FilmStack Calendar Table Of Contents
SCREENINGS & PERFORMANCES (IRL & Virtual)
EVENTS
Festivals
MeetUps
Webinars & Workshops
Retreats
Showcases
DEADLINES
Festivals
Grants, Applications & Internships
Screening Submissions
ACTIONS & PETITIONS
HOUSEKEEPING
1. SCREENINGS & PERFORMANCES
New York
London
Los Angeles
July 24: Wine Cellar Cinema Flight 2: WOMEN DO GENRE
Wine Cellar Cinema is back for its second round and this time it’s all women and all genre! How exciting! Love that. Round 2 will feature 4 genre shorts by women paired with 4 wines made by women.
Tickets: https://luma.com/bzwn251g
(SS)
July 24: Coffeehouse Cinema Vol. 7
Doors Open: 7:30 pm
Screening: 8:30 pm
Doors close at 8:35 pm, so please arrive on time.
Coffeehouse Cinema is kicking it up a notch for their seventh event! They will have appetizers and a food menu from Farm Dinner LA. (Lucky #7, indeed.)
“Farm Dinner LA is known for creating farm-to-table dining experiences that celebrate local farmers, chefs, seasonal flavors, and the simple joy of gathering around great food.”
Appetizers are included with your ticket but meals will be sold separately.
Sounds like it’s gonna be a great night! Get your tickets before they sell out!
Don’t forget that it’s at a new location:
Re/creation Cafe Event Center
4510 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Tickets: https://tally.so/r/KYydgD
(SS)
July 25 at 12noon-10pm: This Is Buzz: Analog + Ecstasy
Held at Beyond the Streets Gallery - 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, 90036
A FREE, all-day experiential event celebrating Buzz, the groundbreaking MTV current affairs series from 1990, unearthed for the first time in 36 years. The day features Matt Pinfield (host of MTV’s 120 Minutes) all day, a JR.Market pop-up of restored analog gear and lo-fi boom boxes, a presentation by Lightfield Lewis, two screenings of lost Buzz episodes, a conversation with Academy Award-nominated editor Hank Corwin and director Mark Pellington, and the multi-screen premiere of This Is Buzz — Pellington’s documentary about the making of the series, called “one of the best documentaries of the year” by IndieWire — followed by a Q&A.
All Day: Matt Pinfield, host of MTV’s 120 Minutes + JR.Market pop-up shop of restored analog, lo-fi boom boxes, Walkmen, cassette players, and era ephemera
1:00pm: Lightfield Lewis presents personal and pop culture videos exploring nostalgia and memory
2:00pm & 4:00pm: Screenings of Buzz: The Lost Episodes
Episode 1, The Future (with Dennis Hopper, Malcolm McLaren, and William Burroughs)
Episode 3, Cultural Stereotypes
3:00pm: Hank Corwin in conversation with Mark Pellington on the language of Buzz, the art of collage, and editorial craft
7:00pm: Multi-screen premiere of This Is Buzz followed by Q&A
Learn More: https://www.thisisbuzzfilm.com/events
(TH)
July 25 at 7pm PT: TOMORROW! July 25 at 7pm PT: 24-Hour Screening #1 | Christian Marclay: The Clock
One of two special continuous 24-hour presentations of Christian Marclay’s The Clock at LACMA, running from Saturday, July 25 at 7pm through Sunday, July 26 at 7pm. Ticket holders may arrive at any point during this window and stay as long as they wish, though re-entry requires rejoining the queue. LACMA members receive priority access; space is limited and wait times may be significant. The work contains brief nudity and strong language.
Tickets: https://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/christian-marclay-clock-0
(TH)
August 22 at 7pm PT: August 22 at 7pm PT: 24-Hour Screening #2 | Christian Marclay: The Clock
The second and final special 24-hour presentation of Christian Marclay’s The Clock at LACMA, running from Saturday, August 22 at 7pm through Sunday, August 23 at 7pm. Ticket holders may arrive at any point in that window; re-entry requires rejoining the queue. LACMA members receive priority access, space is limited, and wait times may be significant. The work contains brief nudity and strong language.
Tickets: https://www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/christian-marclay-clock-0
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From Sunday, July 26, through Sunday, August 23, The Clock will be on
view during regular museum hours and is included in general admission.
