About

In 2026, CIFF is doubling down on what makes a film festival unforgettable: not just the films on screen, but the atmosphere, energy, and sense of discovery that surrounds them.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre in Hurleyville, New York, this year’s festival is being shaped as a fully immersive three-day experience—one designed with intention, depth, and the kind of momentum that keeps audiences, artists, and industry guests engaged from opening night to final curtain.

Guided by attendee feedback and filmmaker priorities, the 2026 edition places its focus where it matters most: meaningful connection, dynamic conversation, artistic celebration, and bold contemporary cinema. The result is a festival experience that feels both elevated and alive—where authentic networking opportunities sit alongside thought-provoking workshops, vibrant social events, and films that challenge convention, spark dialogue, and expand the possibilities of the medium.

Across the weekend, guests can expect a carefully curated lineup of red carpet premieres, screening programs, filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, workshops, and industry networking events—all designed to create not just a schedule, but a true festival ecosystem. Each official selection is chosen through a competitive review process led by CIFF’s programming team, with selected works presented to engaged audiences and film industry representatives in an environment built to champion discovery and conversation.

At its core, CIFF remains committed to creating a space where emerging voices and established filmmakers can meet on equal creative ground: a platform that celebrates artistic excellence, invites meaningful audience engagement, and opens the door to real professional opportunity.

In 2026, CIFF isn’t simply presenting films—it’s creating the kind of festival experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

In 2026, CIFF is doubling down on what makes a film festival unforgettable: not just the films on screen, but the atmosphere, energy, and sense of discovery that surrounds them.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre in Hurleyville, New York, this year’s festival is being shaped as a fully immersive three-day experience—one designed with intention, depth, and the kind of momentum that keeps audiences, artists, and industry guests engaged from opening night to final curtain.

Guided by attendee feedback and filmmaker priorities, the 2026 edition places its focus where it matters most: meaningful connection, dynamic conversation, artistic celebration, and bold contemporary cinema. The result is a festival experience that feels both elevated and alive—where authentic networking opportunities sit alongside thought-provoking workshops, vibrant social events, and films that challenge convention, spark dialogue, and expand the possibilities of the medium.

Across the weekend, guests can expect a carefully curated lineup of red carpet premieres, screening programs, filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, workshops, and industry networking events—all designed to create not just a schedule, but a true festival ecosystem. Each official selection is chosen through a competitive review process led by CIFF’s programming team, with selected works presented to engaged audiences and film industry representatives in an environment built to champion discovery and conversation.

At its core, CIFF remains committed to creating a space where emerging voices and established filmmakers can meet on equal creative ground: a platform that celebrates artistic excellence, invites meaningful audience engagement, and opens the door to real professional opportunity.

In 2026, CIFF isn’t simply presenting films—it’s creating the kind of festival experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.