The 2026 Slamdance Film Festival, the artist-led organization “by filmmakers, for filmmakers,” has unveiled its 2026 lineup. Celebrating its second year in Los Angeles, the festival continues to discover and champion industry-changing talent. The festival will run in-person from February 19 to 25, 2026, and virtually from February 24 to March 6, 2026, on the Slamdance Channel.

A celebration of emerging filmmaking talent from around the world, this year’s lineup consists of 141 films – 50 of which are World Premieres – hailing from over 50 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iceland, Iran, Palestine, Spain, Sudan, and Vietnam among others. 

The 2026 programming was selected from 10,000 submissions, 28% of which were submitted by LA area filmmakers. As in previous years, all films selected in the Narrative Features and Documentary Features competition categories are directorial debuts without U.S. distribution, with budgets of less than $1 million. 

“At a moment when our industry is facing real uncertainty, Slamdance remains deeply committed to supporting filmmakers and bringing our community together,” said Peter Baxter, Co-founder of Slamdance. “This year’s Slamdance program celebrates filmmakers from across the globe and the discovery of new artists who shape our cultural future. By offering free industry programming and creating space for meaningful conversation, we’re supporting artists, sharing new ideas in filmmaking, and working together to strengthen independent film.”

Slamdance is proud to offer a diverse lineup of voices with 50% of the 2026 films helmed by female, trans, and non-binary directors and 41.4% of this year’s films are by BIPOC creators. In addition, 9.7% of Slamdance’s program is made by creators with visible and non-visible disabilities. 

This year’s lineup includes Narrative and Documentary Features in competition as well as Spotlight Features showcasing premieres from established directors. Also unveiled are episodes, shorts across multiple categories—narrative, documentary, Unstoppable, animated, 99 Specials, experimental, Project Involve, and Revolution—as well as the innovative DIG (Digital, Interactive, Gaming) program.

Slamdance has formed a powerful jury for its 32nd edition including alumni and Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Erick Oh (OPERA) and Adam Pertofsky (THE WITNESS FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306), actors Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (THE LINCOLN LAWYER), Chris Bauer (THE WIRE) and directors Marie Jamora (WHAT ISN’T THERE) and Rosanna Xia (OUT OF PLAIN SIGHT). 

Championing filmmakers with visible and non-visible disabilities, the 2026 Unstoppable program includes 4 features and 13 shorts from around the world. Now in its sixth year, the Unstoppable Program continues to challenge stereotypes and explore unique narratives. Feature films in the lineup include BACK ON TRACK, BRAILLED IT, THE TALLEST DWARF, and YOU LOOK FINE. Shorts include BEAR, THE BEAR HUNT, BECOMING OLLIE, BLINDSIDED, EVERHAND, EXPLANT / IMPLANT, FAMILIAR STRANGER, GIRL OF WIND, GOING NOWHERE FAST, HERE WE GO AGAIN, MURPHY’S RANCH, THE KNIGHT, and UNLIMITED, FOREVER AND EVER, NO MATTER WHAT. In addition to the Unstoppable lineup, Slamdance is proud to offer a fully accessible festival with accessibility services generously sponsored by returning Disability Inclusion partner Easterseals. 

Celebrating the creative spirit of Los Angeles, Slamdance’s Made In L.A. program is back for its second year, highlighting projects from the local community. The Made In L.A. program consists of 41 projects – 12 features, 23 shorts, 3 episodics, and 3 DIG projects. Film Independent’s Project Involve has curated 5 of these shorts from their 2025 program to be showcased at Slamdance ‘26. Since 1993, Project Involve has mentored filmmakers from historically underrepresented communities, spotlighting their unique perspectives and bold storytelling.

In addition to a strong film lineup, Slamdance will continue to offer free community events throughout the festival, including the popular Market Monday. Held on Monday, February 23rd, this year’s programming by Ted Hope and the many participants in the growing NonDē Film Movement will be entitled “The NonDē Way: Fun & Dangerous Ideas To Disrupt What Once Was “Indie” & To Separate From A Lame Ass Corporate Film Industry” and focuses on the paths to a sustainable non-dependent cinema ecosystem that prioritizes the art, artists, and audiences.

Additional festival events include Femme Film Friday, Writers Day, Slandance’s Student Symposium, and Programmer’s Day. On February 20th, Femme Film Friday will feature screenings of films by female, trans, and non-binary directors as well as a panel presented by Women Independent Producers entitled “Navigating Self Care as a Producer.” Presented in collaboration with PageCraft, Writer’s Day on February 21st features panels on everything from practicing the craft to getting in the writer’s room. Held on February 22nd, Slamdance’s Student Symposium offers workshops and networking opportunities to local SoCal film schools. Programmers Day will also be held on February 22nd and includes events and panels involving nationwide festival and museum curators. 

Slamdance ‘26 will be located at the DGA, Landmark Sunset, and 2220 Arts with the closing night ceremony held at the legendary Egyptian Theater. In addition to hosting screenings and events, the DGA will serve as festival headquarters.