WHY LIGHTREEL?
YOUR FILM DESERVES
MORE THAN A SCREENING.
LightReel Film Festival brings filmmakers and audiences together in Washington, DC for a festival experience built around discovery, conversation and connection.
We believe the best film festivals don't simply show movies. They create space for filmmakers to share their work, engage with audiences and become part of a community that extends beyond the screen.
ONE DISTRICT.
ENDLESS DISCOVERIES.
Set in Washington, DC's vibrant Union Market District, LightReel Film Festival connects screenings at the Angelika Pop-Up with filmmaker conversations and industry panels at Songbyrd and Balcon. With venues just steps apart, audiences can move seamlessly between cinema, conversation, and community.
ANGELIKA POP-UP
SONGBYRD
BALCON
LIGHTREEL DISCOVERY
SKIP THE PITCH.
MAKE THE MOVIE.
Great stories deserve more than an opportunity to be seen. They deserve the chance to be made.
LightReel Discovery connects emerging storytellers with the resources to bring original short films from script to screen.
Developed independently in partnership with originalFlix, LightReel Discovery provides production funding and crew support for two selected narrative projects, with their completed films premiering at LightReel8 in Washington, DC.
EXPLORE LIGHTREEL DISCOVERY →
Two Ways to Experience LightReel
From priority access to individual screenings, discover the best way to experience three days of extraordinary cinema, conversations, and community at LightReel 8.
Digital Passes
Priority reservations, screenings, conversations, Filmmaker Office Hours, LightReel at Home (LAH), and festival experiences.
Individual Tickets
Select screenings and events available following passholder reservations.
Individual tickets available Apr. 2027.
SUBMIT TO LIGHTREEL8
We're Looking for Stories That Move Us.
LightReel8 is seeking bold, original films from emerging and established filmmakers whose work entertains, challenges, inspires and expands the way we see the world.
Submissions are now open, with selected films screening during LightReel8, June 3–5, 2027, in Washington, DC.
SUBMIT ON FILMFREEWAY →Festival Sponsors
Proudly recognizing the organizations and partners who help bring LightReel to life.
