Tickets now on sale for February- March event bringing filmmakers and audiences together
FOLSOM- Folsom will take center stage this winter as it hosts the inaugural NorCal Short Film Festival, a new cinematic event celebrating the art of short-form storytelling. The festival will run February 27–March 1, 2026, at the Palladio Luxe Theatres, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a weekend of discovery, creativity, and inspiration.
Presented by Choose Folsom & Visit Folsom in partnership with Fat Elephant Productions and the California Capital Film Office, the NorCal Short Film Festival will feature a curated lineup of short films from around the world, spanning genres from comedy and drama to animation and documentary.
Screenings will be organized into thematic blocks, giving audiences the chance to experience multiple stories and perspectives in each session. Film submissions are now open on FilmFreeway, and festival passes are officially on sale at www.NorCalFilmFest.org.
The weekend will kick off with an elegant Opening Night Gala Reception, included with All-Access Passes, featuring a red-carpet welcome, special screening, and opportunities to meet attending filmmakers and festival partners—all designed to spotlight Folsom’s growing role as a cultural and creative hub.
“We’re thrilled to bring a world-class film experience to Folsom,” said Joe Gagliardi, CEO of Choose Folsom. “The NorCal Short Film Festival not only celebrates cinematic innovation but also shines a spotlight on Folsom as a premier event destination.”
To honor excellence in filmmaking, the festival will present awards across several categories, including Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Local Short, and Audience Choice Award.
The NorCal Short Film Festival is envisioned as an investment in Folsom’s cultural and economic landscape. While its inaugural year will focus on establishing a strong foundation, the festival is designed to grow year after year, eventually drawing visitors from across Northern California and beyond, and ultimately becoming a signature event that supports local tourism, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.
“Folsom is perfectly positioned to host a new film festival,” said Sally Buchanan, Vice President of Tourism for Choose Folsom. “We have the venues, hospitality, and creative spirit to make this an exceptional experience for both filmmakers and attendees. Over time, the festival is sure to become an economic driver for the region.”
Copyright © 2025, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
<p>The post Folsom’s First NorCal Short Film Festival to debut at Palladio Luxe first appeared on Folsom Times.</p>
