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From Horror & Gory Shorts to Dad Genes, Allentown Film Festival 2026 had a genre / film for almost everyone, especially the family. Add in 98-year-old / historic theater, New York City style closing party. You have a 3 evening / 1 day experience easily worth $40 Festival Pass.
Regional Competition showing us the future of films / movies from all aspects. Technical, storytelling, what is possible on a near zero (or zero) budget. Featuring K-12 / College / Non-Student categories, wide open with genres / styles.
Features, including Pieces of Lilo (Drama) / Dreamland Awaits (Horror Thriller), provides a break from the Blocks. Thursday night skipped film blocks for Pieces of Lilo. It was a hard choice, especially with Homegrown Films block. Leading to the biggest challenge.
The Film Festival is not limited to Lehigh Valley / United States submissions. Another great aspect, you experience what film makers from around the world are capable of, especially present in the different blocks. Between Homegrown / Global entrees / K-12, College, you experience a complete view of what the industry is truly capable of achieving. Without restrictions / massive budgets / overdone and boring themes of Hollywood / major studios.
If you have ever experienced a large festival / event (music / film / convention), you know it can be difficult experiencing everything. Possibly, a huge challenge limiting / making the list of top priorities. Allentown Film Festival is no different. Unfortunately, had to miss 2 top priorities Saturday due to scheduling conflict.
Main Suggestions:
Audience Favorites Awards / Mentions: If there would be an additional event after main festival (2026: Art Museum 2 weeks later), Audience / attendee favorites could be announced there. Voting could be done through QR code at Festival. Possibly including link when tickets / passes are purchased. These methods would add validity to results. Limiting voting to people attending festival / watching the films.
Category addition: Cutting edge / films re-defining or re-creating the industry. Film makers pushing the limits / rewriting every rule. A few films of this type were included in different blocks. This would increase submissions. Encourage people / students who might not have resources (actors / equipment / locations / etc.). People / students who may be great with technology / computers, not so great at traditional (actors / locations / crew). Would love to see a Sci-Fi / Fantasy category in the future. Personal experience: 2024 submitted a short done entirely on laptop, it was accepted.
Looking for something new and different in Lehigh Valley? Allentown Film Festival is on the very short list of must experience. It breaks the "broken record syndrome" of boring repetition. Highlighting some lesser-known history of the area. Don't live in the area? Want to experience a New York City style film festival without large crowds / lines? Remember it for your 2027 plans. Film maker? Add Allentown Film Festival to your list on Film Freeway.
Scroll down for video review / photos / video clips of entire experience. 2027 will be the 5-year anniversary. Very curious how it will continue to evolve / any surprises planned.
Regional Competition showing us the future of films / movies from all aspects. Technical, storytelling, what is possible on a near zero (or zero) budget. Featuring K-12 / College / Non-Student categories, wide open with genres / styles.
Features, including Pieces of Lilo (Drama) / Dreamland Awaits (Horror Thriller), provides a break from the Blocks. Thursday night skipped film blocks for Pieces of Lilo. It was a hard choice, especially with Homegrown Films block. Leading to the biggest challenge.
The Film Festival is not limited to Lehigh Valley / United States submissions. Another great aspect, you experience what film makers from around the world are capable of, especially present in the different blocks. Between Homegrown / Global entrees / K-12, College, you experience a complete view of what the industry is truly capable of achieving. Without restrictions / massive budgets / overdone and boring themes of Hollywood / major studios.
If you have ever experienced a large festival / event (music / film / convention), you know it can be difficult experiencing everything. Possibly, a huge challenge limiting / making the list of top priorities. Allentown Film Festival is no different. Unfortunately, had to miss 2 top priorities Saturday due to scheduling conflict.
Main Suggestions:
Audience Favorites Awards / Mentions: If there would be an additional event after main festival (2026: Art Museum 2 weeks later), Audience / attendee favorites could be announced there. Voting could be done through QR code at Festival. Possibly including link when tickets / passes are purchased. These methods would add validity to results. Limiting voting to people attending festival / watching the films.
Category addition: Cutting edge / films re-defining or re-creating the industry. Film makers pushing the limits / rewriting every rule. A few films of this type were included in different blocks. This would increase submissions. Encourage people / students who might not have resources (actors / equipment / locations / etc.). People / students who may be great with technology / computers, not so great at traditional (actors / locations / crew). Would love to see a Sci-Fi / Fantasy category in the future. Personal experience: 2024 submitted a short done entirely on laptop, it was accepted.
Looking for something new and different in Lehigh Valley? Allentown Film Festival is on the very short list of must experience. It breaks the "broken record syndrome" of boring repetition. Highlighting some lesser-known history of the area. Don't live in the area? Want to experience a New York City style film festival without large crowds / lines? Remember it for your 2027 plans. Film maker? Add Allentown Film Festival to your list on Film Freeway.
Scroll down for video review / photos / video clips of entire experience. 2027 will be the 5-year anniversary. Very curious how it will continue to evolve / any surprises planned.
video review
Friday night
Competition Finalists
Allan and Michael (Festival Founders)
theaters
sunday
behind the scenes
closing party
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