CineFest Brings Independent Film to Ventura
CineFest returns for its third year to Downtown Ventura as part of ArtWalk Ventura 2026, bringing two days of independent film, emerging voices, filmmaker conversations, and awards to the big screen.
- CineFest at ArtWalk Ventura
- September 26–27, 1 – 7 pm both days
- Cinemark Century Ventura Downtown 10
- 555 E. Main Street, Ventura
Planned and programmed by an energetic group of young filmmakers, CineFest celebrates independent cinema with a diverse selection of local, national, and international films, including award-winning work alongside films from emerging directors and new voices.
A point of particular pride is CineFest’s Youth Block, created to give young filmmakers something that can be difficult to find: the opportunity to see their work screened for a real audience in a professional movie theater.
“We want young filmmakers to know that their work matters and deserves to be seen,” said CineFest Director of Programming Ethan Messecar. “There is something incredibly powerful about watching a film you created come to life on a theater screen with an audience.”
Featured this year is an Experimental Film Block, showcasing filmmakers who push beyond traditional storytelling through innovative approaches to image, sound, structure and form.
Throughout the weekend, audiences will have opportunities to meet and hear from filmmakers during Q&A sessions, celebrate the award winners, and take part in the full cinema festival experience — including red carpet photos.
And unlike many pop-up cinema festivals, CineFest takes place in a full movie theater, with comfortable stadium seating, professional projection and sound, and concessions available throughout the weekend.
CineFest is part of ArtWalk Ventura, the Central Coast’s largest multidisciplinary arts festival, taking place September 26–27 throughout Downtown Ventura and the Westside. ArtWalk brings together visual art, music, dance, poetry, film, street painting, installations, demonstrations and activities for children in a free, community-wide celebration of the arts.
CineFest expands that celebration to the cinematic arts, creating a place where established filmmakers, emerging artists and the next generation of storytellers can share their work with Ventura audiences. Admission is free. Inquire at the box office for tickets. https://www.artwalkventura.org/cinefest.html.
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