THE 2026 BLOCK ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL INFORMATION & SCHEDULE
Sponsored by
Champlin’s Marina & Resort, the Block Island Maritime Institute and Dead Eye Dick’s
***
The 2026 Block Island Film Festival is dedicated to the “Sundance Kid” — legendary filmmaker Robert Redford.
*There are 5 categories of the filmmaker/screenwriter competition at the Block Island Film Festival: student short films, short films, short documentary films, feature films and feature screenplays.
Forums will be hosted by award-winning actor/producers: Henry LeBlanc (Matlock, American Horror Stories, Perry Mason), Kristin Carey (The Greatest Beer Run, Hall Pass, S.W.A.T.) & Kim Estes (This Is Us, Law & Order: LA, House).
*Note: All times are east coast time. Film Screenings are held at the Block Island Maritime Institute and Champlin’s Marina & Resort in New Harbor near the Great Salt Pond.
Filmmaker Q&A panels begin immediately following each screening.
Awards will be selected by the film festival’s judges.
Attendees are encouraged to express their thoughts and ask/submit questions about a film during the filmmaker Q&A panels.
SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGES can be requested/purchased prior to the film festival by using the contact form on this website. ONE-DAY SINGLE PATRON PASS ($40) / TWO-DAY SINGLE PATRON PASS ($60) / THREE-DAY SINGLE PATRON PASS ($75)
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR prior to a film screening. Short Film Block: $10.00 / Feature Film & Spotlight Film Block: $12.00 (Includes Q&A)
*PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO A SCREENING TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
We need your help. Please feel free to donate to the Block Island Film Festival. You can donate at the door during the film festival or mail your check made payable to Block Island Film Festival to: Block Island Film Festival, P.O. Box 881, New Shoreham, RI 02807.
*Our Tax ID number for your tax purposes is: 001689287
The Block Island Film Festival is sponsored by CHAMPLIN’S MARINA & RESORT, DEAD EYE DICK’S, NAMI-BLOCK ISLAND, BALLARD’S INN, BLOCK ISLAND SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE, the BLOCK ISLAND MARITIME INSTITUTE and the MARY DONNELLY FUND in concert with the BLOCK ISLAND MEDICAL CENTER.
The BIFF 2025 schedule is subject to change.
PLEASE NOTE: This schedule is a work in progress and subject to change, as we are still evaluating film and screenplay submissions.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026
8:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. — MORNING COFFEE — Hosted at the Block Island Maritime Institute by BIFF hosts Kristin Carey, Kim Estes & Henry LeBlanc who discuss the day’s programming and introduce the first film. BIFF hosts Kristin Carey, Kim Estes and Henry LeBlanc are Hollywood actor/producers.
SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY FILM: [BIMI VENUE](9 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.)
9 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. — DOCUMENTARY FILM — “The Right Track” — 1 hour 32 mins. — The Right Track is a gripping documentary that shines light on the relentless fight to end sex trafficking and human exploitation in the United States. At its core is the movement to legislate the Equality Model—a transformative approach that decriminalizes prostituted individuals while maintaining strict penalties for pimps, traffickers, and sex buyers who drive the commercial sex industry. Directed by Shareen Anderson, Produced by Po Kutchins and Jessica Cran, Cinematography by Andrew Dunn and Edited by Sean E. Stall and Tim Sternberg. Includes Q&A forum with filmmakers after the screening.
11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — BREAK
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — SCREENWRITING FORUM [CHAMPLIN’ MARINA CAFÉ on the pier] — The 2026 Screenwriting Forum features the finalists in the BIFF screenwriting competition who discuss their scripts and their writing process. This is an educational forum that encourages public participation and networking. The screenwriting forum will be hosted by BIFF hosts.
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. — BREAK
SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM BLOCK [BIMI VENUE](2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.)
