FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Media Contact:

Victoria (Tori)Walker, Victori Solutions

949-239-9220, Victoria@VictoriSolutions.com

Lights, Camera, Long Beach! The Inaugural Long Beach Film Festival Unveils Full Festival Lineup

Friday’s Opening Night Party at the Queen Mary Kicks Off a Weekend of 

Four Feature Films, 26 Short Form Films, FilmMaker Lounge, Festival Afterparty Filmmaker Panels, StoryLab and More, August 29–30

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Long Beach is getting ready for its close-up! The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) is pleased to unveil the full lineup for its inaugural festival weekend, bringing together independent filmmakers, emerging voices and movie lovers for two days of screenings, conversations, and special events. The festivities kick-off with an Opening Night Party aboard the Queen Mary on Friday, August 28, followed by two full days of cinema at the Art Theatre of Long Beach, August 29–30.

The Festival spans four feature films and four curated short-film programs, with stories ranging from dark comedy and horror to science fiction, drama and deeply human stories of second chances. Throughout the weekend, screenings will be complemented by filmmaker Q&As, panel conversations and programming in the LBFF FilmLounge, giving audiences the opportunity to meet filmmakers, hear the stories behind their work and continue the conversation beyond the screen.

The weekend begins Friday, August 28, with the LBFF Opening Night Party aboard the Queen Mary. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests will walk the red carpet inside one of Long Beach’s most iconic landmarks for an evening celebrating the filmmakers, artists and community behind the city’s newest film festival. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson will join the celebration to share a few words and lead a special toast marking the official kickoff of the inaugural festival.

On Saturday, August 29, the festival moves to the Art Theatre of Long Beach for its first full day of screenings. The day begins at noon with “Out of This World!”, a collection of five short films exploring different worlds, dimensions and some of life’s biggest questions. At 3 p.m., writer, director and actor Emily Robinson, known for Eighth Grade, brings “Ugly Cry” to the screen. The darkly comedic feature follows an actor whose “ugly cry” costs them their dream role and sends them spiraling down a dangerous path toward perfection.

Saturday evening continues at 6 p.m. with “Again Again,” written, directed by and starring Mia Moore and executive produced by Lilly Wachowski. The film follows Agatha, who has spent 10 years reliving the same day in a torturous time loop, only to unexpectedly wake up to something even more frightening: a brand-new day.

Closing Saturday night at 9 p.m. is “Nightmares on 4th Street,” a 90-minute collection of eight horror shorts promising campy fun, scares and plenty of reasons to keep the theater lights on a little longer.

The festival returns Sunday, August 30, beginning at 11 a.m. with “The Pursuit of Happiness,” a collection of six short films examining change, risk and the forces shaping modern life around the world. At 1:30 p.m., LBFF brings the story home with “Rescued,” written, directed by and starring Long Beach filmmaker DJ Hale. The feature follows a homeless man who finds the motivation to turn his life around after a stray dog befriends him and refuses to leave his side.

At 4:30 p.m., “21st Century Problems” turns its attention to the complications of modern adulthood, with seven short films exploring love, friendship and life in times of crisis through stories ranging from comedic to dramatic.

The inaugural screening program concludes Sunday at 7 p.m. with director Danny Madden’s “Downbeat.” The feature follows a troubled drummer who moves in with his sister in Boston and rediscovers his passion through street performing, only to find his newfound stability threatened by his own reckless choices.

Beyond the screenings, LBFF is creating opportunities for audiences to engage directly with the people behind the films. Filmmaker Q&As and panel conversations will take place throughout the weekend, while the LBFF FilmLounge will serve as a gathering place for filmmakers, industry professionals and festivalgoers.

The festival is also making room for its youngest future filmmakers. On Sunday, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., LBFF StoryLab will invite children ages 8–12 into the FilmLounge for a hands-on introduction to filmmaking. Young storytellers will explore camera basics, visual storytelling and how filmmakers turn an idea into something audiences can experience on the big screen, with an emphasis on creativity, confidence and finding their own storytelling voice.

Festivalgoers can experience LBFF in several ways. Individual screening tickets begin at $10, while the $75 All Festival Pass provides unlimited access to screenings Saturday and Sunday. The $150 VIP Pass offers the festival’s most complete experience, including all film screenings, Friday’s Opening Night Party, the Saturday Soiree, Festival Afterparty, panel talks and other FilmLounge events. All festival passes include complimentary popcorn at the Art Theatre.

