Slamdance Festival Reveals 2026 Lineup, Its Second in Los Angeles

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy . We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The Slamdance Film Festival is officially back with its full 2026 lineup, marking the scrappy and radical festival’s second year in Los Angeles - and a renewed push to keep independent filmmaking accessible even as the core entertainment industry remains unstable. Happening in person from February 19 to 25 (with a virtual component extending through March 6 on the Slamdance Channel), the 32nd edition will showcase 141 films from more than 50 countries. More than two dozen of those titles will premiere at the festival, which aims to continue the event’s long-standing mission of unexpected discovery. All narrative and documentary features in competition are directorial debuts, made for under $1 million, and currently without U.S. distribution . This year’s program was selected from roughly 10,000 submissions, with 28 percent coming from filmmakers in the Los Angeles area. Slamdance co-founder Peter Baxter framed the lineup as a response to this particularly fraught present moment. It’s also an essential buoy for the SoCal city. “At a time when our industry is facing real uncertainty, Slamdance remains deeply committed to supporting filmmakers and bringing our community together,” he said, emphasizing the essential importance of low-cost opportunity and meaningful artistic dialogue. Despite headwinds facing DEI initiatives nationwide, the festival’s commitment to a diverse future is still reflected in the numbers. Half of the selected films were directed by female, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers, and 41.4 percent come from BIPOC creators. Nearly 10 percent of the lineup is made by artists with visible and non-visible disabilities, as anchored by the sixth annual Unstoppable program. The program offers four features and 13 shorts from around the world, chosen because they “challenge stereotypes and explore unique narratives.” The festival also brings back its Made in L.A. section, spotlighting 41 local productions and a robust slate of community events. Screenings and events will take place at the DGA, Landmark Sunset, and 2220 Arts, with the closing night ceremony set at the historic Egyptian Theatre (now owned by Netflix). In-person passes are priced at $50. Read the full program below. “Danny Is My Boyfriend” (Made in LA) (USA) Directors: Mechi Lakatos, Lucy Sandler Producers: Lucy Sandler, Mechi Lakatos, Rachel Brunner, Joey Fitzsimmons, Trace Le Cast: Lucy Sandler, Mechi Lakatos, Brooke Smith, Rachel Brunner, Maleah Goldberg, Michelle Thompson After discovering they’re dating the same man, a recovering codependent living with her mother and a socially awkward babysitter fumble their way through a series of misguided schemes, enlisting a parade of eccentric and unqualified accomplices in a half-baked mission to get revenge. “ Dump of Untitled Pieces” (İsimsiz Eserler Mezarlığı) (Turkey) - North American Premiere Director: Melik Kuru Producers: Hilal Şenel, Fahriye İsmayilova, Simla Güran (co-producer) Cast: Manolya Maya, Ekremcan Arslandağ, Tuğrul Tülek, Tülin...

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