25th Annual Ivy Film Festival Celebrates Diverse Voices in Cinema

The festival will feature screenings, panels, and conversations with industry leaders like Nina Jacobson '87 P'23 and Jeff Cronenweth.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:10am

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A striking abstract composition of geometric shapes and bold colors, representing the diverse range of films and filmmakers featured at the Ivy Film Festival.The 25th annual Ivy Film Festival celebrates the creativity and innovation of student filmmakers and industry leaders alike.Union Today

The 25th annual Ivy Film Festival, the world's largest student-run film festival, is set to take place from April 13-19 at Brown University. The weeklong event will include guest speakers, film screenings, and showcases of 19 student films selected from over 170 submissions from 40 countries. Highlights include conversations with producer Nina Jacobson '87 P'23, cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, and director Boots Riley, as well as an advanced screening of the second season of the anthology series 'Beef'.

Why it matters

The Ivy Film Festival provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their work and connect with industry leaders. As one of the most prestigious student-run film festivals, it offers a unique opportunity for Brown students to engage with the art of cinema and network with professionals in the field.

The details

The festival will kick off on April 13 with a screening of 'Escape' by Japanese director Masao Adachi. Throughout the week, there will be panels, conversations, and advanced screenings, including a discussion with filmmaker Shomi Patwary, a panel on intimacy coordination, and a Zoom chat with producer Nina Jacobson '87 P'23. The festival will also feature a live reading of the official selection screenplays, an exhibition by the IFF's New Media Committee, and screenings of 19 student films divided into three thematic blocks.

  • The 25th annual Ivy Film Festival will take place from April 13-19, 2026.
  • The festival will kick off on Monday, April 13 with a screening of 'Escape' by Japanese director Masao Adachi.
  • On April 14, there will be a conversation with filmmaker Shomi Patwary at 4 p.m. and a panel on intimacy coordination at the Martinos Auditorium.
  • On April 15, the festival will host a conversation with author Ben Shattuck at 5 p.m. and an advanced screening of the first two episodes of the second season of the anthology series 'Beef'.
  • On April 16, there will be a 7 p.m. screening of the upcoming horror film 'Leviticus'.

The players

Nina Jacobson '87 P'23

A film executive and Brown alum who produced films in the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series and the 'Hunger Games' series, including the upcoming film 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'.

Jeff Cronenweth

A cinematographer who has earned two Academy Award nominations for his work on 'The Social Network' and 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.

Boots Riley

The director of the film 'I Love Boosters', which will have an advance screening at the festival followed by a talkback.

Zoe Ehrenkranz '26

The co-director of the Ivy Film Festival, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Lynn Nguyen '26

The programming co-coordinator of the Ivy Film Festival, who is a former post- and Herald staff writer.

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What they’re saying

“The Ivy Film Festival provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their work and connect with industry leaders.”

— Zoe Ehrenkranz, IFF Co-Director

“There will be more local filmmakers represented at the festival this year, including students from the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown alums.”

— Isabel Hahn, IFF Programming Co-Coordinator

What’s next

The Ivy Film Festival will conclude on April 19 with a screening of the third block of student films, 'Ephemeral', and an awards ceremony.

The takeaway

The 25th annual Ivy Film Festival showcases the diverse talent and creativity of student filmmakers, while also providing a platform for industry leaders to share their expertise and insights with the next generation of cinema artists.