13th Annual Calabasas Film Festival Announces 2026 Lineup

Heavy-hitting premieres, true-crime dramas, and Hollywood grit take over local venues next week.

The 13th Annual Calabasas Film Festival officially kicks off on Wednesday, September 23rd, bringing five days of high-stakes storytelling to local venues. Running through the weekend until Sunday, September 27th, the 2026 slate promises big-name star power, deep-dive industry Q&As, and an unforgettable look at independent filmmaking.

Founded in 2014 by sisters Kelley and Nicole Fries alongside producer Natalie Khoury, the festival partners with The City of Calabasas and Cadillac of Calabasas to empower young filmmakers with a platform for outreach.

Opening Night: ‘Atonement’ & ‘The Leader’ (Sept 23)

Opening night kicks off on Wednesday, September 23rd, with a high-impact double feature across two locations:

• At the Motion Picture & Television Fund Campus: Reed Van Dyk’s war drama Atonement makes its premiere. Starring Boyd Holbrook and Hiam Abbass, the film centers on a family devastated by a split-second decision during the Iraq War and a Marine who seeks reconciliation years later.
• At the Viewpoint Theater: Michael Gallagher’s The Leader delivers a deep dive into cult history. Starring Vera Farmiga, the premiere unspools the true story of Heaven’s Gate and its leaders, Ti and Do, from the 1970s through the group’s tragic end in 1997. The screening will feature filmmakers in attendance followed by a live Q&A.

‘I Play Rocky’ (Sept 24)

On Thursday, September 24th, director Peter Farrelly takes over the Motion Picture & Television Fund Campus for the premiere of I Play Rocky. Starring Anthony Ippolito and AnnaSophia Robb, the biographical drama chronicles Sylvester Stallone’s determination to write and star as Rocky Balboa despite repeatedly being told no by the industry.

Nostalgia & The Next Generation (Sept 27)

Closing out on Sunday, September 27th, classic nostalgia meets emerging indie talent:

• Outdoor Classic: The Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center hosts an anniversary outdoor screening under the stars of Richard Donner’s adventure classic The Goonies, following a group of friends hunting for One-Eyed Willy’s legendary fortune.
• Student Showcase: The Motion Picture & Television Fund Campus hosts the Student Film Programs. 

For information and to purchase tickets and passes, visit the festival website:

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