Pasadena Film Festival (File Photos – PIFF)
The 13th annual Pasadena International Film Festival (PIFF) will return April 9–16, 2026, bringing a diverse slate of more than 160 films from over 12 countries to the Laemmle NoHo 7 in the NoHo Arts District. The eight-day event will feature a wide range of programming, including feature films, shorts, documentaries, and animated works.
By News Desk
In addition to screenings, the festival will host industry panels, a nightly Passholders’ Lounge, and a closing night award ceremony themed “Old Hollywood Glamour.” Screenings, sponsored by First Entertainment Credit Union, will be organized into programming blocks, each followed by moderated Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Opening night will spotlight a California-themed block, including a short film starring John Glover, along with an ’80s-themed lineup. The evening will also feature the world premiere of the thriller Blood Yolk, scored by Academy Award–nominated composer Nicholas Pike. Festivities will continue with the “Radical Rewind” ’80s-themed party at Brews Brothers NoHo Pub.
The festival’s first weekend includes a Friday workshop led by Jake O’Flaherty of Dangerfield Talent, focusing on the current state of the entertainment industry from a talent agent’s perspective. On Saturday, audiences can attend a screening of Til Death… Do You, starring Michael Beach.
Sunday’s programming features several notable screenings, including the family-friendly short Little Matchmakers, starring Eric Roberts. The film follows two young girls attempting to find a new partner for their grandfather after their grandmother’s death. Also screening is Foxbody, a dramatic short written, directed, and produced by Cameron Monaghan, described as a tribute to filmmakers such as David Lynch and the Coen Brothers. The day concludes with the world premiere of Detention, starring Elizabeth Mitchell, which centers on teenagers bonding during a Saturday detention.
Weekday highlights include MascLooking, a short thriller about modern dating starring Daniel Franzese, and The Day Is Young, a dramatic boxing short featuring Dee Wallace. Both films will screen Tuesday night.
PIFF will also showcase a selection of films addressing California wildfires, including the documentaries Altadena: The Heart. The Art and the Soul, California Is Burning, Echoes of the Palisades, Going for Home, and the music video Embers.
The festival will conclude with its “Old Hollywood Glamour” Award Ceremony, emceed by actor Marco Neves, honoring standout talent featured throughout the event. All named participants are expected to attend.
A full schedule and additional information are available on the festival’s official website.
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