FilmStack Calendar Table Of Contents
Screenings & Performances (IRL & Virtual)
Events
Festivals
MeetUps
Webinars & Workshops
Retreats
Showcases
Deadlines
Festivals
Grants, Applications & Internships
Actions & Petitions
Housekeeping
1. Screenings & Performances
Los Angeles
June 25: Coffeehouse Cinema Vol 6! NEW LOCATION
Doors Open: 7 PM
Screening Starts: 8 PM
Doors Close: 8:05 PM SHARP, so make sure to get there on time (or early).
Coffeehouse Cinema is expanding into a new, bigger location! As they say, “New Coffeehouse, Same Cinema”.
The debut screening at the new location will take place Thursday, June 25th at 7 PM.
New location: Re/creation Cafe Event Center
4510 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Tickets: https://tally.so/r/Y5q4AW
Shoutout to File Systems of Coffee, the original coffeehouse, which hosted 5 incredible evenings of screenings. If you find yourself in their area, go support them!
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London
June 20: European Premiere of The Janitor (El Conserje) at the Raindance Film Festival
Premiere screening: Saturday, June 20th at 2:30 PM (14:30) at Vue Piccadilly, Screen 2
Second screening: Sunday, June 21st at 10:45 AM (10:45) at Vue Piccadilly, Screen 3
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June 28: The Third MicroCinemaOne Screening
Save the date! The third MicrocinemaOne screening will be June 28th.
Make sure to subscribe to Filmstack UK for all the details. More info to follow.
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Waco, TX
July 17: Thank You for Listening at Waco Independent Film Festival
When: 8:00 PM
After premiering at the Dallas International Film Festival to a strong reception, with coverage in Texas Monthly and the Dallas Observer, the film screens at the Performing Arts Community Center.
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National
Now – January 2027: Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour provides a curated glimpse into the Festival’s selections, highlighting the depth of narrative possibilities explored in the short film format. The tour invites audiences across the world to experience a collection of resonant, provocative, tender, and human-centered fiction, nonfiction, and animated shorts that showcase truly dynamic independent storytelling and offers a mix of stories that highlight bold perspectives and next-gen storytellers.
The program includes jury winners The Boys and the Bees (Nonfiction), Crisis Actor (U.S. Fiction), and Living with a Visionary (Animation), alongside Marga en el DF, Pankaja, and Sauna Sickness. For booking inquiries, contact Mike Plante. Presented by Ketel One.
Tour dates and venues:June 11–14: Bijou Theater, Mount Vernon, IA
June 18–20: Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael, CA
June 19: Austin Film Society, Austin, TX
June 19–28: Cincinnati World Cinema, Cincinnati, OH
June 28–29: Art House Cinema & Pub, Billings, MT
July 3–9: SBIFF Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA
July 4: Images Cinema, Williamstown, MA
July 6: Bear Tooth Cinema, Anchorage, AK
July 30: Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, NH
August 16: Space Gallery, Portland, ME
August 28–30: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX
September 1: Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus, OH
November 13–14: 815HORTS, Rockford, IL
December 12: Erie Community Library, Erie, CO
January 4, 2027: Enzian Theater, Orlando, FL
More info: https://www.sundance.org/festivals/sundance-film-festival/program/short-film-tour/
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2. Events
Festivals
Los Angeles
June 20: NFMLA Film Festival — InFocus: LGBTQ+ Cinema
When: 12:00 PM - 10:15 PM PST
New Filmmakers LA’s monthly festival dedicates this edition to its annual InFocus: LGBTQ+ Cinema program, a full day celebrating queer storytelling on screen.
June 27: Community Voices: An AAPI Film Festival
A program of VC artist screenings including Cambodia Town Thrives (dir. Brandon Soun), Mother Daughter Journey (dir. Fran Ito), Profits Enslave the World: A Song Across Generations (dir. Joe Virata), Thank You Come Again (dir. Nirav Bhakta), The Fourth March (dir. Robert Shoji), and Trails (dir. Chris Nguyen).
July 20–23, 2026: Getting Real ‘26 (IDA)
A biennial conference held in Little Tokyo for and by documentary practitioners, focused on storytelling. This 4-day hybrid event features constructive conversations, relationship-building, and discussions of ethical and creative challenges facing the field.
