Inland Film Festival 2026 Announces Call for Submissions and Upcoming Programming
Filmmakers, students, and creatives invited to prepare for upcoming submission cycle!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Bernardino, CA — 04/01/2026 — Arts Connection, The Arts Council of San Bernardino County announces the upcoming 2026 season of the Inland Film Festival (IFF) and invites filmmakers, students, and creatives to prepare for the official Call for Submissions, opening Friday May 1st, 2026.
The Inland Film Festival (IFF) is a place-based initiative that advances storytelling, workforce development, and the film and media sector across the Inland Empire. IFF connects local talent to careers, supports creative businesses, and positions the region as a hub for film, culture, and production.
Building on its early success, the festival continues to create opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work, grow their networks, and connect with industry professionals and creative peers.
What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 Inland Film Festival will feature programming designed to support both storytelling and career pathways, including:
Film Submissions and Festival Screenings
Showcasing student and professional films and providing a platform for Inland storytellers
IFF Storytellers Summit
Panels, conversations, workshops, networking mixers, and opportunities to engage directly with filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals
Best of Fest Awards
Recognizing standout films and increasing visibility for Inland talent, including a monetary prize for the Best of Fest winner.
Industry Networking Events and Workforce Mixers
Creating space for connection, collaboration, and access to professional networks
Community Screenings
Engaging audiences and showcasing past Inland Film Festival stories, resources, and locations while creating space for connection and industry engagement.
Connecting Talent to Opportunity
IFF supports students, filmmakers at varying stages of their career, and creative professionals by connecting them to industry opportunities, professional networks, and collaborators. Through partnerships with schools, higher education, and industry, the festival builds pathways into film and media careers while strengthening the region’s creative economy.
Year-round engagement includes networking events, mixers, professional development workshops, and screenings that provide opportunities for connection, exposure, and collaboration, helping participants build relationships and access future opportunities.
Call for Submissions — Coming Soon
Filmmakers are encouraged to begin preparing their work for submission.
Submission details, categories, and deadlines will be announced soon and will include opportunities for:
Student filmmakers
Emerging filmmakers
Independent and professional filmmakers
Stay Connected:
For updates on submission deadlines, festival programming, and upcoming events:
Website:https://www.artsconnectionnetwork.org/inland-film-festival
Instagram: @inlandfilmfest
Email: Inlandfilmfestival@artsconnectionnetwork.org
As the Inland Film Festival continues to grow, Arts Connection remains committed to uplifting Inland Empire voices and expanding access to opportunities within the film and media sector. The 2026 season marks another step in building a sustainable, connected, and thriving creative ecosystem for filmmakers and storytellers across the region. Through intentional partnerships, year-round programming, and investment in emerging and established talent, IFF works to strengthen career pathways, support creative entrepreneurship, and elevate the visibility of Inland stories on a broader stage.
⸻
Media Contact
Bianca Gomez
Communications + Design
Arts Connection — Arts Council of San Bernardino County
