Year 10 is Going to Be Big!
November 11-14, 2026 | Kilgore, Texas
The Reel East Texas Film Festival is turning 10, and we’re planning our biggest celebration yet! Join us in historic downtown Kilgore, Texas, for three unforgettable days of films, community, and creativity.
Dedicated to showcasing independent filmmakers, REEL East Texas celebrates storytelling in all its forms, from powerful features to groundbreaking shorts, inspiring documentaries, and bold student films.
Located in the heart of the East Texas Piney Woods, Kilgore is unlike any other town in Texas. Its wildcatter spirit and workman mindset perfectly reflect the heart of independent filmmaking. With its signature skyline, authentic downtown, and towering pine trees, Kilgore offers a cinematic Texas backdrop that filmmakers and audiences alike fall in love with.
All screenings take place at the iconic Texan Theater and the 4 Star Cinema, two historic Kilgore landmarks that bring together state-of-the-art projection and classic Texas charm. Beyond downtown, visitors can explore the Texas Museum of Radio & Broadcasting, the East Texas Oil Museum, and the Rangerette Showcase, rounding out a true East Texas cultural experience.
City events, parties, mixers, and custom-tailored activities make the Reel East Texas Film Festival a must-attend event for filmmakers and film lovers alike.
A festival hosted by filmmakers for filmmakers, RETFF is all about connecting audiences, creators, and industry professionals in celebration of artistic and independent spirit.
Year 10 is coming, and it’s going to be big. We’ll see you November 11-14, 2026, in Kilgore, Texas!
Best Student Film (high school)
Best Student Film (college) | Documentary
Best Student Film (college) | Fiction
Best Actress (feature and short)
Best Actor (feature and short)
Best Contest Screenplay | Comedy (feature and short)
Best Contest Screenplay | Drama (feature and short)
Best Festival Screenplay | Comedy (feature and short)
Best Festival Screenplay | Drama (feature and short)
Best Cinematography (feature and short)
Best Dance Film (shorts only)
Best Director (documentary and fiction)
Best Animated (feature and short)
Best Comedy (feature and short)
Best Documentary (feature and short)
Best Drama (feature and short)
Best Dramedy (feature and short)
Best Horror (feature and short)
Best Foreign Film (feature and short)
Best Music Video
Best Science Fiction (feature and short)
Best Western (feature and short)
Best Texas Film (feature and short)
REEL People’s Choice Award "Audience Favorite" (feature and short)
REEL Jury Award "Best of Festival" (feature and short)