29th Annual FirstGlance Film Festival
More Than a Night at the Movies
FirstGlance Film Festival is a Celebration of Independent Filmmaking and Makers
What: The 29th Annual FirstGlance Film Festival, Philadelphia’s longest-running competitive indie film festival where audiences vote for “Best of the Fest,” returns to the Film Society Bourse, 400 Ranstead Street, Philadelphia, Pa., Friday, May 8, 2026, through Sunday, May 10, 2026.
The curated lineup of genre-spanning films features more than 40 new independent projects by professional, emerging, and student filmmakers from around the world comprising three features, six documentaries, twenty-four shorts, four animated shorts, and four student films. Thirty-four films are Philadelphia Premieres. Films will compete in more than 20 nominating categories and for Audience Choice Awards.
With everything from horror to thrillers and comedy to drama, plus examinations of newsworthy topics and social issues, there’s something for everyone. In addition to the original storytelling, attendees can also enjoy filmmaker interviews on the red carpet, networking and Q & A sessions with casts and crews, afterparties, and a live awards ceremony.
Festival highlights include:
• Friday, May 8, 2026
3-7 p.m. - Official Red-Carpet interviews with Erin Jackson Wagner and Nicole Shiner, Co-Executive Directors, and Lena Bhise, Director, Greater Philadelphia Filmmakers & Programming, for the Greater Philadelphia Film Office; invited press; filmmakers, cast, and crew of exhibiting films
5:00 p.m. – Twilight screening featuring a horror/sci-fi block with the World Premiere of “Evelyn” by Philadelphia filmmakers Fabian Farina, Mariano Mattei
7:15 p.m. - Night screening featuring “The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo” by Michael Walker, starring Alexandro Byrd – “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland”; “Descendants: The Rise of Red”; Hannah Kepple – “Cobra Kai”; and Anna Mirodin – “Popularity Papers”
10 p.m.–12 a.m. – Opening Night party with cast, crew, and guests at Rotten Ralph’s, 201 Chestnut St. Philadelphia
• Saturday, May 9, 2026
2:00 p.m. – Matinee documentary block featuring “Leo: Keeping the Music Alive” by Adam Reim
4:00 p.m. – Afternoon screening featuring “The Village it Took” by Victoria Wilcox
5:45 p.m. – Twilight screening featuring “Show Mom” by Brendan Gaul
7:30 p.m. – Night screening featuring “Miss Matched” by Jonathan Green
• Sunday, May 10, 2026
2:00 p.m. – Matinee screening featuring “For The Living” by Marc Bennett, Tim Roper
4:30 p.m. - Afternoon screening featuring “Wooden Hearts” by Onur Tukel
7:00 p.m. – Twilight screening featuring “It’s About Time” by Dan Hertzog
8:30 p.m. – Closing night screening featuring “Gimme My Money” by William Vigil
9:45 p.m. – Live awards ceremony
10:00 p.m. - Closing Night after party with cast, crew, and special guests at
The Plough & the Stars, 123 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
All screenings and events take place at the Film Society Bourse unless noted otherwise.
Who: Presented by FirstGlance Films
When: May 8-10, 2026
Where: Film Society Bourse, 400 Ranstead Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Why: FirstGlance Film Festival, Philadelphia's Independent Film Festival since 1996, strives to support and promote the production, distribution, and exhibition of all genres and styles of independent cinema from student and first-time filmmakers to professionals. FirstGlance’s passion and appreciation for original storytelling delivers an entertaining experience for filmmakers and audiences looking to discover new films and participate in an inclusive and diverse culture that celebrates the art of film.
Cost: Single ticket prices are $20. All Access passes are $150.
For screening schedules, tickets, and trailers, visit firstglancefilms.com.
Contact: Andrea DiFabio - [email protected], 610-604-9604