[SPONSORED BY NAMI-BLOCK ISLAND & NEW SHOREHAM SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE]
2:30 p.m. -2:45 p.m. — SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM — “How I Survived A Kamikaze Attack” — 15 mins. — Graham Flanagan interviewed 106-year-old Navy veteran William McClintick, who commissioned as an ensign in the US Naval Reserve in 1939, during World War II when he survived a Kamikaze attack. Written, Directed and Produced by Graham Flanagan.
2:45 p.m. - 3 p.m. — SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “A King’s Curtain” — 15 mins. — Drama — A career woman’s love and devotion to her Shakespearean actor father are tested when his descent into Alzheimer’s jeopardizes her chance for a coveted promotion. Directed and Produced by Grant M. Johnson. Written by Grant M. Johnson and Allison Dayne. Produced by Grant M. Johnson, Allison Dayne and Britlynn Allen. Starring Stephen McKinley Henderson, Austin Pendleton, Veanne Cox, Charles E. Gerber and Allison Dayne.
3 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. — SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Peabrain” — 15 mins. — Drama — A former soap opera actor contends with his father, an assisted living resident with alcoholic dementia, and reflects on his earlier relationship with him. Written, Directed, Produced by and Starring Steve Blackwood. Also Starring Brian J. McDonald, Halle Curley, Silas Robbins and Natasha Darius.
3:15 p.m. - 3:35 p.m. — SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Reverberate” — 20 mins. — Drama — After fleeing an abusive partner, a woman struggles to heal and feel whole again, and in desperation turns to a Thai boxing gym, where she fights to rebuild her life. Directed by Jim Morrison IV. Written by and Starring Jewel Hargrove. Produced by Jim Morrison IV, Jewel Hargrove and Trenton Julius. Also Starring Keta Meggett and Charles Carpenter.
3:35 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
4:15 p.m. - 5 p.m. — BREAK
NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM [BIMI VENUE]{5 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. — NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM — “Your Lips Never Left Mine” — 1 hr. 30 mins. — Drama/Thriller — A young woman is hired by a finance couple to tutor their son at their summer lake house, and finds herself increasingly enmeshed in the undisclosed darkness of their past. Written & Directed by Matthew Kozlark. Produced by Felicia Ricci. Starring Cassandra Due, Theodore Dalton, Maceo Oliver, Jennifer McCabe, Noah Aronstein, Laurent Rejto and Lori Wilner.
6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — BREAK
NARRATIVE SHORTS BLOCK [CHAMPLIN’S RESORT VENUE](8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.)
8:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “The Clucking” — 15 mins. — Comedy — Two unlikely neighbors are forced to team up when a gang of crazy wild turkeys takes over their neighborhood. Written & Directed by Mo Faisal, Produced by Tracy Maisal, Starring Ajay Jain, Christopher Mikel and Laura Corda.
8:45 p.m. - 9 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Daydream” — 15 mins. — Drama — A coastal, small town boy sets out to publish a novel based on his childhood best friend, but faces a moral dilemma when deciding whether to publish a comforting, fabricated version of their story or reveal the unsettling truth. Written, Directed and Produced by Gwenn Hope, co-Produced by Kyle King, Cinematography by Alden Weinberg, Starring Gwenn Hope, Lucas Grenda and Gabrielle Fernandes.
9 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Bench Seats” — 15 mins. — Drama — Bench Seats explores how the patterns of the past echo into the present and how we reflect the stories of our parents. Written & Directed by Courtney DeStefano, Produced by Dani Colagera, Sabrina Caluori, Melisa Breiner-Sanders, Cinematography by Liza Gipsova, Starring Dan Lauria, Sarah Steele, Annie Piper Braverman, Arielle Goldman, Shavanna Calder, Jordan Baker, Aiden Mehki Sierra and Neil Smith.
9:15 p.m. - 9:20 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Recipes of Former Lovers” — 5 mins. — Drama — Lourdes revisits her past relationships, finding that each one, like a recipe, was a mix of different ingredients: the good, the bad, and the downright embarrassing. Together, these experiences shaped her into the person she is today. Written & Directed by Michael Serna, Produced by Laura Baker, Cinematography by Andres Bornacelli, Starring Ria Meer, Anthony Naranjo, Maddie Barnes and Amiel Ralph Djoume.
