Indie Short Film Festival returns to Charlottesville in March

The annual event features 115 films, screenwriting competitions, panels, and more over a three-day weekend.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:15pm

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The Indie Short Film Festival is returning to Charlottesville, Virginia from March 20-22, 2026. The festival will feature 115 independent short films, screenwriting competitions, panel discussions, a launch party, and other events across five venues in the city.

Why it matters

The Indie Short Film Festival provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and share their stories with the local community. It also enhances the cultural landscape of Charlottesville and the surrounding region by offering residents access to a high-quality film festival.

The details

This year's Indie Short Film Festival will be a three-day event, up from previous years. The festival will feature 115 independent short films, screenwriting competitions, panel discussions, and other events. A launch party on March 20 will include performances by local musicians SHAGWÜF, Sally Rose, and DJ Dutchie.

  • The Indie Short Film Festival will take place from March 20-22, 2026.
  • The festival's launch party will be held on March 20, 2026 after the first day of film screenings.

The players

Ty Cooper

The festival director of the Indie Short Film Festival.

SHAGWÜF

A musical performer at the Indie Short Film Festival launch party.

Sally Rose

A musical performer at the Indie Short Film Festival launch party.

DJ Dutchie

A musical performer at the Indie Short Film Festival launch party.

29News

A sponsor of the 2026 Indie Short Film Festival.

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What they’re saying

“It really enhances the cultural landscape of our area, Charlottesville and greater Charlottesville, and it also provides a platform for independent voices to share their stories.”

— Ty Cooper, Festival Director

“It's really an opportunity for people to experience a film festival of this magnitude and this type, because this is the only short film festival in the region.”

— Ty Cooper, Festival Director

What’s next

The Indie Short Film Festival is accepting film submissions until Tuesday, February 10, 2026. All access passes and movie buff passes to attend the festival are available for purchase online.

The takeaway

The Indie Short Film Festival provides a unique opportunity for the Charlottesville community to experience independent cinema and support local artistic talent. The festival's growth over the years demonstrates the enduring demand for platforms that amplify diverse storytelling voices.