Indy Film Fest Unveils 2026 Lineup

The 23rd annual festival will feature over 70 films from 17 countries, including 5 world premieres.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:11pm

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A vibrant, abstract illustration featuring bold, geometric shapes in black and red, capturing the energy and creativity of an independent film festival.The 2026 Indy Film Fest promises a week of cinematic connection, where audiences can immerse themselves in a diverse array of independent films.Indianapolis Today

The Indy Film Fest has announced the lineup for its 2026 edition, which will run from April 22-26. The festival will showcase over 70 films from 17 countries, including 5 world premieres and more than 15 movies made in Indiana. Organizers say the roster includes a diverse array of independent films and will expand to a second venue this year.

Why it matters

The Indy Film Fest is a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates independent cinema and provides a platform for local and international filmmakers. As one of the Midwest's premier film festivals, it attracts movie lovers from across the region and helps to foster a vibrant arts and culture scene in Indianapolis.

The details

The 2026 Indy Film Fest will feature an opening night screening of the film 'CAROLINA CAROLINE' on April 22, starring Samara Weaving, Kyra Sedgwick, and Kyle Gallner. In addition to the screenings at the Kan-Kan Cinema, the festival is expanding to include a second venue at Dance Kaleidoscope inside the Factory Arts District in the Windsor Park neighborhood. Tickets for individual screenings start at $15, and all-festival passes are available for $100.

  • The 2026 Indy Film Fest will run from April 22 to April 26.
  • The opening night screening of 'CAROLINA CAROLINE' will take place on April 22.

The players

Indy Film Fest

An annual film festival held in Indianapolis, Indiana that showcases independent films from around the world.

Dan Moore

The Executive Director of the Indy Film Fest.

Samara Weaving

An actress starring in the opening night film 'CAROLINA CAROLINE'.

Kyra Sedgwick

An actress starring in the opening night film 'CAROLINA CAROLINE'.

Kyle Gallner

An actor starring in the opening night film 'CAROLINA CAROLINE'.

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What they’re saying

“We are looking forward to a week of cinematic connection, where audiences don't just watch stories, they feel them.”

— Dan Moore, Executive Director, Indy Film Fest

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Indy Film Fest are now on sale, with individual screening tickets starting at $15 and all-festival passes available for $100.

The takeaway

The Indy Film Fest continues to be a must-attend event for independent film enthusiasts in the Midwest, offering a diverse lineup of movies and an opportunity to discover new cinematic talents. The festival's expansion to a second venue this year further solidifies its status as a premier cultural destination in Indianapolis.