9:20 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Murphy” — 8 mins. — Silent, Drama — When he oversleeps, Murphy finds an array of obstacles in his way as he races to an important rendezvous. Written & Directed by Rich Drees, Produced by Natasha Bogutzki, Zack Wilcox and Tony Susi.
9:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Lazybones” — 12 mins. — Drama, Comedy — After a devastating breakup, a man searches for a sense of purpose by volunteering as a dummy for a women's self-defense class. Written & Directed by Douglas Williams. Executive Produced by Katie Bajon. Produced by Tom Carman. Cinematography by Adam Hribar. Starring Chris Davis, Annie Fang, Zoe Feldman, Liz Filios, Ashley DeMain and Brandon Pierce.
9:45 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
10:30 p.m. - 12 p.m. — Opening Night Cocktail Party/Networking/Mixer at Champlin’s Marina & Resort, New Harbor (The Top Dock Bar on the pier)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 8;45 a.m. — MORNING COFFEE — Hosted at the Block Island Maritime Institute by BIFF hosts Kristin Carey & Henry LeBlanc who discuss the day’s programming and introduce the first film block.
NARRATIVE STUDENT SHORT FILM BLOCK: [BIMI VENUE](8:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.)
8:45 a.m. - 8:55 a.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “The Extraordinaries” — 8 mins. — Drama/Comedy — On the way to a wedding, two friends run into an unexpected problem. Written & Directed by Andrew Gerstenblatt & Arthur Goldbart, Produced by Amy Roach, Ben Ephraim and Harlow Brooks, Cinematography by Ian Jackson, Starring Andrew Gerstenblatt and Arthur Goldbart.
8:55 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. — STUDENT SHORT FILM — “Dental Breakdown” — 7 mins. — Drama/Comedy — A root canal, a mouthful of gauze, and unresolved feelings collide when a neurotic young man seeks his ex-girlfriend’s help with a dental bill. Written, Directed and Produced by Alessandro Girolami. Produced by Meaghan Cassidy and co-Produced by Christian Ladigoski and Justin Morales. Cinematography by Quinlan Sullivan. Starring Peter Previte, Rachel Kordell and Jim Auger.
9:05 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. — STUDENT SHORT FILM — “In Group Therapy” — 8 mins. — Drama — A young woman dealing with heavy grief tries group therapy for the first time but has to battle against a very non-inclusive environment. Written, Directed and Produced by Thomas James LaPrad. Starring Emma Spignese-Smolinsky, Colby Chandler, Landyn Schiering, KJ Hill, Archiekini Ram and Matt L'Ecuyer.
9:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Thrifted” — 12 mins. — Drama — Thrifted is a queer love story with a twist of time travel. When a young couple stumbles across a second-hand treasure, they’re pulled 70 years into the past — where one camera holds the truth, and the rest of us can only imagine. At its heart, Thrifted is about love that transcends time, and the small, everyday objects that hold extraordinary stories. Written & Directed by Alexa Grecco. Cinematography by and Produced by Sue Kessler. Starring Eleanor Foushee, Kyra McConnell, Phill Cain, Ethan Christensen and Bryce Hayden Henry.
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “In Between the Lines” — 12 mins. — Drama — A reclusive writer retreats to a remote cabin to complete her novel, but her solitude is interrupted when two mysterious hikers arrive seeking help. As the days unfold, their presence becomes increasingly unsettling, forcing her to confront the darkest corners of her mind. A haunting and lyrical exploration of grief, isolation, and the blurred line between reality and the beyond. Directed by, Produce by and Starring Kira l. Wilson. Written by Chance Madison. Also Starring Ann Trinh and Xander Pham.
