The fourth annual Arena Theater Short Film Festival returns November 13–15, 2026, bringing together an exciting mix of emerging and established filmmakers. This three-day celebration of short films highlights bold storytelling and diverse perspectives, while creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences through Q&As and lively community conversations.

More than a film event, the festival offers a vibrant cultural experience for the southern Mendocino Coast, enriching the local community, supporting filmmakers, and welcoming visitors during the quieter post-tourist season.

Set in the beautifully restored art-deco Arena Theater in the heart of Point Arena’s historic district, the festival invites guests to enjoy a truly special coastal getaway. Just three hours north of San Francisco along scenic Highway 1, this charming seaside town offers great dining, cozy places to stay, breathtaking beaches, and easy access to the stunning Stornetta Public Lands. Visitors can also explore the nearby Point Arena Lighthouse, with its dramatic coastal views, historic lighthouse, and beautifully preserved grounds.

Awards & Prizes

TBD

Rules & Terms

1- In order to submit a film, you must own the rights or have permission from the owner.
2- The Festival relationship will exclusively be related to the film submitter.
4- Maximum length allowed is under 20 minutes.
5- Any Foreign film that is not in English must have English subtitles.
6- Screening Format: If your film is selected for the festival, you will be required to provide a high-quality digital copy of the film for screening.
7-Arena Theater will not be responsible for damaged copies.
8-By submitting a film to the Arena Theater Short Film Festival, you are confirming that you have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for the film, including music, images, and talent releases. You are also granting the festival permission to screen the film during the festival and use clips or images from the film for promotional purposes.
9- The applicants (submitters) must accept Arena Theater Short Film Festival's Rules and Terms.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Zack McCune

    The community in Point Arena is creative, worldy, and welcoming. This special event brings everyone out to sold out screenings in a wonderfully renovated theater. You'll enjoy local wine, great films, and thoughtful conversation. As a filmmaker, you will find the entire coast ready to chat with you about your movie (because they probably went to the screening and may have sat next to you.) Kudos to the organizers and volunteers of the Arena Theater Short Film Festival for running the best small film event in California!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    A pleasure to have you and Larissa up for the film festival, Zack! Thanks for sharing your film with our audience!

  • Derek Knowles

    A true gem and ambassador of independent cinema, a rarity in these times. Tucked away in a beautiful part of northern California, this fest doesn't get too big for its britches, and we're all the better for it. Pretense is subbed out for quality, sincerity, and warm hospitality. A great way to reconnect with the fundamentals of the film-going experience. Plus an incredible staff and volunteers.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Derek, your high praise means a lot to us! We loved having you and your film at the festival!

  • Brian Antonson

    Highly recommended! There is a great film community in this picturesque little town on the coast. It's out of the way, but that's the charm of it. A great get away weekend. The short film curation is on-point. The staff were very communicative and treated the filmmakers like royalty. Thanks for appreciating filmmakers, ATSFF!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    So great to have you up for the festival, Brian. Thanks for sharing your film with us!

  • Linus Manchester

    This festival is truly a hidden gem. I traveled from out of town to screen my film and was so uplifted by the whole experience. The organizers were considerate, communicative, and put together a great program. I was also grateful to have the opportunity to spend time with some fellow filmmakers at the after party and throughout the weekend.

    Last but not least, this festival was an excellent excuse to travel to the California coast at a beautiful time of year and take in the scenery. Between screenings I enjoyed visiting the California Coastal National Monument and checking out the charming town of Point Arena.

    I highly recommend attending this festival both as a filmmaker and fan of film. Huge thank you to all the organizers for a great weekend, and I hope to return in future years!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Great to have you here, Linus! Thanks for sharing your film with us and for making the trip out!

  • Carlo Nasisse

    Arena was such a generous, welcoming festival. The team created an atmosphere that felt both relaxed and creatively energizing. The audiences were curious and truly engaged, and the way the festival brings filmmakers together made it easy to meet people and have real conversations. It felt like a community. It's the kind of festival that makes you want to keep making films so you can someday return! Also the programming was really good!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Carlo! We enjoyed meeting you and Maria Luisa. Thanks for making the trip up the coast and for sharing your film with our audience!