The Sundance lineup just dropped - and with it, a clear signal for the year ahead. If you’re serious about visibility in 2026, this is your early advantage.
Industry Updates:
🎥 Sundance 2026 Lineup Announced
Sundance has officially revealed its 2026 lineup. The festival runs January 22–February 1, 2026 in Park City, Utah - its final Utah edition before relocating to Boulder in 2027.
Full announcement → https://festival.sundance.org/
What this means for you:
Even if your film isn’t in this year’s slate, Sundance sets the tone for the curatorial climate of the coming season. Study programming themes, runtimes, formats, and genre mix - then use that intel to sharpen your 2026 strategy.
Action Step:
Identify patterns and preferences in the selection. Let this inform how you position your next round of submissions.
🎥 Cannes 2026 Submissions Are Now Open
Cannes has opened submissions for its 2026 Official Selection.
Feature film deadline: March 13, 2026
Submit here → https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/take-part/submit-a-film/
What this means for you:
If Cannes is on your festival roadmap, premiere strategy and packaging need to be locked in now. This festival rewards clarity, confidence, and meticulous positioning.
Action Step:
Revisit your press materials and positioning now, before the final cutoff.
🎥 Tribeca 2026 Deadline Approaching
Tribeca has opened submissions for its 25th edition, running June 3–14, 2026 in New York City. Extended Feature & TV Deadline is December 17, 2025 (6:00 PM ET).
Submit here → https://filmfreeway.com/TribecaFestival
What this means for you:
Tribeca programs bold, culturally relevant films with a distinctive voice. If your work resonates with these themes and it haven't already screened in New York, this isn’t a “wait and see” festival - it’s a submit now opportunity.
Action Step:
Finalize your submission narrative and make sure your creative positioning aligns with Tribeca’s curatorial focus.
🎥 Berlinale Names Wim Wenders as Jury President
Wim Wenders has been appointed President of the International Jury for Berlinale 2026 (Feb 12–22, 2026).
Official site: https://www.berlinale.de
What this means for you:
While a jury president doesn’t change programming, this shift signals continued emphasis on auteur-driven, humanist storytelling.
Action Step:
If your project thrives in that territory, emphasize directorial certainty and thematic depth in your Berlinale materials.
Festival Spotlight
🌟 Sidewalk Film Festival
đź“Ť Birmingham, Alabama
Sidewalk continues to be one of the most filmmaker-forward festivals in the U.S., known for sharp programming and strong audience engagement.
Why it matters:
It’s a true momentum festival - a strong showing here often translates into respected regional and national runs.
Action Step:
If your film has emotional resonance and audience appeal, apply now while the window is open.
Submit via FilmFreeway → https://filmfreeway.com/sidewalkfilm
Deadlines & Open Calls
- Sony Future Filmmaker Awards
Deadline: December 16, 2025 | **Free entry**
https://www.sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com - Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
Regular Deadline: January 15, 2026 | Rising Midwest gem with real momentum
https://filmfreeway.com/JulienDubuqueInternationalFilmFestival - BendFilm Festival
2026 deadlines now open | Boutique & filmmaker-first
https://filmfreeway.com/BendFilm
đź’ˇ Final Thought
Festival seasons move faster than filmmakers expect. The smartest play? Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Submit with strategy, not stress.
Until next week,
Heather
filmfestivalinsider.com
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