Register: https://www.documentary.org/gettingreal26
October 24: The NonDe Shorts Festival (NSF)
Okay, okay, so this one might feel a little far in advance, but you’re gonna blink and it’s gonna be October, so you better start planning now!
Submit: https://filmfreeway.com/NonDeShortsFestival
Location: Reading Biscuit Factory, Reading-UK
Subscribe and keep up-to-date on all the latest developments!
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Meet Ups & Meetings
FilmStack Meetups
London
July 1: FilmStack UK Meetup
When: 7:00–10:30 PM GMT
Location: Backstage @ The Old Vic (Waterloo)
RSVP: https://luma.com/9c3ri66y
Contact Alex Bhat, James McLoughlin, or Poppy for more details.
Subscribe to Filmstack UK to stay in the loop for all future events.
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Other Meetings
June 23: NonDē 50 Films Project General Meeting
WHEN: Tues June 23rd, 11a PT / 2p ET
Making Your Project Press-Worthy with JHong
Whether you're in development, heading into or out of production, or ready to release, it's time to consider the press narrative for your ND50 project. This month we're joined by marketing strategist Jennifer Hong who will help us ensure our projects are press-worthy and will outline the various forms of marketing that are likely to generate press.
This will be a conversation with moments throughout for Jennifer to take Q&As from the group as well.
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Los Angeles
June 25: NFH x Video Consortium LA Mixer
Following a recent co-hosted gathering, VC Los Angeles returns with another evening of networking, collaboration, and industry conversation for nonfiction filmmakers, producers, editors, cinematographers, journalists, and creatives.
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Webinars
June 23: NanoWave: The Microbudget Film (r)evolution, Part 3
When: 5:30pm PST
Where: ONLINE
Part three of Film Independent’s NanoWave series, focused on ultra-microbudget filmmaking (budgets under $100,000). This edition goes behind the lens—covering camera choice, visual framing, and special effects, and how those decisions get made at the microbudget level.
Moderated by James Fields (HieronyVision). Speakers include cinematographer Juan Camilo Barriga (Ludi) and VFX artist Owen Dennis (AJ Goes to the Dog Park), with more to be announced.
Open to Film Independent members and HieronyVision members. If you’re not a member of either, an HV ART FAN membership is $1.99 because the arts should cost less than a cup of coffee.
Sign up with HV for $1.99 before Tuesday and they’ll add you to the event list:
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June 30: AWC Fellowship Virtual Office Hours
When: 5-7pm PST
Optional virtual office hours for the Armed with a Camera Fellowship, hosted by Visual Communications staff. Ask questions about the application and program ahead of the deadline. An in-person Open House at the VC Media office is also available — date to be confirmed.
Visual Communications’ AWC Fellowship supports Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) filmmakers in SoCal. This year’s theme is “MOVEMENT.” Fellows work with VC for 12–15 months starting Fall 2026, with projects premiering at the 43rd LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. Each Fellow receives a $2,500 personal stipend plus a $2,500 project stipend. Questions: awc@vcmedia.org or vcmedia.org/awc.
July 1: Distribution Case Study Webinar for Documentary Your Fat Friend
When: 8pm UK / 3pm ET / 12pm PT
Length: 60 minute presentation followed by 30 minute Q&A
Where: ONLINE - Join live or access recording for a limited time.
Cost: $20 (full price)
We’re going to share the questions we asked, the experiments we tried, what did and didn’t work for us, and the value of keeping your rights. We want to instill in other filmmakers and creators the sheer joy and satisfaction in the storytelling of your films continuing out into the world. In this moment of industry uncertainty, building your own road feels like a pretty good way to spend you time.
Subscribers to Glimmers get a $5 discount.
Use this link to book, discount automatically applied.
Workshops
TODAY! June 19: Becoming a Screenwriter with Lauren Greenwood
When: Noon PST / 3p EST
During this one hour workshop, I’ll share how I became a screenwriter within the context of cultivating an artistic practice. I’ll use examples from my own career and give you lots of tips and advice you can directly implement in your own.
We’ll then have 15 minutes for each participant to create their own artistic mission statement followed by a sharing session/Q&A.
Here’s what the organizer of the Eye2Eye Film Showcase had to say about this workshop: “Lauren’s talk was thoughtfully structured, detailed, and filled with actionable advice alongside aspirational stories from her own experience. Infused with sharp wit and wry humour, Lauren’s presentation quickly became one of the highlights of the Showcase.”
