DIFF SHORTS 2026

The third edition of the DIFF SHORTS Film Festival will take place October 16 through 18 at Angelika Film Center & Café Dallas in Mockingbird Station. With a goal of elevating short films and celebrating shorts filmmakers, DIFF SHORTS Film Festival 2026 will feature 16 themed film blocks with 100+ films, Q&As, industry panels, daily red carpets, and receptions for filmmakers and sponsors at The Highland Dallas, Host Hotel of the 2026 DIFF SHORTS Film Festival.

This year's Shorts Blocks bring together an exciting mix of stories and styles— something for every kind of movie lover. From heartfelt journeys through grief to fresh perspectives from high school filmmakers, from family-friendly adventures and coming-of-age tales to explorations of identity and relationships, the lineup is as varied as it is vibrant.

Audiences can also look forward to late-night thrills, sports-themed stories, Latino voices, music videos, and everything in between.

Programmers Choice Awards will be given for Best Narrative Film, Best Texas Film, Best Music Video, Best College Student Film, Best Animated Film, Best Documentary Film and Best First-Time Filmmaker. Audience Awards will be given in those categories, as well as for Best High School Student Film.

Support for the DIFF SHORTS Film Festival 2026 is provided by DIFF SEASON PARTNERS: Akin, Burned to Light Media & Video Production, Commerce House, DFW MSP, FilmFrog, Nowadays Orange Productions; GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT SEASON SPONSORS: City of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture, Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, Moody Fund for the Arts, Texas Commission for the Arts; HOSPITALITY SEASON PARTNERS: Eataly, Hôtel Swexan, Keurig Dr Pepper, Lakewood Brewing Co., OneBar USA, The Highland Dallas, Violet Crown Dallas, Virgin Hotels Dallas, W Dallas. (Sponsor List as of 08.31.2026)

5321 East Mockingbird Lane #230, Dallas 75206

MORE: DIFF Dallas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2006 as Dallas Film Society, Inc. DIFF Dallas provides accessible, inclusive, immersive, educational, and entertaining film experiences for all through year-round programs, including an educational screening and talk series for area high school students with industry professionals; free advance screenings of new films for subscribers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and the public; film series in collaboration with community partners; and other unique events ranging from film premieres to classic film anniversary celebrations. The signature presentation of DIFF Dallas is the…