August 29: Backyard Film LA and Documentary Producers Alliance present Come Together
The night will feature an excellent lineup of short films and include many of the filmmakers who made them. There will be music, food, drink and more. Come enjoy a night as we celebrate each other’s work in person, off of our phones, under the stars—because community matters and our work matters and you matter—and we want to see all of you there. :)
(CR)
National
July 30: Art House Theater Day 2026
Art House Theater Day (AHTD) is an annual nationwide celebration of community and mission-driven independent cinemas, honoring their role in preserving cinematic storytelling and the theatrical experience. Now in its seventh year, 136 independent theaters across North America — a 32% increase over 2025 — will participate, screening films from the official AHTD slate or presenting their own unique programming. The 2026 official ambassador is filmmaker and musician Boots Riley, whose directorial debut Sorry to Bother You is featured as an official repertory selection on the slate alongside five other films. Visit the AHTD site to find a participating theater near you.
Find a Theater: https://arthouseconvergence.org/art-house-theater-day
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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.
Remaining Tour dates and venues:
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/
(TH)
Dallas
July 26 at 2 pm Central: Disposable Humanity Screens at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
Cameron S. Mitchell’s documentary, Disposable Humanity (2025), will screen at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
It is about The Nazi Aktion T4 program which “was in fact the program where the Nazis trained killing staff and designed the apparatus of mass murder that led to the Holocaust.”
Make sure to check trigger/content warnings if you need them.
Admission is free with registration. Sign up for updates on screenings and get the link to register for the Dallas screening on their website, http://www.disposablehumanity.com/
(SS)
2. EVENTS
Festivals
Los Angeles
August 20 at 7pm: Sublime Primetime 2026 | Emmy-Nominated Writers Panels
The Writers Guild Foundation, in partnership with the Writers Guild of America West and Deadline, presents Sublime Primetime 2026, an annual event celebrating Emmy-nominated writers for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. The event features back-to-back panels at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills; panelist announcements are forthcoming. All proceeds support the Foundation’s Library, Archive, and Community Outreach Programs.
Tickets: https://www.wgfoundation.org/events/all/2026/8/20/sublime-primetime-2026
(TH)
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!
(SS)
Online
July 25 at 10am-2:30pm PT: NonDe Virtual Block Party | Celebrating Sovereignty in the New Ecosystem
Females in Film & Television (FiFT) hosts a pay-what-you-can virtual gathering for non-dependent and NonDe-curious filmmakers, featuring panels, a mixer, and small-group breakout rooms. The “Building the Ecosystem” panel (moderated by Maris Lidaka) features Amy Janes of Filmmakers Ranch, Ami Vora of Kinema, Ellis J. Sutton of Coffeehouse Cinema, and director Sean Cisterna. The “Money Talks” panel (moderated by Amanda Sweikow) covers how filmmakers actually finance their work and make money from projects, with panelists including Donny Broussard, director Jon Fitzgerald, and producer Kristi Ray of Honey Head Films. Suggested donation is $25; all are welcome regardless of ability to pay, and sessions will be recorded for future purchase.
10am-10:30am PT: Welcome + Keynote
10:30am-11:30am PT: “Building the Ecosystem” Panel — moderator Maris Lidaka; panelists Amy Janes, Ami Vora, Ellis J. Sutton, Sean Cisterna
12pm-1pm PT: “Money Talks” Panel — moderator Amanda Sweikow; panelists Donny Broussard, Jon Fitzgerald, Kristi Ray, and more
1:30pm-2:30pm PT: Closing Block Party & Mixer
Tickets: https://partiful.com/e/D5jbtYMZPo3GPkqAFmLz?
(TH)
August 5 at 6:30pm PT: Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program 2027 | Virtual Info Session
Interested in WGF’s Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program? Join this free virtual info session to learn about the program’s purpose, structure, and admissions process, and get tips for crafting a strong application. The 14-week program is designed to advance the inclusion and employment of underrepresented writers — including those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and/or over the age of 50 — in the television industry, with the 2027 cohort running January through April 2027.
RSVP: https://www.wgfoundation.org/programs/writers-access-support-staff-training-program/apply
(TH)
August 7 at 7pm PT: Beyond the Book: Writing Adaptations | Writers Guild Foundation x Stephens College MFA
The Writers Guild Foundation teams up with Stephens College MFA in TV and Screenwriting for a panel conversation about writing adaptations and spin-offs for the screen, covering how writers approach adapting IP, how creative decisions deviate from source material, and how thematic elements are expanded in TV and features. Panelists include Jessica O’Toole (XO, Kitty; The Summer I Turned Pretty), John Whittington (Remarkably Bright Creatures), and Rhianna Yazzie (Dark Winds), moderated by Dr. Rosanne Welch, Executive Director of the Stephens College MFA. Doors open at 6:30pm PT with the event beginning at 7pm PT. Attendees may join in person at WGAW HQ or via Zoom livestream.
