Global creators and high‑profile premieres anchor a 2026 slate that reinforces the Los Angeles festival's standing as a leading platform for bold, future‑shaping work.
LOS ANGELES, CA, February 26, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The 17th Annual New Media Film Festival® announces its second wave of early selections for 2026, unveiling a slate of global creators and premiere titles that reinforce the festival's standing as one of Los Angeles' most forward‑looking cultural institutions. The 2026 edition will be held at The Culver Theater, a historic venue known for hosting some of the city's most influential film events.
Since its founding in 2009, the New Media Film Festival® has championed creators who push boundaries, embrace emerging formats, and redefine how stories move through the world. Its hybrid model—offering distinct in‑person and online programming—continues to expand the festival's global reach while maintaining deep industry relevance.
A Lineup of Visionaries and High‑Profile Premieres
This year's early selections highlight the festival's commitment to bold, international talent whose work resonates across continents, platforms, and creative disciplines:
David Byrne — New Single Trailer
A striking visual teaser from the legendary Talking Heads frontman, marking a new creative chapter from one of music's most enduring innovators.
Pendulum & Wargasm — Cannibal (World Premiere)
A high‑voltage collaboration making its festival debut after generating more than 662 million views in seven months, underscoring the power of cross‑genre, cross‑platform storytelling.
Limitless Podcast — Los Angeles Premiere
Creator Lori Moilov brings her acclaimed series to the festival stage, joined by Special Guest Bob Weis, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering, for a conversation exploring imagination as a renewable resource and the future of experiential storytelling.
CEOL (Ireland)
A visually rich animation originally created for the recent World Fair, blending cultural heritage with next‑generation design.
Stark Files (Spain) — World Premiere Web Series
A kinetic, documentary‑style exploration of the rise of electric bikes and the new era of mainstream racing culture sweeping Europe.
A Los Angeles Festival With Global Prestige
Now in its 17th year, the New Media Film Festival® has earned a reputation for elevating creators who shape the future of media. Its legacy includes honoring pioneers such as Jeff Bridges and assembling jurors from Marvel, HBO, the Emmys, the Grammys, PBS, and the BBC.
"David Byrne has always shown how art can bring people together, whether he's reimagining our cities in Bicycle Diaries, amplifying global voices through Luaka Bop, or creating transformative works like True Stories and American Utopia. His ability to turn creativity into connection is rare, and seeing that spirit represented at this year's festival is inspiring. I'm thrilled that his work is part of the 17th Annual New Media Film Festival®."
— EMMY Nominee David Leon
The festival's commitment to transparency, creator trust, and meaningful industry pathways continues to set it apart. New verification systems, authenticated reviews, and identity‑confirmed leadership support a clear, accountable ecosystem for filmmakers and digital creators navigating an increasingly complex media landscape.
A Two‑Day Event for Discovery, Innovation, and Industry Access
June 3 (online) & June 4, 2026 at The Culver Theater
Submissions accepted through April 6. Schedule locks mid‑April.
Festival Highlights
• World premieres, exclusive screenings, red carpet arrivals, and a VIP soirée
• Creator conversations and live Q&A sessions
• Classic cinema showcases and tech‑driven presentations, plus an awards ceremony
• Cross‑industry networking that has historically led to distribution deals, funding opportunities, casting breakthroughs, and long‑term creative partnerships
Tickets, programming updates, and submission details are available at: https://www.NewMediaFilmFestival.com
Honoring Stories Worth Telling
Since 2009, the New Media Film Festival® has been dedicated to discovering, showcasing, and supporting the world's most compelling storytellers. As the first major festival to embrace the full spectrum of new media technologies, we have consistently led the industry in recognizing groundbreaking work and pioneering new pathways for global content distribution and monetization.
Our mission is rooted in integrity and respect for the creative process. We celebrate creators who challenge convention, elevate the craft, and use technology to expand what storytelling can achieve. This commitment has earned the festival the participation of judges from HBO, BBC, PBS, Marvel, AMPAS, the Television Academy, and other leaders shaping the future of entertainment.
The New Media Film Festival® continues to be a trusted platform for creators who value innovation, authenticity, and the power of story to connect us all.
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