Back in 1997, Malibu Film Foundation, a California Non Profit was founded by Malibu local producer, David Katz, to organize the Malibu Film Festival. The first Malibu Film Festival took place in 1999 with rave reviews. Over the years the festival has remained true to its mission of helping new filmmakers showcase their work to the film industry decision makers. After winning top honors at the Malibu Film Festival, filmmakers have gone on to be represented by the major talent agencies and have signed multi picture deals with the movie studios.