Indie Short Film Festival

The 2026 Indie Short Film Festival (ISFF) returns March 20–22, 2026, bringing an expanded and dynamic program to downtown Charlottesville. Now in its third year, the festival will showcase 100+ short films from independent filmmakers across the U.S. and abroad, alongside panel discussions, workshops, Brunch Awards, Screenwriting Competition,live music events, and community-centered programming that celebrates storytelling in all its forms.

The festival’s official selections span a wide range of film blocks, including animation, documentary, and live-action short films, curated around compelling themes that explore personal journeys, social issues, cultural identity, humor, resilience, and imagination. Together, these films reflect the diversity and creative ambition driving today’s independent film landscape.

The festival’s programming takes place in six venues, all conveniently located on the vibrant downtown mall. 

Panels, Partnerships, and Conversations that Matter

A cornerstone of ISFF 2026 is its robust lineup of panel discussions featuring filmmakers, industry professionals, scholars, and creatives. Topics include Animation, Artificial Intelligence in Film, Distribution, Screenwriting, Women in Film, The Black Experience in American Cinema, and more.

New for 2026 is a premier partnership with the Festival of the Book, debuting the panel “Words on Pages to the Screen,” which explores how novels and literary works are adapted into films. This timely collaboration bridges literature and cinema, offering audiences a deeper look at the creative and practical process of adaptation.

Also new for the festival, the Indie short Film Festival has partnered with the School of Visual Arts New York presenting an animation film block loaded with 14 outstanding animated films. 

New Initiative

The Youth Internship Pathway Program (YIPP) provides closer look for local youths into the world of opportunities the film industry offers in terms of careers. Often young people look at the "movie business" as something you can only dream about or be very lucky to achieve, as they are mesmerized by the stardom of the people in front of the camera. But have no idea of the people who actually make it all happen. The crafts of being a Gaffer, Grib, Assistant Camera Operator, Camera Operator, Director of Photography, Set Designer, and many other positions are not known to the average person watching a film. YIPP connects the intern with a visiting filmmaker with a film in the festival to shadow them part of the weekend with a formal sit down lunch, the intern attending panel discussions and the film screening of the paired filmmaker, and later providing the festival with a report of their learning,

Launch Party, Competitions, and Workshops

The festival kicks off with a high-energy Launch Party featuring the popular band SHAGWÜF, starring Sally Rose, with music by DJ Dutchie. The event brings filmmakers, artists, and the community together to celebrate the start of the weekend in true ISFF style.

ISFF 2026 also features a Screenwriting Competition, culminating in a live Table Read Event, where selected screenplays are performed before an audience—highlighting emerging voices and the craft of storytelling at its earliest stage.

For filmmakers and creatives looking to sharpen their skills, the festival will host a Cinematography Workshop, offering practical insights into visual storytelling, camera techniques, and creative decision-making behind the lens.

Celebrating Excellence

The weekend concludes with the Sunday Brunch Awards and screenings, honoring outstanding films, performances, and creative achievements across multiple categories. The awards ceremony provides a celebratory close to a weekend dedicated to independent voices and cinematic excellence.

The 2026 Indie Short Film Festival continues its mission to serve as a platform for diverse storytelling, education, and meaningful dialogue—connecting filmmakers and audiences through film, conversation, and community.

Tickets, passes, and full schedule information will be announced soon.
For updates, visit www.indieshortfilmfestival.net and follow the Indie Short Film Festival on social media. To join the festival as a sponsor, email asureshot1@gmail.com