DIFF SHORTS 2026 Film Festival Returns to Dallas

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. Tickets are available for purchase at https://diffshorts2026.eventive.org/. Festival Passes are $75 (Senior and Student Passes are $50). Tickets are $10 for each Shorts Block.