6:30pm: Doors open
7pm: Panel begins
Tickets: https://www.wgfoundation.org/events/all/2026/8/7/beyond-the-book-writing-adaptations
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Showcases
All
Meet Ups & Meetings
FilmStack
August 2: FilmStack LA Meetup
RSVP: https://luma.com/jnfp6ykc
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Other Meetups
All
Webinars & Workshops
All
July 29 at 5pm PT: Humanitas Industry 101: Financing 101
Humanitas Prize’s free Industry 101 series presents Financing 101, a panel conversation geared toward early-to-mid-career writers and first-time short filmmakers. The discussion will cover budgeting, financing, crowdfunding, incorporating, tax planning, and related advice for independent film projects. As with all Industry 101 events, this is a one-night-only Zoom event — not recorded or shared afterward — so registration is required. ASL interpretation will be provided by Pro Bono ASL. The series is sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
(TH)
August 6 at 1pm PT / 4pm ET: STEAL MY WORKFLOW | How to Host
A Q&A with Neeti Upadhye, Video Consultant, featuring tips for hosting short-form videos.
The Video Consortium continues its Steal My Workflow professional development series with a workshop on the craft of hosting — covering on-camera presentation, preparation, and delivery techniques for nonfiction and documentary video content. The session is open to VC members, with Gold members attending for free. Exact speaker and additional pricing details were not available at time of publication.
Buy a Ticket: https://videoconsortium.org/events/steal-my-work-how-to-host
(TH)
Retreats
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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3. DEADLINES
Festivals
July 31: Porto/Post/Doc 2026 Film Submissions (Final Deadline)
Extended Deadline: July 31
August 1: IDFAcademy Application (Deadline)
International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) | Amsterdam, Netherlands
IDFAcademy is IDFA’s intensive four-day training program for emerging international documentary filmmakers and producers, running November 12–15 during the festival itself. Open to 100 directors and producers making their first or second feature, the program connects participants with acclaimed documentary professionals through filmmaker talks, roundtables, case studies, and daily social events. Former speakers include Gianfranco Rosi, Petra Costa, Maite Alberdi, Karim Aïnouz, and Sophie Fiennes. The program is not project-driven — it’s focused on expanding participants’ international careers, artistic development, and professional networks. Applying is free; attendance costs €250 if selected. Fee waivers are available for filmmakers from certain countries.
Eligible: Directors and producers on their first or second feature who have proven their talent nationally and are seeking international expansion. Film students are not eligible.
Applications open: June 1, 2026
Deadline: August 1, 2026
Results communicated: Early October 2026
Dates: November 12-15, 2026
August 7: Square Peg Social Application (Regular Deadline)
Extended Deadline: August 7, 2026
Notification Date: October 5, 2026
Event Dates: November 5-9, 2026
August 15: LdnDocs Festival (Late Deadline)
Late deadline: August 15th, 2026
September 13 at 11:59pm PT: Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program 2027 | Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 cohort of WGF’s Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program open August 13 at 11am PT and close September 13 at 11:59pm PT. The 14-week program — led by instructors Debbie Ezer (The Good Doctor) and Clay Lapari (Community) — is designed to help underrepresented writers, including those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and/or over the age of 50, gain the skills needed for support staff roles such as writers’ assistant and script coordinator. The Submittable application link will be posted on the program page when the window opens on August 13.
Application Window Opens: August 13, 2026 at 11am PT
Application Deadline: September 13, 2026 at 11:59pm PT
Learn More: https://www.wgfoundation.org/programs/writers-access-support-staff-training-program
(TH)
September 13: Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival | 2026 Submissions Regular Deadline
Now in its twelfth year, Double Exposure is the United States’ first and only film festival dedicated to investigative reporting on film, pairing public screenings with a professional symposium for watchdog journalists and documentary filmmakers. Feature-length films and shorts that are world, national, or DC premieres are eligible; submitted works must have an investigative angle and must not have been previously available to Washington, DC audiences. The festival runs November 5–8, 2026, with filmmaker notifications going out on or around October 2. Submit via FilmFreeway.