9:45 a.m. - 10 a.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “The Liars of Black Mountain Road” — 12 mins. — Drama, Thriller — Academy Award-nominee Abigail Breslin presents: The Liars of Black Mountain Road. When a couple runs over a stranger's dog, they compete for the moral high ground at any cost. Directed by Parker Croft. Written by Parker Croft and Nolan Gould. Executive Produced by Abigail Breslin and Elisa Croft. Produced by Nolan Gould, Magen Ashley Young and Parker Croft. Starring Nolan Gould, Millie Gibbons and Bill Weldon.
10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. — BREAK
SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT STUDENT DOCUMENTARY FILM [BIMI VENUE](11:30: - 1 p.m.)
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. — SPOTLIGHT STUDENT DOCUMENTARY FILM — “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: HSE ITF 2025 Documentary” — 42 mins. — This student produced documentary is about the Grunin Performing Arts Academy and their experience performing Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, in Bloomington, Indiana, at the Musical Arts Center (MAC) for the International Thespian Festival. BIFF alum and award winner A.J. Ciccotelli teaches at the academy and will be attending to discuss the film, his students participation, and teaching at the academy. Directed and Produced by Molly Pease. Produced and Edited by Maxwell DeVivo.
12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. — Q&A Panel forum with Filmmakers.
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. — BREAK
SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY BLOCK [BIMI VENUE](2p.m. - 3:15 p.m.)
2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. — DOCUMENTARY FILM — The Last Don of Providence — 30 mins. — An episode from the acclaimed series produced by WPRI Channel 12 in Providence, Rhode Island.“The Last Don of Providence” is a four-part docuseries examining the untold story of Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio — the last mob boss to lead New England’s most notorious crime family. For decades, the Patriarca Crime Family ran a shadow government from Federal Hill, wielding power that rivaled public officials, private financiers and law enforcement on all levels. Born and raised on those storied streets, Manocchio lived 97 years. His life traced the rise and fall of organized crime in Rhode Island and beyond. Written by Eli Sherman and Tim White. Executive Produced by Eli Sherman, Johnny Villella and Tim White. Produced by Ted Nesi, James Bartone and Jacqueline Gomersall. Edited by James Bartone and Johnny Villella. Videography by James Bartone and Johnny Villella.
2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. — BREAK
SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY FILM [BIMI VENUE](4:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.)
4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. — DOCUMENTARY FILM — “Townie” — 1hr. 11 mins. — Townie is a documentary-style stand-up film that weaves live performance with reflective storytelling from legendary Boston comedian Steve Sweeney. The film brings together the talents of Executive Producer Peter Farrelly, Director Ian Barrett, and Sweeney himself to create a vivid, unforgettable portrait of a neighborhood and the comic it shaped. Written by and Starring Steve Sweeney. Produced by Peter Farrelly, Steve Sweeney and Erin Hayes.
5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. — BREAK
NARRATIVE SHORT FILM BLOCK [CHAMPLIN’S MARINA & RESORT VENUE](8:15 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.)
8:15 p.m. - 8:35 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “The Yellow Sponge is the Dish Sponge” — 17 mins. — Drama, Comedy — The Yellow Sponge is the Dish Sponge looks at a couples conflict as old as time — fighting about household chores. Directed by Michele Noble. Written by Bixby Elliot. Produced by Michele Noble and Bixby Elliot. Starring Alexander Lambie and Bixby Elliot.
8:35 p.m. - 8:50 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Michael Solace” — 15 mins. — Drama — A screenwriter finds himself on a surreal odyssey where he wrestles with selling his soul and his script. Directed by Chris Esper. Written by Kris Salvi. Produced by Chris Esper and Jimmy Jackson. Cinematography by John Westcott. Edited by Chris Esper. Starring Justin Thibault, Diana Porter, John R. Smith, Jr., Paul Noonan and Kris Salvi.
