Home / Arts and Entertainment / New Bedford Film Fest: 100+ Films & Free Events
New Bedford Film Fest: 100+ Films & Free Events
4 Apr
Summary
- Over 100 independent films and workshops scheduled.
- Community leaders Lindsay Miś and Samia Walker to be honored.
- Free community events include opening night and animation program.
The city of New Bedford is set to host its 2026 Film Festival from April 9th to April 12th, featuring more than 100 independent films, industry workshops, and community gatherings. The four-day event will take place at various downtown locations, including the Steeple Playhouse, New Bedford Art Museum, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
This year's festival introduces a new tradition to honor community leaders for their contributions to arts and creative initiatives. Lindsay Miś, founding director of DATMA, and Samia Walker, director of programs at the SouthCoast Community Foundation, will be recognized during the opening night ceremony on April 9th.
Filmmaker Julien Elliot will receive the AHA! Special Achievement Award for his short documentary "After the Reading," which explores the evolution of a New Bedford book club into a community engagement space. The festival's closing ceremony on April 12th will also honor Shane Burgo, president of the New Bedford City Council.
Several events are free and open to the public, including the opening night awards ceremony on April 9th at 8 p.m. at the Steeple Playhouse. Other free events include a family-friendly "Animation in the Museum" program on April 10th and the screening of films from the NB48 Filmmaking Challenge on April 11th.
