2026 SUBMISSION IS NOW OPEN
IsFF Returns on March 20-22, 2026
THE 2025 WINNERS ARE IN:
BEST DOCUMENTARY: A DANCER’S STORY
BEST ANIMATION: VELO LOVE
BEST NARRATIVE: THE BATHTUB
BEST MUSIC VIDEO: OUR MAGIC by ZEBRECKY
BEST SCREENPLAYS
Little Steps(a) - BA - Sticky Judgement
violet crown I vinegar hill theatre I common house I vault virginia I the bradbury
PREPARE YOUR MIND & CREATIVE SOUL
On & Off Screen Events
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ALL ACCESS PACKAGE
All Access Pass covers entry into all events of the festival including as follows: All Film Blocks, Sunday Brunch Awards, Preferred Seating at the Table Reads & Panel Discussions, & Launch Party. Pass holder will have access to reserve tickets prior to the public sale.
$179
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MOVIE BUFF PASS
The Movie Buff Pass grants entry to ALL Film Blocks based on availability. Pass holder will have access to reserve tickets prior to the public sale. Pass also provides priority seating at the panels and table reads. Launch Party and Sunday Brunch Awards must be purchased separately.
$109
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LAUNCH PARTY
3.20-22, 2026 9PM-12:30AM
What’s a festival without a Launch Party? Not a festival at all. The ISFF Launch Party features a live performance by the band, SHAGWÜF, featuring Sally Rose, and a DJ Dutchie providing the music. All-Access/Sponsor/Creative Pass Holders: FREE.
Location: Common House (206 Market St.)
$25
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CINEMATOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
3.21.25 8:30AM-12:30PM
There are many ways to skin a cat, and there are many rules in cinematography and if you wish to break them then you need to know them. This hands-on workshop is a MUST ATTEND. Space is VERY LIMITED
$75
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SUNDAY BRUNCH
3.22.25 11:00AM-1:00PM
We have to eat, so let’s have brunch and find out who won the awards at the same time. A great way to network with filmmakers. Space will be limited - Buffet Style Catered by Harvest Moon Catering
Location: Bradbury
$45
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SCREENINGS
3.20.25 - 3.22.25
100+ FILMS will be screened at Vinegar Hill Theatre and the Violet Crown Theater conveniently located downtown. Screening blocks featuring domestic and international films.
Individual screening blocks are only $15.
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PANELS
3.21.25 9A - 6PM
Panel discussions will include pros to discuss and provide deeper insight to various filmmaking crafts. Various areas of filmmaking will be scheduled. Location: Common House - FREE
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TABLE READS
3.22.25 9AM-11:00AM
The festival will feature a screenwriting competitions with the top three scripts receiving the honor to be read by seasoned actors. Limited Seating. Location - Vault Virginia - FREE
2026 Proud Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
UVA HEALTH OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND HEALTH OUTCOMES
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
SUSAN & LUDWIG KUTTNER: IX ART PARK - MICHAEL SHAPS WINERY - 29NEWS - VAULT VIRGINIA - COMMON HOUSE - LIGHTHOUSE STUDIO at VINEGAR HILL THEATRE - LIFEVIEW MARKETING AND VISUALS - KENT WILEY - JIM McVAY - GREG GRAHAM - ELSIE AND MAC THOMPSON - CRIOLLA DCP - DOYLE HOTEL - HYATT PLACE - CBS19 NEWS - CVILLE WEEKLY - WTJU - CARTER MYERS AUTOMOTIVE - CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE - CHO AIRPORT - WOODARD PROPERTIES - ONE MAIN SECURITY