The Indie Memphis Film Festival returns November 5–8, 2026, bringing independent films, visiting filmmakers and cinema lovers to the South Main Arts District after a year away.

The 28th edition will screen at the Halloran Centre and Malco Powerhouse in Downtown Memphis, followed by encore screenings November 9–10 at Malco Studio on the Square in Midtown.

Organizers are promising a lineup of more than 100 feature-length and short films, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, festival favorites and work by Memphis-area filmmakers.

A comeback for a Memphis film tradition

Indie Memphis took a planned pause in 2025 to rebuild organizational support and develop a more sustainable approach to its mission.

Its return is being led by co-executive directors Alicia George and Joseph Carr, with Brandon Harris serving as artistic director for the 2026 festival.

Founded in 1998, Indie Memphis has helped local audiences discover films outside the mainstream while giving regional creators an important platform.

What to watch

The festival opens Thursday, November 5, with The Lorraine, a documentary directed by Sam Pollard, at 6:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre.

The opening-night reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by a celebration at Old Dominick Distillery.

Other scheduled selections include documentaries such as Jane Elliott Against the World, Who Killed Alex Odeh? and When a Witness Recants.

The Hometowners program highlights regional voices, including Hoop Street and Safe and Sound, while curated shorts offer a chance to see several films during a single screening.

The program also includes filmmaker conversations, panel discussions, parties and selections that revisit films from previous years.

Film schedules and guest appearances can change; consult the official program for the latest lineup.

Dates, venues and tickets

Main festival: Thursday, November 5, through Sunday, November 8, at the Halloran Centre and Malco Powerhouse in the South Main Arts District.

Encore screenings: Monday, November 9, and Tuesday, November 10, at Malco Studio on the Square.

Published admission options include $15 individual tickets, a $140 festival pass and a $275 VIP pass.

Availability and access vary by screening and pass type, so check the official festival ticketing page before making plans.

Why it matters for Memphis

The event brings independent storytellers, audiences and local businesses together while showcasing Downtown Memphis as a cultural destination.

For readers who enjoy discovering unfamiliar films, a short documentary program or a locally made feature can be an especially rewarding entry point.

The full schedule and ticket details are available at imff26.indiememphis.org/schedule.