Local and International Talent Coming to a Theatre Near You 

Westchester County’s film festivals reflect the strength and depth of the region’s filmmaking community, bringing together industry professionals, independent creators, students, and audiences to celebrate the art form we all love. These events create space for creative exchange while reinforcing Westchester’s role in the broader film ecosystem.  

Here’s a look at what’s taking place across the County in 2026: 

Jewish Film Festival 

Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville | March 24-April 6, 2026 

The Jewish Film Festival returns to JBFC with a thoughtfully curated program exploring Jewish history, culture, and identity through narrative features and documentaries. This year’s selections dive into pivotal historical moments through personal perspectives, illuminating Jewish resilience, family, migration, artistic ambition, and moral courage across generations. 

 

Mercy University International Film Festival  

Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry | April 21-24, 2026 

Showcasing innovative, cutting-edge cinema, Mercy University’s International Film Festival highlights global talent in Westchester County. Now in its 26th year, the four-day event highlights films from China, Spain, Belgium and beyond, complemented by guest speakers and engaging post-screening discussions. 

 

Mount Vernon Film Festival 

Mount Vernon Public Library | June 12-13, 2026 

Returning for its second year, the Mount Vernon Film Festival continues to spotlight emerging filmmakers from the local community. Over two days, the festival offers screenings, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and a closing awards ceremony in an accessible setting designed to welcome broad participation. Organizers aim to engage diverse audiences while cultivating a dynamic cultural experience for attendees. 

 

Urbanite Arts and Film Festival  

Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art | August 6-9, 2026 

Serving as a creative hub for young artists, the Urbanite Arts and Film Festival gives participants ages 13-26 the opportunity to showcase work in photography, screenplays, short films, and music videos, many produced using only a smartphone. The festival elevates underrepresented voices and provides a platform for emerging talent to begin building careers in creative industries. 


 

YoFiFest – The Yonkers Film Festival 

Yonkers Riverfront Library and Digital Media Arts Center, Yonkers | November 6-15, 2026 

Recognized by FilmFreeway as one of the Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals, YoFi Fest enters its 14th year in 2026. Opening with a red carpet reception, the festival brings together Westchester’s expanding community of independent filmmakers and creatives alongside established industry professionals, fostering collaboration, conversation, and connection with new audiences. 

As iFF Screening

Photo courtesy of ASIFF

 

Katonah Classic Stage Film Festival  

Bedford Playhouse, Bedford | 2026 Dates TBA 

Now in its seventh year, the Katonah Classic Stage Film Festival continues to broaden its international slate of feature films. Presented in collaboration with the Bedford Playhouse, the festival includes indoor and outdoor screenings and an expanded short film program designed to engage its growing audience and accommodate an increasing number of submissions. 

 

Peekskill Film Festival  

Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill | July 24-26, 2026 

Peekskill’s festival presents a diverse lineup of features, documentaries, shorts, and animated films. Entering its 11th year, the event supports emerging filmmakers, writers, actors, and producers while offering workshops and lectures that bring underrecognized films and fresh perspectivesfront and center. 

 

Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival  

Tarrytown | 2026 Dates TBA 

Focused on films that explore the mysterious and the macabre, the Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival takes place each pre-Halloween season in the Hudson Valley villages closely associated with the holiday. Featuring a jury of literary and film industry professionals, the festival presents screenings, live events, guest panels, and competitions that draw genre filmmakers and audiences alike. 

 

As iFF | All-Shorts Irvington Film Festival 

Irvington Theater | 2026 Dates TBA 

A curated international festival dedicated exclusively to short films — live action, animated, and documentary — selected from hundreds of submissions each year. Presented as a one-night-only event at Irvington Theater overlooking the Hudson River, the festival features world, U.S., and New York premieres alongside student and award-winning works. An after-party following the screening gives audiences the opportunity to connect with participating filmmakers. 

Lead photo credit: YoFi Fest