12th Annual Wheaton Film Festival
The 12th Annual Wheaton Film Festival brings short-film screenings, educational discussions, networking, dinner, and an awards presentation to the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad. The festival focuses on learning about the entertainment industry while showcasing short films, with an after-party planned at a local bar or restaurant.
The event is presented by the Wheaton Film Festival and takes place in person on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Its tentative program includes two industry panels, a networking and dinner reception, short-film screenings, and awards recognizing overall excellence, community storytelling, and student filmmaking.
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Showtimes: The festival runs from 2:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Doors open from 2:30 to 3 p.m. for informal networking and a welcome. Educational panels run from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a networking and dinner reception from 5 to 6 p.m., short-film screenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and the awards presentation and closing remarks from 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.
After-party: An after-party is planned at a local bar or restaurant to be announced. The tentative schedule lists it from 9:15 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., while the additional event information lists it from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. Everyone is invited, and no ticket is required for the after-party.
Tickets: Tickets are required, but the page does not list a ticket price. Tickets are available through WheatonFilmFest12.eventbrite.com. The code “WFF10friend” provides 10% off the ticket price.
Panels: “The Business of Film and Video,” with Paul Marengo and Chris Petracco, may cover finding grants, starting and operating a production company, managing several projects and clients, balancing creative goals with paid work, and related business issues. “Building the Right Team,” with Kimberly Skyrme and Melissa Houghton, addresses assembling a production team from script to screen, including casting, collaboration, creative partnerships, and the relationships needed to turn an idea into a finished film.
Films: The festival includes a selection of short-film screenings. The page does not provide an individual film lineup.
Awards: The “Levin Grand Prize” is the jury award for Best Overall Film. The “Wheaton Award” recognizes Best Community Story, and the “Kamen Grand Prize” honors Best Student Film.
Food and refreshments: Bottled water, snacks, and dinner will be provided at no additional cost while supplies last. Offerings may include hot dogs, chips, popcorn, cookies, and fruit. Attendees with allergies or specific dietary needs are asked to bring their own food. Food and refreshments are provided by Lum’s.
Venue: Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad, 2400 Arcola Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20902.
Parking: Free parking is available at the rescue squad and across the street at the Wheaton library branch.
Ages: No age restriction is stated.
Accessibility: The page says that accessibility information is currently unavailable.
Information: Additional festival information is available at wheatonfilmfestival.com. Questions may be directed to info@wheatonfilmfestival.com.