We're back for our 2nd year of the Emeryville Film Festival, a celebration of Bay Area creativity and storytelling! On March 21, 2026, this one-day cinematic event will showcase the best of local filmmaking, featuring a diverse array of films that highlight the region’s innovative spirit and rich cultural tapestry. With carefully curated programming blocks, the festival brings together documentaries, animation, and live-action narratives, all from local filmmakers.
The festival’s thematic blocks explore thought-provoking topics such as community resilience, innovation, environmental stewardship, and the vibrant diversity of the Bay Area. Highlights include 6 exciting blocks of curated content:
Beyond the Lamplight: Independent Works from Pixar Creators - Curator: Blake Bauman and Rebecca Nisco
Bright Ideas: Student Film Showcase - Curator: Tony Alfaro
Human Stories: Short Documentary Block - Curator: Jalena Keane-Lee
Trust The Process - Curator: Sean Wells & Roast n’ Post
Laughter is the Cure To... - Curator: Langstyn Avery
Resilience: Inside & Out - Curator: Tanisha Cannon (Legal Services for Prisoners with Children) & Rahsaan Thomas (San Quentin Film Festival)
What makes the Emeryville Film Festival special? It’s not just a film event – it’s a platform for local talent, providing filmmakers with the opportunity to connect with audiences and each other. The festival is hosted by the Rotten City Cultural District, a creative hub in Emeryville, known for its collaborations with iconic local institutions like Pixar Animation Studios and Jered’s Pottery.
Whether you’re a lifelong film lover, an aspiring filmmaker, or someone looking for an engaging day of thought-provoking cinema, the Emeryville Film Festival promises to offer something for everyone. Join us to experience local artistry at its finest, network with creatives, and be part of a celebration that champions the Bay Area’s unique cultural identity.
Best of Fest Award per block, decided by the attendees of the festival. Festival-goers will have the ability to cast their votes digitally after the conclusion of each block. Winners will be announced at the end of the night, during the Festival Closing Event.