8:50 p.m. - 9:10 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Night Chillers” — 17 mins. — Dramedy, Thriller — Directed by Dawn Natalia and Robert Marsella. Written by James Weicherding. Produced by Dawn Natalia. Cinematography by Sam Krueger. Starring Dawn Natalia, Brahma Sharma and Sean Leser.
9:10 p.m. - 9:20 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “The Visitor” — 7 mins. — Drama, Thriller — A solitary suburban woman receives a visit from a pushy door-to-door salesman, an encounter that unravels into something far more disturbing. Written, Directed and Produced by Mo Faisal. Starring Ajay Jain, Tracy Faisal, Tracy Bowermaster, Frank Rizzo, Josh Faisal and Mario DiMascio.
9:20 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Black Rose” — 7 mins. — Drama — A former MMA fighter gets a second shot at her dream career, but she must choose between her family and her destiny. Written and Directed by Merridith Allen. Produced by Caitlin Davis and Adam Mitropoulos. Starring Jackie Gerhardy and Benjamin Mouton.
9:30 p.m. - 9:40 p.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Rule Number 2” — 10 mins. — Comedy — A Nantucket realtor makes a potentially catastrophic mistake just minutes before a showing. Written, Directed and Produced by Mark Kiefer. Starring Kenny Hilbig, Jack Bulger, Jenny Gifford and George Vasvatekis.
9:40 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
10:30 p.m. - 12 p.m. — Day Two BIFF Filmmakers Celebratory Party at Champlin’s Marina & Resort (The Top Dock Bar on the pier)
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
8:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. — MORNING COFFEE — Hosted at the Block Island Maritime Institute by BIFF hosts Kristin Carey & Henry LeBlanc who discuss the day’s programming and introduce the first film block.
NARRATIVE SHORT FILM BLOCK: [BIMI VENUE](9 a.m. - 11 a.m.)
9 a.m. - 9:11 a.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Pumpkin Pie” — 11 mins. — Drama — A bakery owner finds her coveted solitude interrupted by a frantic customer, who refuses to be turned away on Thanksgiving morning. Directed by Karin Trachtenberg. Written by Jessica Moss. Produced by Karin Trachtenberg, Julia Trueblood and Maddie Staszak. Cinematography by Maddie Staszak. Starring Julia Trueblood and Hilary Dennis.
9:11 a.m. - 9:28 a.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Outlaw Run” — 17 mins. — Drama — In a world where it's illegal to drive pre-1976 cars on the roads, one man begs to differ. Directed by Dawn Natalia. Written by James Weicherding. Produced by Dawn Natalia. Starring Robert Marsella, Larry Natalia, Kayla Garabedian and Bryce Breen.
9:28 a.m. - 9:38 a.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Into Reality” — 10 mins. — Drama — A troubled man keeps seeing an image he can't get out of his head. The answers may be more than he realizes. Written, Directed and Produced by Matt Gorman. Starring Paul Noonan, Jeff Blanchette, Julia Tutko-Balena, Aurora Grabill, Diana Porter and Evelyn St. James.
9:38 a.m. - 9:48 a.m. — NARRATIVE STUDENT SHORT FILM — “Keep Your Eye Out” — 10 mins. — Drama — A black-and-white experimental noir film about a woman’s quiet obsession with what’s unseen, which exposes the thin line between curiosity and collapse. Written, Directed and Produced by Sophia Giordano. Starring Piper Parks and Katy Murphy.
9:48 a.m. - 10 a.m. — NARRATIVE STUDENT SHORT FILM — “Witchin’” — 12 mins. — Drama — A college student discovers that her best friend is a witch and has been using her powers to plot revenge on an evil ex-boyfriend. Written and Directed by Alyssa Drumm. Produced by Bridget Fitzgerald. Starring Kate Ruddy, Sabrina Rudden, Grace O’Grady and Matthew James Herman.
