Beaufort International Film Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Filmmakers, film lovers, and first-time attendees gathered for 6 days of screenings, including 11 world premieres and 41 South Carolina premieres.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The 20th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival wrapped up on Sunday night, with winners named in 17 categories. The 6-day event featured film screenings with an average attendance of 250 people per showing, including 11 world premieres and 41 South Carolina premieres. The festival celebrated achievements in various categories such as animation, student films, short films, documentaries, features, and more.

Why it matters

The Beaufort International Film Festival is a long-running and prestigious event that showcases independent films from around the world. It provides a platform for filmmakers to premiere their work and connect with audiences, while also celebrating the vibrant film community in Beaufort, South Carolina.

The details

The festival featured a variety of award categories, including the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Jeff Evans Screenplay Award, and the Volunteer of the Year Award. Winners were recognized in 17 different categories, ranging from Best Animation to Best Feature Film and Best Ensemble Cast.

  • The 20th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival took place from February 18-23, 2026.
  • The festival wrapped up on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Grainger Hines

The recipient of the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award, a New York-based filmmaker.

Maja Pavic

The writer of the film "Wings", which won the Jeff Evans Screenplay Award, hailing from Zagreb, Croatia.

Merrill Aldhizer

The recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award, a resident of Beaufort, South Carolina.

Beaufort Film Society

The nonprofit organization that produces the Beaufort International Film Festival, dedicated to providing entertainment and education to the public from all areas of the film industry.

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The takeaway

The Beaufort International Film Festival's 20th anniversary celebration showcased the vibrant and diverse independent film community, providing a platform for filmmakers to premiere their work and connect with audiences in the charming coastal town of Beaufort, South Carolina.