Proceeds from this session will go towards the post-production costs of my directorial debut short film SWATHE.
REGISTER HERE: https://buy.stripe.com/3cIfZgaf0chmaw71wq0co01
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TOMORROW! June 20: Virtual Entertainment Industry Workshop
When: 11 AM PST / 2 PM EST
Dorez Douglas will be hosting the Virtual Entertainment Industry Workshop along with her producing partner, 2x Oscar winner Willie Burton.
More Info and Register: https://dorezdouglas.com/workshop
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June 26: Film Fatales Workshop - Designing a Unified Visual Strategy for Your Film
When: 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET
An online intensive led by Olivia Klaus and moderated by Cassandra Nicholson, breaking down a workflow to bridge the gap between your pitch and your online presence. RSVP.
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3. Deadlines
Festival Deadlines
July 6: Square Peg Social Application (Regular Deadline)
Regular Deadline: July 6, 2026
Extended Deadline: August 7, 2026
Notification Date: October 5, 2026
Event Dates: November 5-9, 2026
July 31: Armed with a Camera Fellowship 2026–2027 (Final Deadline)
Final Deadline: July 31 at 10 PM PST
August 15: LdnDocs Festival (Late Deadline)
Late deadline: August 15th, 2026
September 15: Liminal Archive Documentary & Experimental Film Festival
Deadline: September 15th, 2026
A no-fee submission opportunity for emerging and established filmmakers, with selected works offered international screening opportunities plus potential collaboration and distribution support. The festival itself takes place in Tokyo around November 2026.
Submit: https://expcinema.org/site/en/call/liminal-archive-2026
October 1: Pandora Film Grant (Deadline)
A nonprofit prize awarding $30,000 in cash, equipment, and services across one winner and three finalists — early-career filmmakers producing short films. The 2026 package includes a $12,000 cash grant, a $15,000 PANAVISION Gold Package, a $1,000 KODAK grant, mentorship from an acclaimed filmmaker, discounted ATHOS production insurance, and fiscal sponsorship. Open to projects at script stage or finished projects seeking finishing funds.
Apply: https://pandora.org/
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July 2026: ACA x NFH Residency - Submissions Open
A nonfiction storytelling residency in partnership with the Atlantic Center for the Arts, taking place February 7–27, 2027 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Submissions open in July.
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June 29: Shore Scripts TV Writer Mentorship Program (Final Deadline)
About: https://www.shorescripts.com/tv-pilot-contest/
Enter 1/2 Hour: https://scrybe.to/competitions/tv-writer-mentorship-program
Enter 1 Hour: https://scrybe.to/competitions/tv-writer-mentorship-program
EMMY & Golden Globe Winning Judges will choose this year’s winners.
Break into TV writing faster with the Shore Scripts TV Writer Mentorship Program—an exclusive opportunity designed to help you get staffed or sell your pilot.
Only SIX writers will be selected for this 8-week intensive mentorship, where you’ll:
Learn directly from top industry professionals
Get insider access to how hit shows are made
Build real connections with decision-makers
You’ll work with: showrunners from BRIDGERTON and ARROW, development executives at Universal Pictures, plus top agents, managers, and more.
Announcement Dates
AUG 26: QUARTER-FINALISTS
SEPT 10: SEMI-FINALISTS
OCT 7: FINALISTS & WINNERS
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Grant, Application, & Internship Deadlines
Rolling: IDA Emergency Assistance Grant (New)
More info here: https://www.documentary.org/ida-emergency-assistance-program
Rolling: Culture House Talent Pool Open Call
Although no deadline is specified, the application window is limited for the Culture House Talent Pool Open Call.
More info here: https://culture.house/open-call
July 15: CinemaStreet Women’s Short Screenplay Competition (Late Deadline)
Women screenwriters: CinemaStreet Pictures is accepting short dramatic scripts of any genre (20 minutes and under) for production consideration — with the winning writer receiving a $1,000 option. Scripts from anywhere in the world are eligible, as long as they’re in English.
Past winning scripts have made it to distribution (Love From Friends, 8:16 to Omaha), with two more currently in preproduction — so this one has real follow-through behind it. The competition is managed by Terry Lawler, former Executive Director of New York Women in Film & Television. Check the FilmFreeway page for available discounts.