2026 LONG BEACH FILM FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

Friday, August 28

6–9 p.m. — Opening Night Party | Queen Mary

Saturday, August 29

12:00 p.m. — Out of This World! | Short Film Block

2:00 p.m. — Industry Panel Talk | In the FilmLounge3:00 p.m. — Ugly Cry | Feature Film

6:00 p.m. — Again Again | Feature Film9:00 p.m. — Nightmares on 4th Street| Short Film Block

Sunday, August 30

9:00 a.m —  StoryLab

11:00 a.m. — The Pursuit of Happiness | Short Film Block1:30 p.m. — Rescued | Feature Film4:15 pm. — “Rescued in Real Life” panel talk | In the FilmLounge

4:30 p.m. — 21st Century Problems | Short Film Block

7:00 p.m. — Downbeat | Feature Film

9:00 p.m. — LBFF Afterparty | In the FilmLounge

Weekend festival passes are available now. To purchase tickets and learn more visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org. Follow @longbeachfilmfest on social media. 

# # # 

About the Long Beach Film Festival

The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) is a filmmaker-founded and filmmaker-led festival dedicated to celebrating exceptional storytelling and creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences. Guided by the belief that it is "Big enough to move the world, small enough to feel connected," the festival brings together independent feature films, short films, industry conversations and community events in the heart of Long Beach. Produced in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and Visit Long Beach, LBFF is committed to championing independent cinema while strengthening Long Beach's reputation as a vibrant destination for creativity, culture and film. For more information, visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org.

Press kit:

https://www.longbeachfilmfestival.org/media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Media Contact:

Victoria (Tori) Elder-Walker, Victori Solutions

949-239-9220, Victoria@VictoriSolutions.com

Long Beach Film Festival to Host Exclusive Evening with Local Filmmaker DJ Hale Ahead of Inaugural Festival July 29

One-Night Event Features Filmmaker Conversation, “Rescued” Trailer Premiere, Wine, and Supports Youth Filmmaking Initiative

Image Caption: Long Beach filmmaker DJ Hale, writer, director and lead actor of Rescued, films a scene with Ares the Doberman during production of the feature film, an official selection of the inaugural Long Beach Film Festival.

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Ahead of its inaugural Festival, taking place August 29-30, The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) is inviting film lovers, creatives, and the community to an exclusive evening with Long Beach filmmaker DJ Hale, writer, director and lead actor of Rescued, one of the festival's featured films. The event will be held Wednesday, July 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wine on 2nd in Long Beach.

The intimate fundraising event offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at Rescued, an official selection of the inaugural Long Beach Film Festival. Set and filmed throughout Long Beach, the heartfelt drama follows a man experiencing homelessness whose life is transformed after adopting a stray dog, while showcasing recognizable local landmarks including Rosie's Dog Beach. During the evening, Hale will share the inspiration behind the film, discuss his filmmaking journey, answer audience questions, and screen the movie trailer ahead of the festival's opening weekend.

"One of the goals of the Long Beach Film Festival is to celebrate filmmakers who are telling meaningful stories while highlighting the incredible creative community that exists right here in our city," said Hunter Stiebel, Director of Programming for the Long Beach Film Festival. "DJ Hale is a Long Beach local - this is his hometown. He embodies that spirit, and we're excited to give audiences the opportunity to hear directly from him before they experience Rescued during the festival."

In addition to the filmmaker conversation, guests will enjoy a glass of wine curated by the team at Wine on 2nd, light hors d'oeuvres, and exclusive sneak previews of additional films featured in the inaugural festival lineup. Attendees will also be entered into a raffle to win a VIP pass to the Long Beach Film Festival's Filmmaker Lounge, all film screenings, and all ancillary events (panels, special programming, etc.) along nightly mixers beginning Friday, Aug. 28.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit Long Beach Film Festival and LBFF StoryLab, the festival's youth filmmaking initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of Long Beach storytellers through education, mentorship and creative opportunities.

"The future of filmmaking depends on investing in emerging voices," said Andi Orendain, Director of Advancement and Community Partnerships for the Long Beach Film Festival. "StoryLab is designed to inspire young creatives and give them opportunities to learn, grow and share their stories. This event allows the community to support that mission while enjoying an unforgettable evening with one of Long Beach's own filmmakers."

The inaugural Long Beach Film Festival takes place August 29–30, 2026, at the historic Art Theatre Long Beach, featuring acclaimed independent feature films, short film blocks, filmmaker Q&As, and special events celebrating bold storytelling from around the world and within the local community.