Early Bird Deadline: July 6, 2026 (passed)
Regular Deadline: September 13, 2026
Submit: https://filmfreeway.com/DoubleExposureInvestigativeFilmFestival
(TH)
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
Grants, Applications & Internships
August 10: Slamdance Film Festival 2027 (Regular Deadline)
Since 1995, Slamdance has been the festival where first-time directors break through. Christopher Nolan, Bong Joon Ho, Lena Dunham, and Sean Baker all premiered here. The 2027 festival takes place February 18–24 in Los Angeles, and submissions are now open. The main competition accepts narrative and documentary features by first-time directors with budgets under $1M; the Breakouts program is open to non-debut directors with no budget cap. Shorts, Episodes, and DIG (Digital/Interactive/Gaming) are also accepted.
Regular Deadline: August 10, 2026 — Features $90 | Shorts $60
Late Deadline: September 14, 2026 — Features $110 | Shorts $70
Extended Deadline: October 6, 2026 — Features $130 | Shorts $90
(TH)
July 27: Film Independent - Project Involve 2027 (Member Deadline)
Applications Open Now
For 30 years, Project Involve has been Film Independent’s flagship program for emerging filmmakers from underrepresented communities—pairing fellows with top-tier mentors, funding short films from development through completion, and providing access to Fi’s full slate of events and education programs. 30 filmmakers are selected each year across tracks including writing, directing, producing, cinematography, editing, and animation. Fellows must be LA-based for the duration of the program.
Film Independent Member Extended Deadline: July 27, 2026
(TH)
NYS Independent Film Production Tax Credit Program | Application Window is OPEN
NYS Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development | Online
The 2026 Independent Film Production Tax Credit Program opens for applications on Monday, July 13. Established in last year’s state budget, the program is unique in letting productions claim their tax credit in the year the project is completed, rather than waiting.
Productions that already began principal photography between January 16, 2026 and July 12, 2026 can also apply to access remaining funds from the previous window, on a first-come, first-served basis. These productions must submit initial applications starting July 13 at 10 AM and no later than July 30 at 4 PM, pending fund availability. For all applicants, principal and ongoing photography must begin within 180 days of initial application submission. Applications are accepted in the order their project summary is signed via DocuSign. Application-specific questions can go to filmcredits@esd.ny.gov or (212) 803-2328; general questions go to nyfilm@esd.ny.gov or (212) 201-5605.
(TH)
July 31: Armed with a Camera Fellowship 2026–2027 (Final Deadline)
Final Deadline: July 31 at 10 PM PST
August 3: Slamdance Screenplay Competition (Final Deadline)
The Slamdance Screenplay Competition has been championing new voices since 1995, with alumni going on to agency signings, produced features, and Hollywood careers. Open to emerging writers only—no established writers with screenwriting as a primary income source. Categories include Feature (41–140 pages), TV Pilot (up to 80 pages), Horror/Thriller, and Short (up to 40 pages). Every entrant receives reader feedback including a logline, genre note, and paragraph of strengths/weaknesses. The regular deadline passed June 22; the late and final deadlines remain open. AI-written scripts are not accepted.
Final Deadline: August 3 - Features $95–$120 | TV Pilot $70–$85 | Short $55–$70
(TH)
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/
(TH)
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.
(TH)
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
(TH)
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
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/
(SS)
Screening Submissions
Ongoing: Submit Your Short to Coffeehouse Cinema
Coffeehouse Cinema has just opened up submissions! Check out how they handle submissions and what they’re looking for in the post below and then submit your short!
Submit your short to Coffeehouse Cinema: https://www.coffeehousecinema.com/submissions
(SS)
Ongoing: Submit Your Film or Script to Wine Cellar Cinema
Wine Cellar Cinema has opened submissions and is currently accepting shorts, features, rough cuts (for work-in-progress screenings) or scripts for a table reads!
Check out what they’re looking for on their “About” page.
Note: Submissions from LA-based filmmakers are strongly preferred but not entirely necessary.
Submit your film, script, or rough cut to Wine Cellar Cinema: https://forms.gle/29N8CBm1H2wZCrJf9
(SS)
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:
(CR)
Petitions
BLOCK THE MERGER
1. For US FilmStack: Urge Attorneys General to Stop Paramount’s Mega-Media Monopoly
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.
2. For US FilmStack: Sign the Free Press Block the Merger Petition
III. For EU FilmStack: Sign this OPEN LETTER to #BlockTheMerger
Don’t delay! Sign it today.
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!
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5. HOUSEKEEPING
Barnes & Nobles Criterion Collection Sale Through July 26
50% off the Criterion Collection through July 26. Does not combine with the Premium Member discount.
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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