We welcome you to join us in celebrating independent filmmaking. With a DMV film block, a Virginia Only block, and Virginia films shown throughout the three days, one of our goals is to provide a space for regional filmmakers to call home, even though we feature films from over 15 countries.

When: March 20th, 2026 – March 22nd, 2026

Where: Downtown Charlottesville (Multiple Locations)

This year’s festival includes:

-Launch Party w/ a Live Performance by the Shagwüf Band, music by Dj Dutchie

-131 Short Films (Docs, Live Action, Animations, & Music Videos) w/ Q&A

-A Cinematography Workshop with California Based DP, Luke Kreger

– 7 Panel Discussions on: Novels to Screenwriting to the Screen (partnered with the Festival of the Book), Women in Film, Animation, Documentary Filmmaking, The Legalities of AI in Filmmaking, The Black Experience in American Cinema, and Distributing Your Film

– Screenwriting Competition, Table Reads, and Sunday Brunch Awards

-Filmmaker & Sponsor Lounge Catered by Pearl Island Catering.

Promotional Video: https://vimeo.com/1166494801

Passes and individual tickets are available now. Panels and the Table Read event are FREE.

For More Information and to Purchase Tickets: https://www.indieshortfilmfestival.net/

***The Virginia Film Office is not affiliated with this project and it is up to the participants interested in this opportunity to vet the project and get more details directly from the company.***