Seating for the July 29 event is limited and advance ticket purchase is required. To purchase tickets visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org or click here.

Long Beach Film Festival weekend festival passes are available now with individual screening tickets to be available soon. To purchase tickets and learn more visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org. Follow @longbeachfilmfest on social media. 

# # # 

About the Long Beach Film Festival

The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) is a filmmaker-founded and filmmaker-led festival dedicated to celebrating exceptional storytelling and creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences. Guided by the belief that it is "Big enough to move the world, small enough to feel connected," the festival brings together independent feature films, short films, industry conversations and community events in the heart of Long Beach. Produced in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and Visit Long Beach, LBFF is committed to championing independent cinema while strengthening Long Beach's reputation as a vibrant destination for creativity, culture and film. For more information, visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org.

Press kit:

https://www.longbeachfilmfestival.org/media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 16 at 8am PST

Media Contact:

Victoria (Tori) Elder-Walker, Victori Solutions

949-239-9220, Victoria@VictoriSolutions.com

Long Beach Film Festival Announces Feature Film 

Lineup for Inaugural Festival, August 29-30

Four Independent Feature Films, an Opening Night Party, a Filmmakers Lounge, Additional Short Film Blocks, and More for the Inaugural Festival at the Art Theatre Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. - The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) is pleased to announce the official feature film lineup for its inaugural festival, bringing four acclaimed independent films, and the filmmakers behind them, to the historic Art Theatre Long Beach on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026. The festival also announced that weekend passes are on sale, with individual screening tickets to be released soon. Multiple short form films in four film blocks and additional programming will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

"Our vision has always been to create a festival that feels both world-class and deeply rooted in Long Beach," said Hunter Stiebel, Director of Programming for the Long Beach Film Festival. "This first feature lineup reflects the type of bold, original storytelling we hope audiences will come to expect from the festival for years to come. We're proud to welcome these filmmakers and share their work with our community."

Leading the inaugural lineup is Downbeat, a 91-minute independent drama directed by Danny Madden and produced by Vanishing Angle. The film follows a musician caught between his personal life and artistic ambitions, offering an intimate exploration of creativity, sacrifice and the pursuit of purpose. Fresh off a celebrated run at this year's South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival, the film has earned praise for its authentic storytelling and nuanced performances.  The ensemble cast includes Daniel Rashid, Addie Weyrich, Arkira Chantarantananond, Terence Nance and Christie Lynn Smith, bringing emotional depth to this character-driven story.

Also featured is Ugly Cry, an 84-minute psychological horror film that follows an aspiring actor whose devastating audition sends her spiraling into a dangerous obsession with perfection. Starring Emily Robinson, Robin Tunney, Ryan Simpkins and Aaron Dominguez, the film delivers a chilling exploration of ambition, identity and the emotional cost of chasing success in the entertainment industry.

Blending romance and science fiction, Again Again is a feature-length film that follows Agatha, a woman who has spent ten years reliving the same day before finally escaping the time loop, only to discover that facing an entirely new day may be even more terrifying than repeating the last. Starring Mia Moore and Aria Taylor, with supporting cast Abigail Thorn and Jon Meggison, the imaginative film offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on love, identity, fate and second chances.

Rounding out the inaugural lineup is Rescued, a 126-minute drama written, directed by and starring Long Beach filmmaker DJ Hale. Filmed in Long Beach, the heartfelt drama follows a man experiencing homelessness whose life is transformed after adopting a stray dog. The film highlights themes of hope, resilience and second chances while showcasing recognizable Long Beach locations throughout the story. Actress Lindsay Shaw, known for her roles in Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Pretty Little Liars, also stars in the film.

Beyond the screenings, the Long Beach Film Festival is designed to be an immersive celebration of filmmaking. An Opening Night Party will kick off the weekend's festivities, while the Filmmakers Lounge will se`rve as a central gathering place where filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences can connect through conversations, networking and collaboration. 

Selections for the four short film blocks, additional special guests and festival programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

Produced in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and Visit Long Beach, the filmmaker-led festival was created to celebrate bold storytelling while fostering meaningful connections between filmmakers and audiences. 

"Long Beach is one of the most diverse and vibrant creative communities in the country, and that spirit is at the heart of this festival," said Andi Orendain, Director of Advancement and Community Partnerships. "We want audiences to experience incredible films while also creating meaningful moments with the filmmakers who brought them to life. That's what makes this festival special."

