Cleveland Film Festival Unveils Streaming Shorts Ahead of 50th Anniversary

The festival is offering a look back at past highlights as it gears up for its milestone celebration.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Cleveland International Film Festival is giving fans a chance to revisit some of its past highlights through a new streaming series as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in April. The festival will offer a selection of short films from previous years ahead of the milestone CIFF50 event.

Why it matters

The Cleveland International Film Festival is a major cultural institution in the city, drawing thousands of attendees each year to celebrate independent and international cinema. Offering this retrospective streaming series helps build anticipation and excitement for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration.

The details

The Cleveland International Film Festival will make a selection of short films from past festivals available for streaming in the lead-up to CIFF50. The shorts will offer viewers a chance to revisit some of the festival's most acclaimed and memorable programming from previous years.

  • The Cleveland International Film Festival is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in April 2026.
  • The festival will unveil its streaming shorts series ahead of the CIFF50 event.

The players

Cleveland International Film Festival

A major annual film festival held in Cleveland, Ohio that celebrates independent and international cinema.

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What’s next

The Cleveland International Film Festival will hold its 50th anniversary celebration in April 2026, featuring a full slate of films, panels, and special events.

The takeaway

The Cleveland International Film Festival's streaming shorts series provides a nostalgic look back at the festival's rich history as it prepares to mark a major milestone, building anticipation for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration.