The Marina del Rey Film Festival is heading back to the big screen this summer, and for its milestone 15th edition, the festival has planted its flag at one of the most storied cinema corridors in the country. Screenings are set to run from Friday, June 19 through Thursday, June 25, 2026, at The Culver Theatre in Culver City, California.
What Can Audiences Expect at the 2026 Festival?
This year’s Marina del Rey Film Festival will occupy two screens at The Culver Theatre to accommodate a program that spans short and feature-length narratives, documentaries, music videos, screenplays, and experimental films. Filmmakers from across the globe have submitted their work through FilmFreeway, and the festival has historically drawn entries from dozens of countries.
“We’re proud to be hosting this milestone event at the stunning Culver Theatre, located in the ‘Heart of Screenland,'” said Jon Gursha, Festival Director.
The festival will also host an opening night kick-off party, with details to be announced on the official website.
A Festival Built on 15 Years of Independent Filmmaking
The Marina del Rey Film Festival was founded in 2012 by Jon Gursha and Peter Greene. Both had spent years working the international markets for independent film distribution before deciding to build a festival of their own. The idea came together on a flight back from the European film markets and festivals in 2011, and by the following year, the Marina del Rey Film Festival held its first screenings in the Los Angeles area.
“It’s very exciting to program diverse films from both local and international filmmakers,” said Peter Greene, Program Director.
Since that first edition, the festival has grown steadily. It now accepts submissions across every genre and from every corner of the world, with categories that include features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, and even experimental filmed content. Awards are presented at a live ceremony during the festival’s run.
Why Culver City Is the Right Home for This Festival
Culver City earned its nickname as the “Heart of Screenland” back in 1936, when the phrase was added to the official city seal. The city’s connection to filmmaking stretches back more than a century. It was home to Goldwyn Studios, Cecil B. DeMille Studios, and the legendary Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot where classics like The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind were produced. Sony Pictures Studios still operates on the original MGM lot today.
The Culver Theatre itself sits at 9500 Culver Boulevard, right in the middle of the city’s revitalized downtown corridor. For the Marina del Rey Film Festival, the venue provides a fitting backdrop: a modern cinema facility rooted in a neighborhood that has been making movies since the silent era.
Culver City has also become a hub for technology and media companies in recent years. Apple, Amazon, and other major players have established offices in the area, earning the west side of Los Angeles the informal label “Silicon Beach.” That blend of old Hollywood heritage and new creative industry energy makes it a natural setting for a festival dedicated to independent film.
How Filmmakers Can Submit Their Work
Film and screenplay submissions for the 2026 Marina del Rey Film Festival are currently open on FilmFreeway. The festival accepts shorts and feature-length narratives, documentaries, screenplays, music videos, and experimental films. Filmmakers from any country are encouraged to submit.
Submissions can be made at filmfreeway.com/MarinadelReyFilmFestival. For general inquiries, press requests, and additional information about tickets and scheduling, visit the official Marina del Rey Film Festival website at marinadelreyfilmfestival.com. The festival can also be found on Instagram and X.
