The Front Festival 2026 ★ Independent Film Night
HOT, TEXAS FILMS.
Meet us on The Contemporary Austin — Laguna Gloria sculpture garden grounds for The Front Festival’s 2025 Film Showcase. Arrive before sunset for a panel and performance, exploring the stories that shape us. Then, under the stars and by the lake, watch a curated selection of independent films, featuring 12 works by women and LGBTQ+ directors and filmmakers in Texas.
Pre-sale passes are available now.
2026 FILM SCHEDULE
7 PM — Community Panel
Ahead of the film screenings, join us for a candid community conversation and dynamic panel co-presented by The Contemporary Austin and Future Front around the museum's upcoming exhibitions. This year, we’re exploring the realities of making work in Austin and Texas, navigating the unique ecological and social constraints this place poses.
Moderated by visual artist Laura Clay, this conversation features:
- independent director and cinematographer Emily Sanchez
- choreographer, musician and cultural producer Vertarias
- content producer and co-founder of Hyperreal Film Club Jenni Kaye
8 PM — Sunset Performances
As the sun sets and you wait for the films to roll, plan your picnic spot and catch live music and performances by the lake. This year, we’re welcoming a dynamic symphonic rock and chorale performance from Maru Haru, as well as an interactive narratorial piece by musician and visual artist Jessy Wilson.
8:55 PM — The Front Festival Film Showcase
Gather in the outdoor amphitheater for our two-hour short film showcase, featuring 12 films by women and LGBTQ+ directors, editors, producers and talent in Texas.
- Firewall, written and directed by Bita Ghassemi
- Love, Jamie, directed by Karla Murthy and guest-curated for this screening by HTX Made
- MAMMY’S MONEY, written and directed by Ghislaine " Qi Dada" Jean
- Prometida Eterna, written and directed by Yancy Anali Lopez
- Pequeño Rebelde, written and directed by Sofia Alejandro Barrios
- EL BOHEMIO DORADO, written by Brandon Kafarela and directed by Samantha Aldana
- ODD JOB, written and directed by Jenny Alvarado
- DRIP, choreographed and co-directed by Vertarias, directed by Ivy Wei Chiu
- HOW WE GRIEVE, directed by Meghan Ross and Justin Ross
- Plant Moms, written and directed by Kayla Lane Freeman
- I Love Bugs and Friends & Lovers, written and animated by Sofia Palacios
- Stuck & Leaving, written and directed by Zoe Dahmen
ALL NIGHT — Good Food & Big, Texas Skies
- Explore the Laguna Gloria grounds, soaking up all The Contemporary Austin’s shop, sculptures and art installations have to offer.
- Stop by the Future Front shop for merch and ways to support what we do year-round.
- Pack your own picnic with a blanket, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. You can pair your picnic with our festival menu, too, which includes:
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Thirstday cocktails
- Liquid Death sparkling water and teas
HOW TO ATTEND
One-day passes*for the Film Showcase range from $20 to $40.
Weekend passes* for the entire festival are $50 to $100 and include access to both the Music and Film Showcases, as well as opening and closing pool parties. *All passes are free for Future Front members.
All donations throughout the festival will support the ten-year anniversary of our local arts and culture programs. We appreciate your support!
*If you are a Future Front member, please provide your name at the door for entry or head to members.futurefronttexas.org or futurefrontmembership.squarespace.com to access member rates for event tickets, applications & other perks at anytime.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE FRONT FESTIVAL
VENUE LOCATIONS + ACCESSIBILITY — The Front Festival will be held across three venues in 2026: The LINE Hotel Austin, Swan Dive in the Red River Cultural District and The Contemporary Austin—Laguna Gloria. All activities at all venues will occur on the ground floor and can be accessed by a wheelchair and other walking devices. If you have questions or need support with navigation, please email [email protected].
PARKING — We highly encourage utilizing rideshare or carpooling as there is limited self-parking available onsite. Both venues are easily accessible by Austin public transportation, too.
WHAT TO BRING — Bring a blanket or a fold-out chair to sit on. You’re welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, too! Picnic vibes encouraged.
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES — ASL interpreters can be provided upon request. Si necesita traducción al español para participar en este evento, envíenos un correo electrónico a [email protected].
If you have a question about the building's accessibility or anticipate needing assistance, shoot us a line at [email protected]. We're happy to help and will get back to you.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3780164-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3780164-2
