October 05, 2026
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Provided Courtesy/Philadelphia Film Fesitval
The 35th Philadelphia Film Festival runs Oct. 15-25 with 50 films announced in its first wave, including four world premieres and new work from Pedro Almodóvar, Danny Boyle and Martin McDonagh.
The Philadelphia Film Festival 2026 is celebrating its 35th anniversary with 11 days of screenings, premieres, filmmaker appearances and special events across the city.
Running Oct. 15-25, this year's festival will feature new work from Pedro Almodóvar, Danny Boyle and Martin McDonagh, along with films coming to Philadelphia after major wins at Cannes, Sundance and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Oct. 9.
Among the early highlights is Cristian Mungiu's Fjord, winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes, while Beth de Araújo's Josephine arrives after winning both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Sundance. The first wave also includes McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine and Almodóvar's Bitter Christmas.
Outside the screenings, PFF35 will include filmmaker Q&As, special guest appearances, red carpet events, community programs, meetups and opening and closing night parties. Local restaurants also will take part in “Film Festaurant Week.”
The 50 films announced so far are only the first wave. Philadelphia Film Society Artistic Director and CCO Michael Lerman called them “the tip of the iceberg” and said the organization is planning its biggest festival program yet.
The festival is also part of “Reel October,” a broader Philadelphia Film Society celebration featuring two weeks of 35mm screenings leading into PFF35.
This year's festival marks two milestones: 35 years of the Philadelphia Film Festival and 25 years of the Philadelphia Film Society.
Dates: Oct. 15-25
First wave: 50 films
World premieres: Four
Full lineup announcement: Oct. 7
Member ticket sales: Oct. 7
Public ticket sales: Oct. 9
Programming: Screenings, premieres, filmmaker Q&As, guest appearances, red carpet events, parties, community programs and meetups
More information and tickets: Philadelphia Film Society
Have an event coming up? Let the PhillyVoice Events team know about it by emailing events@phillyvoice.com.