Late Deadline: July 15
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July 1: The Inspired Screenwriting Competition (Late Deadline)
Now in our second year, the Inspired Screenwriting Competition is doubling down on our mission to amplify bold and unique new voices and disrupt the status quo of the film industry.
So, send us your best. Send us your personal. Send us the crazy out-there ideas that could have only come from (insert your name here).
You only need the first 20 pages of your screenplay to submit for the first round. Feature screenplays only.
LATE DEADLINE: 7/01/26 - $35
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Dec 4: NRDC's Rewrite the Future $20,000 Fellowship x 3
NRDC’s 2026 Rewrite the Future, in partnership with the Black List, CAA Community + Impact, NBCUniversal, and the Redford Center, invites writers to apply for the NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship, now open for submissions.
The annual fellowship encourages climate storytelling by supporting the revision of screenplays or pilots that engage with climate change in a meaningful way, through events, actions, character, emotions, plot, and/or setting.
The fellowship awards three recipients with $20,000 each and six months of mentorship with industry professionals and climate storytelling experts to provide creative support for their original script. At the conclusion of the fellowship, revised scripts will be hosted on the Black List website and may be reviewed for development by prominent studios, agencies, and/or production companies. Writers will retain all rights to their scripts.
The 2027 fellowship cycle is now open for submissions through December 4, 2026. Reach out to rewritethefuture@nrdc.org with any questions.
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Rolling Deadline: Impact Partners Development Fund - Grants Up to $100,000
This grant is GLOBAL/international, so if you have a project that you think might fit, definitely look into it, even if you’re not in the US!
For more info, follow @spike_johnson on Instagram.
Or, for those of us not on IG, here is the website: http://impactpartnersfilm.com/
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November 19–28, 2026: Porto/Post/Doc — Film & Media Festival
Save the Date!
Six months out, Porto/Post/Doc has announced its 13th edition. The festival runs ten days in Porto, Portugal, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, researchers and industry professionals around documentary and non-fiction cinema. This year’s thematic programme, In The Land Of Others, closes a trilogy on displacement and belonging — with screenings including Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano, Kieślowski’s The Double Life of Véronique, Kalatozov’s I Am Cuba, and Vojtěch Jasný’s All Good Countrymen.
Key dates:
Festival: November 19–28, 2026
Porto Industry Days: November 23–26, 2026
Film submission deadline: July 31, 2026
Industry open calls (Industry Screenings, Co-Production Meetings, Arché Porto): May 15 – July 15, 2026
If you’re a filmmaker with a documentary or hybrid project, the submission window is open now. Industry accreditations and passes to be announced.
More info: portopostdoc.com
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4. Actions & Petitions
Actions
Sign the Pledge to Buy Letterboxd!
It’s go time in a big way friends! Intrinsic Entertainment Collaborative, run by Elizabeth Joyce and advised by Ted Hope is running a campaign to buy Letterboxd and run it for the people and by the people.
All the details about the how, what, why, and again, HOW, lie within this piece:
But the action you can take now is to pledge $4 of support to the campaign and support the coalition here:
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Petitions
For EU-based FilmStack Cinemaker or Film Lovers: Sign this OPEN LETTER to #BlockThe Merger
Don’t delay! Sign it today.
For American FilmStack Cinemakers or Film Lovers: Sign This Petition to tell the state attorney generals to #BlockTheMerger!
We ARE going to #BlockTheMerger. It is NOT a done deal. The State Attorney Generals will pick up the fight -- provided you sign this petition that Robert Reich has launched. Sign today! I did.
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Stop The Warners / Paramount Merger
Sign here: https://act.freepress.net/sign/block-paramount-warner-bros-merger
Also, please visit blockthemerger.com
where Future Film Coalition is collecting short, first-hand accounts from across the industry - including exhibitors - to document how media consolidation is affecting the film ecosystem. Use your voice and share your story!
Urge Attorneys General to Stop Paramount’s Mega-Media Monopoly
This one courtesy of the awesomeness that is Robert Reich.
Add your name in support here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/stop-paramount-mega-media-monopoly/
5. Housekeeping
Who’s sharing what, you ask?
ARB= Alex Rollins Berg AS= Amanda Sweikow AV = Ami Vora CR= Courtney Romano DS= Danielle A. Scruggs SS= Sara's Soliloquies TH= Ted Hope SG= Sam Gallen
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