a multi-media event of sound and visuals; where they are invited to experience the sensations of the unity, diversity, magic, creativity and compassion that are the true heart of our collective humanity. 

Since launching in a yoga studio in 2005, in just three years Elevate became the largest single screen film festival in the world, hosting up to 6000 people per screening! The annual event has generated international acclaim, earning overwhelming support from Hollywood, including Kevin Costner, Jeff Goldblum, Alanis Morissette, Black Eyed Peas, India Arie, Mario Van Peebles, Derek Luke, and numerous industry icons.

In 2007, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited Elevate to be the first and only film festival to inhabit the prestigious Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. The 3400-seat theatre was filled to capacity and hundreds were turned away. To accommodate its rapidly expanding audience, in 2008 Elevate Film Festival moved to the state-of-the-art, 7000 seat Nokia Theatre.

“Elevate Film Festival is the fastest growing independent film event in the world!”
—Forbes

“Elevate Film Festival is the first ever filmmaking competition to challenge the international film community to create works of social and global importance.”
 —The Los Angeles Times

“It was great to see a show like this at the Kodak Theatre. What Elevate is doing is more important than the Academy Awards!”
—Esai Morales, Actor

“Such an honor to participate in the Elevate experience! … I am blown away!”
—Alanis Morissette, Musical Artist

“It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you contemplate life. All of my favorite things.”
—Jeff Goldblum, Actor

“Elevate is exactly what’s needed in the world. It’s time to Elevate!”
—Daryl Hannah, Actress

“Elevate will wow your soul, inspire your spirit to be fully and vitally alive. You don’t want to miss drinking this visual splendor and wonder.”
—Mark Victor Hansen, Co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul

“The time has come for media to be the force of transformation we all know it to be. ELEVATE is pioneering this movement.”
—Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, Founder of Agape

“I love Elevate! This is the most fun I've ever had making a music video!”
—India.Arie, Musical Artist