Golden Bear Film Festival

The Golden Bear Film Festival

A fun time for family friendly films for all ages! PG-13 max!

Where world-class filmmaking meets Northern California charm.

Lights, camera, action! The Golden Bear Film Festival takes over the stunning Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom, California — an 80,000-square-foot creative hub packed with multiple stages, lounges, and all the modern amenities filmmakers and film lovers could want. (Bonus: plenty of parking!)

Folsom itself is one of the Sacramento area’s hidden gems — clean, safe, family-friendly, and buzzing with energy. Inside Harris Center’s Stage 1 Theater, films shine in breathtaking clarity on a 4K Ultra HD projection screen, the best in the region. It’s the perfect showcase for feature filmmakers who want their work to look nothing short of spectacular.

We roll out the red carpet for exceptional and entertaining feature films (60+ minutes) and short films (up to 30 minutes) from around the globe. Expect an unforgettable weekend of premieres, Q&As, networking mixers, after-parties, and the dazzling Golden Bear Awards Show.

Every selected filmmaker receives two VIP All-Access Passes, and every feature screening includes a live Q&A with the creators.
(Short films will screen on Stage 2 in crisp HD quality.)

Mission

To celebrate and elevate cinematic artistry by bringing together the world’s best and boldest filmmakers at the Harris Center for the Arts.

Vision

To make the Golden Bear Film Festival a must-attend destination for filmmakers, industry pros, and film fans worldwide — known for its mix of prestige, creativity, and pure fun.

Core Values

🎬 Excellence: Only the best stories, beautifully told.
🍿 Entertainment: Films that captivate audiences of every kind.
🤝 Integrity: Fair, transparent selection for all submissions.
💡 Innovation: Embracing new voices and bold cinematic ideas.
🌎 Community: Uniting local and global film lovers under one golden banner.

🎬 Golden Bear Film Festival – Friday Evening Schedule
📍 Opening Night | Red Carpet Premieres & Celebration
🗓 Friday
⏰ 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Time
Activity
Details
6:00 PM
🟨 Doors Open & Check-In
Guests arrive, check in, and enjoy red carpet photo ops.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🥂 Opening Mixer & Welcome Toast
Meet-and-greet with filmmakers, talent, and special guests..
7:00 PM
🎞️ Movie Screening 1
The first official feature film of the festival begins.
8:45 PM
☕ Intermission
15-minute break for refreshments and conversation.
9:00 PM
🎞️ Movie Screening 2
The second featured film of the evening begins.
10:45 PM
🎤 Quick Q&A with Filmmakers
Insightful remarks and short audience Q&A session with filmmakers.
11:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🎉 Golden Bear Film Mixer & After Party
Music, drinks, dancing, and networking to cap off Opening Night.

Golden Bear Film Festival – Saturday Schedule
Time
Event
Description
Location
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Day 2 Kickoff
Opening remarks, coffee & mimosas
Lobby
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Narrative Feature Film 1

Main Theater
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Coffee Break & Networking Lounge
Casual networking with filmmakers and guests
Filmmaker Lounge
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Narrative Feature Film 2

Main Theater
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Panel: “Q+A”
Industry discussion with directors and digital distributors
Main Hall Panel Room
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Narrative Feature Film 3

Main Theater
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Golden Hour Dinner Break

Festival Plaza
8:00 PM – 9:45 PM

Feature Spotlight - Film 4 + Q+A

Main Theater
9:45 PM – 11:00 PM
Afterparty: “The Bear’s Den”
DJ, cocktails, celebration
Lounge

🎬 The Golden Bear Film Festival – Sunday Schedule
📍 Main Venue: The California Arts Theater
🗓 Sunday | Festival Day 3 – Closing Day
⏰ 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Time
Event
Description
Location
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
☕ Day 2 Festival Kickoff

Lobby
12:15 AM – 2:15 PM
🎞️ Narrative Feature Film Block 4

Main Theater
2:15 PM – 4:00 PM
🎞️ Narrative Feature Film Block 5

Main Theater
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
🍴 Dinner Break & Networking
Grab a bite and connect with filmmakers and guests

Lobby
5:00 PM – 6:45 PM
🎞️ Narrative Feature Film Block 6
A dynamic and inspiring final feature to close the screenings
Main Theater
6:45 PM – 7:00 PM
🎤 Intermission & Red Carpet Photos
Mix and mingle before the big finale — step & repeat open
Lobby / Theater Entrance
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🏆 The Golden Bear Awards Show
Celebrate excellence in storytelling, acting, and craft with special guests
Main Theater