Salem Film Fest Back For 2026: See Dates, Venues, Tickets

SALEM, MA — Salem Film Fest will return for its 19th annual documentary film festival later this month.

The festival runs March 26 through March 29 and includes feature-length films, short programs, filmmaker Q&As, musical performances, and live events at four venues in the Witch City.

Attendees can interact with visiting filmmakers and engage with their films.

Tickets for the entire festival program are now available online here.

This year's program reflects our commitment to showcasing bold nonfiction storytelling from around the world — films that expand our perspectives, deepen our understanding of one another, and spark meaningful conversation within our community," Emily Abi-Kheirs, Program Director, said.

SFF 2026 screenings will occur in person at the Peabody Essex Museum, Cinema Salem, the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center, and Salem Community Access Television.

The festival will present free community events, including the second edition of "Docs-In-Progress." This is a works-in-progress feedback event for New England filmmakers, sponsored by LEF Foundation.

SFF also hosts documentary competitions such as Mass Reality Check and Keeping It Reel, which feature short films created by Massachusetts college and high school students. Happy hour socials and after-parties with visiting filmmakers are also planned.

"We cannot thank enough our vibrant, supportive community of volunteers and sponsors who join with us to bring this amazing community event to Boston’s North Shore each and every year," said Joe Ferrari, Fest Co-Director.

Eight awards will be presented to filmmakers at SFF 2026.

These include the Special Jury Award with a $1,000 cash prize and the Award for Documentary Journalism with a $500 cash prize. Additional awards include the American Cinematographer Magazine Award, the Audience Award, the Cultrera Cuts Edit Award, and the Best Short Award, along with student competition awards.

SFF is a "filmmaker-friendly" festival that shares ticket revenue with filmmakers, provides transportation stipends, and local accommodations through sponsorship.

"Everything about the Salem Film Fest is as lovingly handmade and meticulously crafted as the films its team of passionate programmers so carefully curate," said Journalism Award recipient Alina Simone. "From the recycled swag-bag
T-shirts to casual meet-ups that bring film-lovers and filmmakers together in fun, cool ways, SFF is truly a gem in the circuit and not to be missed."