Philadelphia Film Society Unveils SpringFest 2026 Lineup With Exclusive Premieres, Special Guests, and Expanded Programming
Philadelphia Film Society Unveils SpringFest 2026 Lineup With Exclusive Premieres, Special Guests, and Expanded Programming
The Philadelphia Film Society has officially announced the full lineup for SpringFest 2026, a seven-day celebration of independent and international cinema set to take place April 17–23, 2026 at Film Society East.
Now expanded to two screens and featuring its largest slate to date, SpringFest continues to position itself as a festival of discovery—offering Philadelphia audiences an early look at some of the year’s most talked-about films before their wider release.
The 2026 edition will showcase 18 feature films, all making their exclusive Philadelphia premieres, alongside 34 short films and multiple works from local filmmakers.
Beyond screenings, attendees can expect:
- Post-film Q&As with directors and cast
- Panel discussions and conversations
- Opportunities to connect with filmmakers and fellow moviegoers
This year’s lineup spans genres—from horror and action to comedy and documentary—with several standout titles already generating buzz:
- Hokum – A chilling horror from director Damian McCarthy
- Power Ballad – Starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas
- Carolina Caroline – Featuring Samara Weaving and Kyle Gallner
- Cookie Queens – A documentary exploring the Girl Scout cookie economy
- I Want Your Sex – From New Queer Cinema pioneer Gregg Araki
- The Furious – A high-energy martial arts thriller starring Joe Taslim
- Tuner – Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Daniel Roher
Special Guests and Screenings
SpringFest will also welcome notable guests, including:
- Jorma Taccone, presenting Over Your Dead Body with a post-screening Q&A
- John Early, debuting Maddie’s Secret and appearing for a Q&A
A major focus of SpringFest remains the local creative community. The festival will highlight Philadelphia-based filmmakers through a dedicated shorts program, reinforcing the city’s growing influence in the independent film scene.
For the first time, the SpringFest Festival Lounge will be open to all badge and ticket holders, offering a space to relax, grab refreshments, and connect between screenings.
Additionally, the new “Friends of SpringFest” program gives attendees access to exclusive discounts at select Old City restaurants and retailers—encouraging visitors to explore the neighborhood before and after screenings.
As SpringFest continues to expand, it reflects both the evolution of the Philadelphia Film Society and the city’s increasing role as a hub for film and storytelling.
With a mix of global premieres, local talent, and immersive programming, SpringFest 2026 offers something for both dedicated cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike.
