Loveland Shorts Film Festival Announces 2026 Festival Schedule

The Loveland Shorts Film Festival is set to return July 31 through August 2, 2026, bringing filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts together for a weekend of screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events.

Hosted primarily at the Loveland Stage Company, located at 111 South Second Street, the festival will showcase independent films from a variety of genres while offering educational opportunities for aspiring and established filmmakers alike.

Friday Kicks Off with Family Films and Industry Insights

The festival opens Friday, July 31, with a Coffee Hour at Hometown Café before attendees gather for the first screening block, featuring family-friendly films.

The day continues with a workshop led by filmmaker and industry professional Laney McCormick, focusing on music licensing for film. Additional screenings throughout the afternoon will highlight emotional and thought-provoking stories, followed by a panel discussion featuring Alex Prezeau on the growing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

Friday evening concludes with the “Friday Night Frights” screening block, showcasing horror-themed short films, followed by an after-hours networking party at Ramsey’s Trailside.

Saturday Features Human Stories, Sound Design Workshop

Festival activities resume Saturday, Aug. 1, beginning with another Coffee Hour at Hometown Café.

The day’s programming includes screenings centered on the human condition and a collection of short films designed to spark conversation and inspire audiences. A featured workshop led by Tim Dutton and Adam Rabinowitz will explore the importance of sound in film production, providing valuable insights into one of cinema’s most powerful storytelling tools.

Saturday evening culminates with the “Saturday Night Showcase,” a premier screening event highlighting some of the festival’s standout selections, followed by another after-hours gathering at Ramsey’s Trailside.

Sunday Concludes with Awards Celebration

The festival wraps up on Sunday, Aug. 2, with a morning gathering featuring coffee, donuts, and the festival’s awards presentation. The closing event will celebrate the filmmakers and films recognized for excellence during the weekend’s programming.

Organizers say the festival aims to foster creativity, support independent filmmakers, and strengthen connections within the regional film community.

Festival Schedule Highlights

Friday, July 31

• Coffee Hour at Hometown Café

• Family-Friendly Fun Films screening

• Workshop: Music Licensing for Film

• “Emotions and Other Burdens” screening

• AI in Film panel discussion

• Friday Night Frights screening

• After-hours party at Ramsey’s Trailside

Saturday, Aug. 1

• Coffee Hour at Hometown Café

• “The Human Condition” screening

• “Small Frames, Big Ideas” screening

• Workshop: Sound in Film

• Saturday Night Showcase screening

• After-hours party at Ramsey’s Trailside

Sunday, Aug. 2

• Coffee, Donuts, and Awards Ceremony

The Loveland Shorts Film Festival will take place at the Loveland Stage Company unless otherwise noted. Festival organizers encourage attendees to arrive early for screenings and networking opportunities throughout the weekend.