Created by filmmakers for filmmakers, the Long Beach Film Festival is committed to championing independent cinema while establishing Long Beach as a destination for creative storytelling. Hosted at the iconic Art Theatre Long Beach, the inaugural festival brings together international filmmaking talent alongside local creators in an intimate setting designed to celebrate the art of cinema and the community that surrounds it.

Ahead of the festival, LBFF will host a special fundraising event on Wednesday, July 29, offering guests an exclusive evening with the DJ Hale of Rescued. The intimate event will include a filmmaker conversation, wine, hors d'oeuvres, sneak previews from the inaugural festival and the opportunity to win an all-access pass to the LBFF Filmmakers Lounge and nightly mixers. Proceeds will benefit LBFF StoryLab, the festival's youth filmmaking initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of Long Beach storytellers.

Weekend festival passes are available now with individual screening tickets coming. To purchase tickets and learn more visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org. Follow @longbeachfilmfest on social media. 

# # # 

About the Long Beach Film Festival

The Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) is a filmmaker-founded and filmmaker-led festival dedicated to celebrating exceptional storytelling and creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences. Guided by the belief that it is "Big enough to move the world, small enough to feel connected," the festival brings together independent feature films, short films, industry conversations and community events in the heart of Long Beach. Produced in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and Visit Long Beach, LBFF is committed to championing independent cinema while strengthening Long Beach's reputation as a vibrant destination for creativity, culture and film. For more information, visit www.longbeachfilmfestival.org.

Press kit:

https://www.longbeachfilmfestival.org/media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

• Victoria Walker, Victori Solutions | (949) 239-9220 | Victoria@VictoriSolutions.com

• Digital Press Kit: longbeachfilmfestival.org/media

Filmmaker-Led Long Beach Film Festival Announces Inaugural Event for August 2026

Debuting at the historic Art Theatre, the two-day event brings world-class cinema to Long Beach: "Big enough to move the world, small enough to feel connected."

LONG BEACH, CA — May 28, 2026 — The first annual Long Beach Film Festival (LBFF) was officially announced today, set to bring a new, filmmaker-led cinematic experience to the city on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, 2026. The inaugural event will transform the waterfront city into a dynamic cultural hub, uniting premier global cinema with local filmmaking talent at the iconic Art Theatre Long Beach.

Produced in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and Visit Long Beach, the festival serves as a critical launching pad for independent visual artists, anchors community storytelling, and drives regional tourism. Over its weekend run, LBFF will screen a diverse slate of international feature narratives, shorts, and documentaries, while offering a dedicated spotlight for local Long Beach creators.

Festival Highlights Include:

• Historic Venue: All screenings will take place at the iconic Art Theatre Long Beach on 4th Street.

• Filmmaker-Founded and Curated: With five working directors and producers on its seven-member board; LBFF is built from the ground up to champion the artist’s experience and high-quality cinematic exhibition.

• Industry Panels: Educational sessions bridging emerging creators with established Hollywood professionals.

• Local Incentives: Discounted submission rates via FilmFreeway for local residents and films made in Long Beach. 

“Our vision is to create a film festival that feels both world-class and deeply local,” says board member and Long Beach filmmaker Christo Brock.  Director of Programming and filmmaker Hunter Stiebel adds, “Our festival celebrates Long Beach’s unique character and invites filmmakers from across the industry to become part of this growing creative force."

“Long Beach is one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the country, and that community spirit is the heartbeat of this festival,” adds Andi Orendain, Director of Advancement and Community Partnerships for the festival. “We’ve planned industry panels where real conversations happen and mixers where filmmakers and film lovers actually connect. Our community is ready for this. We're just opening the doors."

The festival is open to the public, with passes and tickets available in early summer. The final deadline for film submissions is June 15, 2026.

Event Details

• Dates: Saturday, August 29 & Sunday, August 30, 2026

• Location: Art Theatre Long Beach, 2025 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

• Tickets & Info:www.longbeachfilmfestival.org

• Submission: filmfreeway.com/LongBeachFilmFestival

About the Long Beach Film Festival

"Big enough to move the world, small enough to feel connected." Created by filmmakers and cinephiles, the Long Beach Film Festival is a new cultural initiative dedicated to celebrating bold storytelling and fostering meaningful connections between creators and audiences. By combining global cinema with local culture, the festival aims to establish a premier destination for film and creative expression in the city by the sea.