LightReel Film Festival Program
Discover the complete lineup for the LightReel Film Festival, showcasing narrative features, documentary films, shorts, and screenplay selections from emerging and established BIPOC filmmakers. From powerful premieres to bold new voices, the program celebrates stories from across the African diaspora and beyond, presented in the heart of Washington, DC.
Status Line (until April)
The full 2026 lineup will be announced in April. Explore each section below to learn more about this year’s programs and check back soon for film titles and screening details.
Browse the Programs
🟣 Narrative Features
Bold, character-driven storytelling from emerging and established filmmakers. Discover premieres, award-winning performances, and unforgettable cinematic voices from across the diaspora.
🟡 Narrative Shorts
Fresh voices and breakthrough talent in short-form storytelling. Bite-sized films packed with heart, humor, and big ideas from the next generation of filmmakers.
🔵 Documentary Features
Urgent, intimate, and eye-opening nonfiction cinema. Real stories that inform, inspire, and challenge audiences through powerful documentary filmmaking.
🟠 Documentary Shorts
🔴 Screenplay Competition
Impactful real-world stories told with clarity and craft. Short documentaries that capture culture, community, and change in compelling ways.