Welcome to 2026. Let’s move different.
Because this year is not about getting in —
It’s about getting seen, strategized, and set up to go further than the screening room.
This week, I’m breaking down festivals that are signaling where the circuit is heading — and how to position yourself ahead of the curve.
This is the kind of insight most filmmakers never get. But you’re not most filmmakers.
Let’s dive in.
🔥 INDUSTRY SIGNAL #1
Sundance 2026: Final Utah Edition Sends a Clear Message
View lineup →
Sundance just dropped its 2026 lineup — and it’s their last before moving to Boulder in 2027. But the real news? The programming tells us exactly where the industry is headed:
- Bold voice
- Tight runtimes
- Cultural specificity
- Films that know what lane they’re in
Even if Sundance isn’t on your radar, it’s still the circuit’s north star. What premieres here? Everyone else follows 6–12 months later.
Action Step:
Study the lineup like a strategist. What themes are rising? What formats are showing up? Use this to audit your current submission list — are you still chasing last year’s taste?
🎯 INDUSTRY SIGNAL #2
Raindance Doubles Down on Indie Credibility
Explore →
Raindance continues to be one of the most press-friendly, filmmaker-first festivals in the UK — and it’s an Oscar-qualifier for shorts.
It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful. Films that screen here often leap into broader European runs, media coverage, and distro convos — without the velvet rope vibe.
Action Step:
If your work has strong craft, global appeal, or a smart genre angle, don’t overlook Raindance. This is more than a UK fest — it’s a launchpad.
🏆 INDUSTRY SIGNAL #3
Palm Springs Film Awards: The Bounce Is Real
Read the feature →
Palm Springs just wrapped its annual Awards Gala — and while it’s not a submissions-focused event, its ripple effect through the industry is undeniable.
This festival shapes perception. Publicists, Oscar consultants, and distributors all track what screens here. It’s not just about recognition — it’s about positioning.
And right now, submissions are open for the 2026 Palm Springs International ShortFest — one of the most respected Oscar-qualifying shorts fests in the world.
Action Step:
Even if you're not Oscar-bound (yet), study how Palm Springs curates and celebrates its slate. This is a masterclass in sustained visibility. Ask yourself: where could your film stay visible between premiere and pitch meetings — not just pop once and vanish?
🧠 SPOTLIGHT: New Media Film Festival
If your film uses AI, immersive tech, or doesn’t play by traditional narrative rules, this is where you should be looking.
New Media isn’t guessing about innovation — it’s built for it. Think:
- AR/VR
- Platform-native series
- Experimental formats
- AI-assisted storytelling
Action Step:
Stop forcing unconventional work into legacy boxes. New Media is where your innovation is the advantage — not a liability.
-
🗓 DEADLINES & OPEN CALLS
- Raindance (UK) — Rolling submissions
→ Submit now - Palm Springs Shortfest — Now Open
→ Submit now - New Media Film Festival — Upcoming deadlines
→ Submit here
- Raindance (UK) — Rolling submissions
🧭 CLOSING
Here’s the truth:
Your film isn’t stuck. It’s circling.
You’ve gotten some acceptances. Maybe even an award or two. But has that translated into momentum you can feel? Connections you can build on?
2026 doesn’t have to be another loop around the circuit.
It can be the year you move with precision, clarity, and confidence.
If you’re ready, here’s where to start:
🔗 Book a 1:1 strategy consult
🔗 Or meet Festival Fixr™ — your 24/7 strategist
Because you don’t need to hustle harder. You just need a smarter plan.
Until next week,
Heather
Founder, Film Festival Insider™ | Festival Fixr™ | Programmer | Award-Winning Filmmaker
