WEST CHESTER, PA— March 17, 2026—THE 20th WEST CHESTER INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
INVITATION: VIP FILMMAKER & PRESS EVENT
The West Chester International Short Film Festival will celebrate its 20th Fest Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, 2026. This milestone year will feature three days of curated film blocks chosen from a record number of submissions from over 45 countries. The diverse lineup includes Oscar nominees and winners, local favorites, and stories representing voices from around the world.
“The West Chester Film Festival has been bringing exceptional short films to audiences for decades, and we could not be more proud to continue showcasing the works of filmmakers from our community and on a global scale,” said Sarah Beck, President of the WCFF.
Over the course of the weekend, audiences will enjoy an engaging mix of genres within each two-hour block—pairing powerful dramas with compelling documentaries, imaginative experimental works, lively animation, sharp comedies, and other unexpected gems—all woven into one engaging program.
The weekend begins with the Opening Night Party, followed by blocks of films, workshops, Pop-Up Blocks, and more. The Chester Awards will be presented at a special event on Saturday, April 25 at 7 pm, and on Sunday the Closing Night Best of the Fest will showcase a lineup of Chester Award-winning films, fan favorites, and the announcement of the People’s Choice award winner.
Press and media are invited to a Press Preview at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester on Friday, April 24th at 5 pm, prior to the start of the Opening Night Party. Filmmakers will be walking the red carpet for photographs and interviews, and press are invited to stay for the first block of films. To RSVP to this or any other Fest event, please email info@westchesterfilmfestival.com.
More details about the West Chester Film Festival is available at WestChesterFilmFestival.com, including film selections, Pop-Up Film Block themes, workshop descriptions, and venue information. Save the dates—April 24th through 26th, 2026. We invite everyone to “Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Show!”
For additional information about the West Chester International Short Film Festival visit www.westchesterfilmfestival.com or email info@westchesterfilmfestival.com. Find us on social media @WCFilmFestival.
About the West Chester Film Festival:
The West Chester International Short Film Festival celebrates the spirit of independent filmmaking and diverse voices from around the world with an annual three-day festival the last weekend of April in Downtown West Chester, PA. Films from dozens of countries, all thirty minutes or less, are shown in two-hour film blocks at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center. It is an exciting flurry of short film blocks, workshops led by industry professionals, networking events, fantastic parties, and more. As a nonprofit, 100% volunteer organization, the WCFF is dedicated to showcasing and supporting the West Chester community with this event. The full schedule, film details, sponsorship packages, award nominees, and more information can be found at www.westchesterfilmfestival.com.
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