Welcome!
Join us as we welcome the 2026 filmmakers on Saturday, August 1st at 8:00 PM at NoHo Plaza.
Come meet the visionaries behind the lens, mingle with fellow film lovers, and kick off a fantastic festival weekend!
Free and open to the public.
JULY 30 - AUGUST 12
2026 LINEUP
From the NFL gridiron to the grand opera stage 🏈🎶
Watch as NBC4 featured The Platform, a powerful new narrative short film following the incredible true story of Ta’u Pupu’a.
Thursday, August 6 at 7:45 pm (program 38)
Born in Tonga, Ta’u rose to the heights of professional football in the NFL. But when a devastating injury derailed his athletic career during his very first game, he refused to let his story end there. Instead, he dared to imagine an improbable second act—reinventing himself into a world-class operatic tenor.
This inspiring short film proves that when life changes your game plan, your voice can still move the world.
📺 Catch the full feature on NBC4 and discover the resilience behind one of the most remarkable second acts in arts and sports history!
INDUSTRY SESSION
3-PACK
FRIDAY
AUGUST 7
1:30-2:30 PM
ACTORS &
DIRECTORS
EXCHANGE
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The session objective is to bring together actors and directors to generate new connections and potential collaborations through the exchange of experiences from different creative perspective. We are interested in promoting dialogue between directors and actors to improve the creative process.
SATURDAY
AUGUST 8
1:30-2:30 PM
Pre-Production Legal /
How Not to Shoot Yourself In the Foot
Entertainment attorney Asa Pitt breaks down the legal essentials for indie filmmakers, creators, and talent. You'll walk away with clear, practical tips to avoid costly mistakes, protect your work, and set your project up for success. Whether it's locking down rights, negotiating talent deals, union compliance, or clearance, one misstep can derail your film.
SUNDAY
AUGUST 9
1:30-2:30 PM
LAUNCH YOUR CAREER
WITH A SHORT FILM
You’ve made your short film and played the festival circuit- now what? How do I turn it into a feature film or TV series? What’s the best way to use it to get representation? This year, industry experts will discuss how to use the success of your short content to opening the doors towards the next step in your career, and your vision for your project.
Industry 3-Pack | $40.00
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Includes access to all 3 Industry Sessions
The Screenplay Competition Winner: THE MEET-UP by Enrique R. Carrasco
The script brilliantly utilizes parallel storytelling and visual misdirection. By keeping the focus entirely on Michael’s grueling adaptation to his new reality and his mounting anxiety about hiding his condition from a girl he met online, the final reveal—that Lisa is also utilizing a sports wheelchair—is both a beautiful subversion of expectations and a profound emotional payoff.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped us reach our milestone 30th Anniversary. To our visionary filmmakers, thank you for trusting us with your powerful and unforgettable stories. To our dedicated volunteers, your energy and passion were the engine that brought the festival to life. To our vital sponsors, your support ensures these independent voices are heard. And finally, to our amazing attendees, thank you for showing up, engaging, and celebrating the art of short film.
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