The annual Alexandria Film Festival will screen 80 films – the largest number of screenings in the festival’s 20 year history – starting Sunday, November 8, and continuing Friday through Sunday, November 13-15, at venues across the city including Virginia Tech (ALX) in Potomac Yard, The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, Patagonia Old Town, The Riviera Alexandria, and Charles E. Beatley Library.
The 80 films in this year’s program span a variety of genres and topics ranging from comedies and thrillers to documentaries on social issues like climate change and racism. More than 50 filmmakers will be on hand for audience discussions following their film screenings. Additionally, nearly 70 percent of the films are having premieres at this year’s festival including 15 World, U.S. and East Coast premieres; 22 DMV – District, Maryland and Virginia – premieres; and 17 Virginia premieres. Also of note, most films will include closed captioning for the hearing impaired.
Says Chris Colligan, lead programmer and vice chair of the festival, “The unprecedented range of genres and subject matter is truly reflective of the 20-year mission of our festival – the celebration of independent film.”
Festival Founder and Executive Director Patti North adds, “Frankly, I think we hit it out of the park. Not only are we screening the largest number of films in our history, but we keep adding community partners like The Riviera Alexandria who are just as enthusiastic about film as we are.”
Jill Ray, chair of the festival, concludes, “We are incredibly lucky to live in a city like Alexandria with residents, businesses and organizations that not only support the arts, including cinema, but celebrate filmmaking and filmmakers!”
All films in the festival require admission tickets, except for the Salute to Service Members showcase/film block at The Lyceum on November 14 which is free (first come, first served) for service members (active and inactive) and their guests. All-festival passes ($80) and showcase tickets ($15) are available for purchase online at alxfilmfestival2026.eventive.org.
