The Virginia Film Office

06/02/2026

Virginia is on the big screen again — at MoMA The Museum of Modern Art! Acclaimed filmmaker and VCUarts Cinema professor Rob Tregenza (The Fishing Place) shot his new feature FAST right here in the Commonwealth around Lexington and Richmond, and it's heading to its world premiere at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, August 12–18.

The film follows Sterling, an aspiring F1 driver whose journey home becomes a haunting ride between the worlds of the living and the dead.

Congratulations to Rob and the entire cast and crew! More info below.

https://thefilmstage.com/rob-tregenza-travels-the-phantom-road-in-exclusive-trailer-for-fast/

06/01/2026

The 10th annual Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival will be held in Richmond, Virginia on November 18-22, 2026, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) and Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC).

This year the festival will be 5 days in support of our 10th anniversary, which represents a significant milestone of resilience, shared history, and community partnership.

We can't wait to celebrate with you! Stay tuned — more exciting announcements are on the way as we count down to our landmark 10th year.

🎟️ Passes are available at early bird prices starting TODAY, with prices increasing on September 1, 2026.

🎥 The festival is accepting film submissions through July 31, 2026. Visit our Film Freeway page to learn more about festival guidelines, and submit your work!

🎉 We’re excited to share that the popular Tsenacommacah Eastern Indian Marketplace will be back again this year. Interested vendors can apply to be considered for this year’s event now!

Links are in the comments.

05/12/2026

On May 21, the Virginia Production Alliance is hosting a Lighting Showcase and Networking Event at Barbizon Lighting Company in Alexandria, with representatives from Aputure, AC Lighting, Fiilex and others on hand to offer demos of lighting solutions that are shaping the future of cinematography. From innovative LED panels to advanced rigging techniques, explore the tools that are revolutionizing the way we capture light on screen.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a rising star in the world of film lighting, this event offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and be inspired by the latest trends and techniques.

Learn more & register below! https://www.virginiaproductionalliance.org/event-6669562

04/20/2026

The Virginia Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 39th annual festival, taking place October 21–25, 2026 in Charlottesville, VA — and if you're a Virginia resident or student at a Virginia school, your entry fee is completely waived!

VAFF is one of the most respected regional film festivals in the country, and we at the Virginia Film Office want to see Virginia stories on the screen. Whether you've made a short, a feature, a documentary, or an experimental film — consider submitting!

Early Bird Deadline: May 5, 2026
Regular Deadline: June 30, 2026
Filmmaker Notifications: September 14, 2026

Free for Virginia residents! Use code VAFF32RES96 at checkout on FilmFreeway. (Your submission address must reflect a Virginia address. Code valid once per filmmaker.) Films must have been completed in 2025 or 2026 to be eligible.

Call for Entries Every Fall, the VAFF showcases new narrative and documentary features, independent and international projects, and local filmmakers from throughout Virginia. VAFF brings […]

04/14/2026

The Virginia Production Alliance is bringing its State of the Industry 2026 to the Hampton Roads District on April 29 — with a special focus on funding, finance & investment.

In addition to networking opportunities for film and production professionals across the region, the event features a speaker panel that will be discussing how film, television, branded content, and new media projects can access grants, funding, and investment opportunities.

Speaker Panel:
• Lisa Wigginton – Deputy Director, Cultural Affairs Department, City of Virginia Beach
• Jonas Barnes – CEO, Pixie USA; Brand-Produced Entertainment / Micro-Drama
• Grace Santos – Attorney, Producer & Hollywood Executive
• Mark A.J. Nazal – Emmy Award-winning Founder & Executive Producer, SurrealArts Group

Tuesday, April 29, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The Space Gallery | 1650 General Booth Blvd #101, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Open to all, space is limited, be sure to RSVP.

Register here: https://www.virginiaproductionalliance.org/event-6654844

03/30/2026

One of Virginia's favorite film festivals, the James River Film Festival, is currently underway, running March 29 – April 4.

Now in its 32nd year, this beloved festival is put on by the James River Film Society — a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to celebrating independent film and film as art. With the motto "Eclectic Celluloid for the Cinematic Soul," it features a line-up of films and guests that runs the gamut of genres and subgenres.

Screenings are happening all over Richmond at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Grace Street Theater at VCU, Studio Two Three, and the Richmond Public Library.

This year's highlights include a wide range of independent, experimental, and international works that you won't find at your local multiplex.

Whether you're a lifelong film buff or just looking for something a little different this week, this festival is absolutely worth checking out. Tickets and the full schedule are available at www.jamesriverfilm.org

03/13/2026

The beautiful The Byrd Theatre & Foundation in Richmond has made a list of the 100 greatest cinemas in the WORLD. Easy to believe, but no small feat!

From TimeOut:

"A grand picture palace opened in 1928, the Bryd has stayed a movie house for over a century, its opulent French-style 1,200 seat auditorium lit with an 18-foot-tall, 2.5-ton chandelier of over 5,000 Czechoslovakian crystals and 500 bulbs – resisting redevelopment where many others fell. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1980, the Byrd still deploys its mighty Wurlitzer organ before each show."

Full article below. If you haven't been to the Byrd in a while (or ever!), take a look at their always impressive line-up of films and make a date!

Line-up: https://byrdtheatre.org/

Article: https://www.timeout.com/film/the-100-greatest-cinemas-in-the-world-right-now?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=FILM%20EN_NEWSLETTER_10032026&utm_medium=email&utm_id=720

Classic kinos, cult film temples and fabulous picture palaces from across the planet

03/11/2026

Alongside more spring weather (hopefully), the Ampersand International Arts Festival is just around the corner!

Running March 16–22 and taking place in beautiful Williamsburg, Virgina, this week-long celebration of the arts features films, live music, theater, dance, author talks, and conversations with artists and creators from around the world. With 50+ programs across Williamsburg and the William & Mary campus, there’s something for everyone—from performances and screenings to workshops and industry discussions.

Many events are free and open to the public, making it a great opportunity to explore new art, discover emerging voices, and connect with fellow creatives.

Browse the full lineup and plan your visit: https://www.ampersandfestival.com/

Preview:
https://youtu.be/6R3nr-plz14

Featuring a full week of special guests, films, music, theater, dance, author talks, and professional workshops. March 16-22, 2026 - Williamsburg, VA. Detail...

03/02/2026

If you're still missing the joy of the annual French Film Festival in Richmond (they closed up shop after an immensely successful multi-decade run) – there’s a bit of good news on the horizon!

The University of Richmond and Byrd Theatre & Foundation are putting together a new festival, which will run March 27-30 this year: The Italian & French Film Festival!

All events are free and open to the public. Weekly did a piece on the upcoming festival, and its founders – check it out and get excited!

The inaugural Italian & French Film Festival at Richmond launches in late March.

02/26/2026

Miss the State of the Industry event last night? You're in luck! The Virginia Production Alliance is hosting another mixer tonight -- in Virginia Beach! Mingle with colleagues and catch up on industry developments with a networking evening hosted by VPA Hampton Roads District.

✨Thursday, Feb. 26 6:30-9 pm
✨Thin Brew Line Brewing Co, Virginia Beach
✨Register:
https://www.virginiaproductionalliance.org/event-6541314