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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!
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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