2026 Footcandle Film Festival at a Glance
Festival dates: September 18–27, 2026
Main screening weekend: September 25–27
Primary venue: Hickory Community Theatre
Additional venue: Carolina Theater in downtown Hickory
Films: More than 40 narrative films, documentaries, short films, and feature-length productions
Tickets: Individual screening tickets and festival passes are available
Free activities: Filmmaker Symposium, FilmLAB premiere, Children’s Short Film Showcase, and closing awards ceremony
Visitors should review the official Footcandle Film Festival schedule before attending because screening times, ticket availability, and individual event information may change:
https://www.footcandlefilmfestival.com/festival/schedule
Main screening weekend: September 25–27
Primary venue: Hickory Community Theatre
Additional venue: Carolina Theater in downtown Hickory
Films: More than 40 narrative films, documentaries, short films, and feature-length productions
Tickets: Individual screening tickets and festival passes are available
Free activities: Filmmaker Symposium, FilmLAB premiere, Children’s Short Film Showcase, and closing awards ceremony
Visitors should review the official Footcandle Film Festival schedule before attending because screening times, ticket availability, and individual event information may change:
https://www.footcandlefilmfestival.com/festival/schedule
Opening Night: “River Warrior”
The festival’s official opening night takes place Wednesday, September 23, at 7 p.m. with the world premiere of “River Warrior” at the Carolina Theater in downtown Hickory.
The documentary was created by North Carolina filmmakers and received support through a previous Footcandle Film Society grant. Its premiere offers festival attendees an opportunity to experience a locally connected film while seeing how the festival helps support independent filmmaking beyond the annual event itself.
The documentary was created by North Carolina filmmakers and received support through a previous Footcandle Film Society grant. Its premiere offers festival attendees an opportunity to experience a locally connected film while seeing how the festival helps support independent filmmaking beyond the annual event itself.
Thursday: Learn How Independent Films Are Made
Thursday’s programming is especially valuable for aspiring filmmakers, students, writers, and anyone curious about what happens behind the camera.
A free Filmmaker Symposium begins at 3 p.m. at Hickory Community Theatre. The program will explore practical areas of independent filmmaking, including funding, casting, production, and distribution.
At 7 p.m., Footcandle will present the free FilmLAB premiere.
FilmLAB is a 60-hour filmmaking competition in which participating teams must write, film, and edit an original short movie over one weekend. Each team receives a randomly selected genre, required prop, and required line of dialogue.
The finished films will be screened Thursday evening, and the audience will help determine which team wins the competition.
A free Filmmaker Symposium begins at 3 p.m. at Hickory Community Theatre. The program will explore practical areas of independent filmmaking, including funding, casting, production, and distribution.
At 7 p.m., Footcandle will present the free FilmLAB premiere.
FilmLAB is a 60-hour filmmaking competition in which participating teams must write, film, and edit an original short movie over one weekend. Each team receives a randomly selected genre, required prop, and required line of dialogue.
The finished films will be screened Thursday evening, and the audience will help determine which team wins the competition.
Friday Through Sunday: The Main Festival
The main festival takes place September 25–27 at Hickory Community Theatre.
More than 40 films were selected from hundreds of submissions. The final lineup includes narrative and documentary projects in both short-film and feature-length formats.
Many screenings will also include conversations with participating filmmakers, either in person or virtually. These discussions give attendees an opportunity to learn more about each production, the filmmaker’s creative process, and the stories behind the finished work.
Because multiple films and programs are scheduled throughout the weekend, attendees can purchase individual tickets or choose a festival pass that provides broader access.
The full lineup, film descriptions, trailers, tickets, and passes are available at: https://www.footcandlefilmfestival.com/
More than 40 films were selected from hundreds of submissions. The final lineup includes narrative and documentary projects in both short-film and feature-length formats.
Many screenings will also include conversations with participating filmmakers, either in person or virtually. These discussions give attendees an opportunity to learn more about each production, the filmmaker’s creative process, and the stories behind the finished work.
Because multiple films and programs are scheduled throughout the weekend, attendees can purchase individual tickets or choose a festival pass that provides broader access.
The full lineup, film descriptions, trailers, tickets, and passes are available at: https://www.footcandlefilmfestival.com/
Sunday’s Closing Awards Ceremony
The festival concludes at 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, with a free awards ceremony at Hickory Community Theatre.
Awards will recognize standout narrative films, documentaries, features, short films, international projects, and audience favorites. The winning FilmLAB production and the recipients of the 2026 Footcandle Filmmaker Grants will also be announced.
The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Awards will recognize standout narrative films, documentaries, features, short films, international projects, and audience favorites. The winning FilmLAB production and the recipients of the 2026 Footcandle Filmmaker Grants will also be announced.
The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Why the Footcandle Film Festival Matters to Hickory
The Footcandle Film Festival is more than a collection of movie screenings.
It brings filmmakers and visitors into downtown Hickory, creates opportunities for local artists, introduces residents to stories they may not encounter through traditional theaters, and gives aspiring filmmakers access to education and creative collaboration.
It also demonstrates the variety of experiences now available throughout Hickory and the Catawba Valley.
The places people choose to call home are shaped by more than houses, roads, and property values. Arts, entertainment, traditions, local businesses, and community events all contribute to an area’s identity and quality of life.
At Osborne Real Estate Group, we believe understanding the local real estate market also means understanding the community surrounding it. That is why we are committed to sharing the events, places, developments, and local stories that help define life in Hickory.
Before heading to the festival, visit the official Footcandle Film Festival website to review the latest schedule and ticket availability:
https://www.footcandlefilmfestival.com/
For more information about living, working, or buying a home in Hickory and the Catawba Valley, connect with Osborne Real Estate Group.
It brings filmmakers and visitors into downtown Hickory, creates opportunities for local artists, introduces residents to stories they may not encounter through traditional theaters, and gives aspiring filmmakers access to education and creative collaboration.
It also demonstrates the variety of experiences now available throughout Hickory and the Catawba Valley.
The places people choose to call home are shaped by more than houses, roads, and property values. Arts, entertainment, traditions, local businesses, and community events all contribute to an area’s identity and quality of life.
At Osborne Real Estate Group, we believe understanding the local real estate market also means understanding the community surrounding it. That is why we are committed to sharing the events, places, developments, and local stories that help define life in Hickory.
Before heading to the festival, visit the official Footcandle Film Festival website to review the latest schedule and ticket availability:
https://www.footcandlefilmfestival.com/
For more information about living, working, or buying a home in Hickory and the Catawba Valley, connect with Osborne Real Estate Group.
