New Media Film Festival 2026 Unveils Star-Studded Early Selections

The 17th Annual New Media Film Festival® has unveiled its second wave of early selections for its 2026 edition, reinforcing its status as one of Los Angeles' most forward-looking cultural institutions. Founded in 2009, the festival champions boundary-pushing creators who embrace emerging formats and redefine storytelling through a hybrid model that offers both in-person and online programming, expanding its global reach while maintaining deep industry relevance. This year's event will be held at the historic Culver Theater, a venue known for hosting influential film events, and features a lineup of visionary talent and high-profile premieres from around the world.

Key players in the early selections include legendary Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, who presents a striking visual teaser for a new single, marking a fresh creative chapter from one of music's enduring innovators. The festival also features the world premiere of "Cannibal," a high-voltage collaboration between Pendulum & Wargasm that has already generated over 662 million views in seven months, showcasing the power of cross-genre, cross-platform storytelling. Other highlights include the Los Angeles premiere of the "Limitless Podcast" with creator Lori Moilov and special guest Bob Weis, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering, exploring imagination as a renewable resource; "CEOL" from Ireland, a visually rich animation blending cultural heritage with next-generation design; and "Stark Files" from Spain, a world premiere web series documenting the rise of electric bikes and Europe's new racing culture.

The festival's legacy includes honoring pioneers like Jeff Bridges and assembling jurors from top industry organizations such as Marvel, HBO, the Emmys, the Grammys, PBS, and the BBC. EMMY nominee David Leon praised David Byrne's ability to turn creativity into connection, noting how his work in projects like "Bicycle Diaries," Luaka Bop, "True Stories," and "American Utopia" exemplifies the festival's spirit. With a commitment to transparency, creator trust, and meaningful industry pathways—supported by new verification systems and authenticated reviews—the event offers a clear, accountable ecosystem for filmmakers and digital creators. Scheduled for June 3 (online) and June 4, 2026, at The Culver Theater, the two-day event includes world premieres, exclusive screenings, red carpet arrivals, a VIP soirée, creator conversations, live Q&A sessions, classic cinema showcases, tech-driven presentations, an awards ceremony, and cross-industry networking that has historically led to distribution deals, funding opportunities, and creative partnerships. Submissions are accepted through April 6, with schedule locks in mid-April, and tickets, programming updates, and submission details are available at https://www.NewMediaFilmFestival.com.