Mystic Film Festival

 

 

Mystic Film Festival is an annual event showcasing independent feature-length and short-form narrative films and documentaries from around the world. The festival brings together a diverse group of filmmakers and audiences to explore ideas, discuss the filmmaking process, and celebrate creativity. 

 

Through engaging community events, industry panels, and film screenings by acclaimed and up-and-coming talent, we aim to make the festival a special experience for filmmakers and audiences alike. Now celebrating its ninth year, the festival will take place from September 24th – 27th, 2026 at venues in Mystic, Connecticut and Westerly, Rhode Island. Our cornerstone venue is Mystic Luxury Cinemas in Olde Mistick Village. We open with a local premiere and close the festival with an awards event where the best film in each category is recognized. We are expanding our submission categories this year. 

Our unproduced script competition is now entering its sixth year and continues to be a big success as we continue to grow our relationships with key partners in the screenwriting industry. We are excited to expand the categories this year. The top winners of the screenplay competition will be announced at the festival in September 2026.

Our festival was created by area filmmakers and artists to nurture local talent, to promote films made in Connecticut and New England, and to bring unique films to our community.

Halfway between New York City and Boston lies the beautiful seaport of Mystic. Known for its rich seafaring past and maritime history, it is also a popular destination for its restaurant and locally produced craft beer and wine; art galleries and museums; and sailing, kayaking and hiking along the pristine shoreline. 

Mystic is easily accessible by car and train, and the Tweed New Haven Regional Airport in New Haven, Connecticut and T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, Rhode Island are both within an hour’s drive. Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut is just over an hour’s drive.