Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about attending the LightReel Film Festival? Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about the festival experience, passes, venues, and planning your visit.
Attending the Festival
When is the 2026 LightReel Film Festival?
June 3–6, 2026 in Washington, DC’s Union Market District.
Where does the festival take place?Across multiple venues within a walkable campus in the Union Market District.
How do I purchase passes?Passes can be purchased on our Passes page.
Are individual tickets available?Individual tickets are available beginning April 6, 2026.
Are passes refundable?All festival pass purchases are final and non-refundable.
LightReel Film Festival does not offer refunds or exchanges for passes, except in the event of a full festival cancellation. Passes may not be transferred, resold, or shared without prior written approval from the festival team.
We encourage attendees to review their schedule and availability carefully before completing their purchase.
Can passes be transferred?Festival passes are non-transferable and may only be used by the original purchaser. Passes may not be shared, resold, or reassigned to another individual.
We recommend confirming your availability before completing your purchase.
What happens if an event sells out?
Select screenings and events may reach capacity. Pass holders are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted.
If space permits, a standby line may be available at select venues. Entry for standby guests is not guaranteed and is determined at the discretion of festival staff.
We recommend reviewing your schedule and arriving at least 15–20 minutes before the event start time.
Screenings & Events
When will the 2026 lineup be announced?
The official 2026 LightReel film lineup will be announced on April 6, 2026. Screening schedules and event details will be released at that time.
Do screenings include Q&A sessions?Select screenings include post-film conversations with directors, cast members, or special guests. Q&A participation varies by program and will be noted in the official schedule.
We encourage attendees to review screening details in advance, as special conversations and live discussions are highlighted within the event listings.
How early should I arrive?We recommend arriving at least 15–20 minutes before the scheduled start time. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted.
Pass holders and ticketed guests should allow additional time for check-in during peak festival hours.
What happens if I arrive late?Late entry is not guaranteed. Admission after the scheduled start time is subject to venue policy and may be limited to an appropriate break in the program, if available.
To ensure seating and minimize disruption to other guests, we strongly encourage attendees to arrive at least 15–20 minutes before the event begins.
Can I leave and re-enter a screening or event?Re-entry is not guaranteed and may be limited depending on venue capacity and event flow. Guests who leave a screening or event may be required to wait until an appropriate break before being readmitted, if space permits.
To ensure uninterrupted viewing and minimize disruption, we encourage attendees to remain seated for the duration of the program whenever possible.
Are seats reserved?Seating for most screenings and events is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted. Specific ticket types or special events may have reserved seating.
Is photography or recording allowed?
Photography policies vary by event. Unless otherwise noted, professional recording equipment and flash photography are not permitted during screenings. Select festival events may be photographed or recorded by the festival for promotional purposes.
Getting Around
Where does the festival take place?
The LightReel Film Festival takes place across multiple venues within Washington, DC’s Union Market District. All primary festival locations are centrally located within a walkable campus.
For detailed venue information, visit our Venues page.
Is the festival walkable?Yes. LightReel venues are located within a compact footprint in the Union Market District, typically within a five-minute walk of one another.
We encourage attendees to allow a few extra minutes when moving between events during peak festival hours.
What is the closest Metro station?The closest Metro station is NoMa–Gallaudet U (Red Line), located approximately a 10–15 minute walk from the Union Market District.
Attendees may also use rideshare services for direct drop-off near festival venues.
Is parking available?Yes. Paid parking garages and street parking options are available throughout the Union Market District. Within the district, the first three hours of parking are complimentary, with a daily maximum of $15.
Parking availability may vary during peak festival hours. We recommend reviewing transportation options in advance and allowing additional time for arrival.
Accessibility
Are festival venues ADA accessible?
Yes. All primary LightReel venues are ADA-accessible. Accessible seating and entrances are available throughout the festival campus.
For full details, please visit our Accessibility page.
How do I request accommodations?If you require specific accommodations, please contact the LightReel team in advance so we can best support your needs.
Are service animals allowed?Yes. Service animals are welcome at all LightReel venues in accordance with applicable laws.
Is parking available?Yes. Paid parking garages and street parking options are available throughout the Union Market District. Within the district, the first three hours of parking are complimentary, with a daily maximum of $15.
Parking availability may vary during peak festival hours. We recommend reviewing transportation options in advance and allowing additional time for arrival.
Filmmakers & Industry
How do I submit a film to LightReel?
Film submissions for the 2026 LightReel Film Festival are now closed. Submission information for future editions will be announced on our website and official channels.
For updates, please visit our Films page.
What is IndustryInsights?IndustryInsights is LightReel’s curated conversation series featuring filmmakers, creative leaders, and industry professionals discussing craft, access, and the future of storytelling.
Speaker announcements and session details will be released closer to the festival.
What access do selected filmmakers receive?Officially selected narrative and documentary feature filmmakers receive two festival passes and four tickets for their specific screening.
Officially selected narrative and documentary short filmmakers receive one festival pass and two tickets for their specific screening.
Additional Filmmaker Guest Passes may be purchased, with a limit of two per project.
Accreditation details are confirmed directly with selected filmmakers upon acceptance.
Is there a filmmaker networking space?Yes. LightReel hosts select receptions, conversations, and networking gatherings throughout the festival weekend to encourage meaningful connection between filmmakers, audiences, and industry guests.
Specific event details will be included in the official schedule.
Policies
What is the refund policy?
All festival pass purchases are final and non-refundable. Passes may not be transferred, resold, or shared without prior written approval from the festival team.
In the event of a full festival cancellation, official communication will be issued to all pass holders.
Can festival passes be transferred?All festival pass purchases are final and non-refundable. For additional details regarding pass usage and transferability, please see the Passes section above.
Is photography or recording allowed?Unless otherwise noted, professional recording equipment and flash photography are not permitted during film screenings.
Select festival events may be photographed, filmed, or recorded by the festival for promotional purposes. Attendance at festival events constitutes consent to be photographed or recorded.
This protects you.
Does LightReel have a code of conduct?Yes. LightReel is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all attendees, filmmakers, staff, and partners.
Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from festival events without refund.
How can media request credentials?
Media professionals interested in covering LightReel should contact the festival team through our Contact page. Approved media will receive credentialing information directly.
Still Have Questions?
If you don’t see your question listed above, our team is happy to help.