Diane Bianconi McNiel

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🎬 Five days of films. A whole lot of Santa Cruz.October 14–18 | Santa Cruz Film Festival 2026
Clear your calendar for independent films, filmmaker conversations, local flavors, and plenty of reasons to stay out after the credits. Here’s how the week unfolds:
MOVIE VENUES: The Del Mar, Santa Cruz Cinema, The 418 Project, The Colligan, The Rio Theater.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Go to our website for our full film guide and schedule for all 5 festival days!&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santacruzfilmfestivals.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">santacruzfilmfestivals.org</a>
After parties each night!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 — LET’S MAKE A SCENE We open with Lunar Sway at the Del Mar Theatre, then head to the Museum of Art &amp; History for our Opening Night Party. Think music, cocktails, culinary bites, and a room full of people ready to celebrate independent cinema.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 — SIP HAPPENS Discover fresh voices on screen, then keep the conversation flowing at Big Basin Tasting Room. Wine, bites, and fireside conversations bring filmmakers and film lovers together.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 — POUR DECISIONS Make a day of discovering films, then join us at Woodhouse Blending &amp; Brewing for live music, custom SCFF brews, and a Friday night with a few surprises.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 — THE S’MORE THE MERRIER &nbsp;Spend the day exploring the film lineup, then trade your theater seat for some ocean air. Our beachside gathering with Dream Inn brings the community together for fire pits, s’mores, and conversations under the Santa Cruz sky.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 — BRUNCH WITH BENEFITS + CUE THE APPLAUSE Start with brunch and industry conversation about Ai in FILM at Hotel Paradox, catch more festival films, and join us for our Closing Night screening at the Rio Theatre. Then it’s back to Hotel Paradox for the awards celebration and one final toast.
Every day is an invitation to discover artists, support local businesses, and connect with your community. Your support also helps SCFF provide workshop scholarships and a matching ticket and pass program for film students.
🎟️ Bring your curiosity. Bring your people. Explore the schedule and get your tickets.
Thank you to our Luminary Sponsors: The Dream Inn and Bella Babot + Richard Baer

Local Event: Santa Cruz Film Festival 

Santa Cruz Film Festival 

🎬 Five days of films. A whole lot of Santa Cruz.October 14–18 | Santa Cruz Film Festival 2026
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