LightReel Film Festival 2026
Opening Night Begins Tonight
Black Butterfly Audience Award
Audience Award voting is now open throughout LightReel 2026. Attend screenings, download the Eventive app, and rate the films you experience during the festival.
What’s Happening Today
Experience a full day of films, conversations, and community across the Union Market District. Plan your day, reserve your seats, and discover what’s happening next at LightReel 2026.
Screenings
Independent films, documentaries, shorts, and episodic storytelling from around the world.
View ScheduleIndustryInsights
Conversations with Academy Award winners, Emmy Award winners, filmmakers, creators, and industry leaders.
View IndustryInsightsLightReel Talks
Engaging discussions exploring film, television, criticism, culture, food, fandom, and storytelling.
View TalksFestival Events
Networking, filmmaker gatherings, receptions, and special festival celebrations.
View EventsFirst Time at LightReel?
Get festival-ready with the LightReel Film Festival Survival Guide Series. These quick videos will help you navigate screenings, venues, passes, parties, and everything you need before arriving in the Union Market District.
LightReel Survival Guide #1
Getting Started at LightReel
LightReel Survival Guide #2
Choosing Films & Building Your Schedule
LightReel Survival Guide #3
Navigating the Union Market District
LightReel Survival Guide #4
Talks, IndustryInsights & Special Events
LightReel Survival Guide #5
Parties, Networking & Festival Etiquette
The Marquee Moments
From Opening Night to Closing Night, discover the signature cinematic experiences of LightReel 2026.
Opening Night
June 4, 2026
This Tempting Madness
Closing Night
June 6, 2026
W.E.B. DuBois: Rebel With A Cause
IndustryInsights
Award-winning voices. Unfiltered conversations. From The Catalyst to In Conversation and craft sessions.
From The Catalyst series to In Conversation sessions, LightReel’s IndustryInsights program brings together artists shaping the future of film and media.
Films
LightReel 2026 showcases a dynamic lineup of narrative and documentary features, shorts, and emerging voices from across the diaspora.
Festival Jury
The LightReel Festival Jury brings together respected voices from across film and media to recognize excellence in storytelling and craft.
Their work culminates in the selection of The Black Butterfly, LightReel’s highest honor, awarded to the films and creators that define this year’s festival.
LightReel Legacy / Special Screenings
Restored and landmark works connecting past and present.
Volunteer
LightReel Film Festival 2026
LightReel is powered by a passionate team of volunteers who help bring the festival to life.
From welcoming guests to supporting screenings and events, volunteers play a vital role in creating an engaging and seamless experience for filmmakers, audiences, and partners.
Why Volunteer
Volunteering at LightReel offers a unique opportunity to:
Gain hands-on experience in a film festival environment
Connect with filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals
Be part of a dynamic cultural event in Washington, DC
Contribute to a festival celebrating multicultural storytelling
Be Part of LightReel 2026
Four days. One destination.
Festival Sponsors