10 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. — NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “Second Draft” — 10 mins. — Drama — In the quiet isolation of a remote cabin, a struggling writer tries to put his life back together through his work. As the lines between memory and imagination begin to blur, the characters he invents start to take on a life of their own. Written and Directed by Mo Faisal. Produced by Tracy Faisal. Starring Ajay Jain, Laura Corda and Christopher Mikael.
10:10 a.m. - 11 a.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. — BREAK
12 p.m. - 1 p.m. — SCREENWRITING FORUM [BIMI VENUE] — The 2026 Screenwriting Forum features the finalists in the BIFF screenwriting competition who discuss their scripts and their writing process. This is an educational forum that encourages public participation and networking. The screenwriting forum will be hosted by BIFF hosts.
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. — BREAK
DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM BLOCK [BIMI VENUE](2 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
2 p.m. — 2:06 p.m. — DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM — “Framing Freedom” — 6 mins. — Framing Freedom tells the inspiring story of a 16-year-old high school student from Boston who embarks on a transformative three-month journey by creating an interactive experience that empowers others to discover their authentic selves through the lens of a camera. Directed by Kathleen Morgan. Written by Kathleen Morgan, Brody VanDernoot and Koko VanDernoot. Produced by Kathleen Morgan and Jake Lavelle. Featuring Brody, Lisa Brown and David Ingenthron.
2:06 p.m. - 2:31 p.m. — DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM — “Unbowed” — 25 mins. — Omar Bah, who was a young journalist when he fled The Gambia under threat of death from the regime’s President, due to his reporting, resettled as a refugee in Rhode Island. Directed by Mae Gammino and David Helfer Wells. Produced by Mae Gammino. Featuring Omar Bah.
2:31 p.m. - 2:36 p.m. — DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM — “How To Write A Travel Guide” — 5 mins. — As travel writer Robert Isenberg types out a guide to Nicaragua, he reflects on journeys, responsibilities, and the ebb and flow of the writing process. Written, Directed and Produced by Robert Isenberg.
2:36 p.m. - 2:58 p.m. — DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM — “Women of Truth and Courage: The Widows of Kalangarai” — 22 mins. — For centuries, widowed and abandoned women in India have been treated as outcasts by Indian society. They are among the poorest of the poor in India, especially if they are low-caste women. This documentary traces the footsteps of a widowed woman, Mrs. Manjula, who joins other widows in a movement to challenge cultural and social ostracism. Written and Directed by Karen Kayser. Produced by Karen Kayser and John J. Michalczyk. Cinematography by Lola Ellis. Featuring Manjula.
2:58 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. — DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM — “Keytar Bear” — 12 mins. — A street busker dedicates his life to uncovering and defeating the evils that plague his home. Unable to work within the system, he instead creates a new identity, a symbol of fear for the criminal underworld - Keytar Bear. Written by, Directed by, Produced by and Cinematography by Kely Maloney.
3:10 p.m. 4 p.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
4 p.m. - 6 p.m. — BREAK
[NIGHT PROGRAMMING AT CHAMPLIN’S MARINA BEGINS]
SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE SHORT FILM [Champlin’s Marina](6 p.m. - 7 p.m.)
[SPONSORED BY NAMI-BLOCK ISLAND]
6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. — SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE SHORT FILM — “A Reason” — 30 mins. — Drama — This film is about a suicidal man who is given a second chance at life when a compassionate pawnshop owner offers him an unusual choice: a gun or a cookbook. In the process, he finds passion, romance, heartbreak, and a genuine sense of purpose. Written & Directed by Eric Koenig. Produced by E.K.M. Watson. Starring Rich Frohman, Joseph Adams, Molly Loveless and Nicole Olivia Carson.
6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. — Q&A Panel forum with Filmmakers.
7 p.m. - 8 p.m. — BREAK
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE FILM [Champlin’s Marina](8 p.m. - 9:35 p.m.)
[In the spirit of Christmas and giving, there is no ticket price for attending this screening.]
8 p.m. - 9:05 p.m. — NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM — “Still Christmas” — 1 hr. 5 mins. — Drama — After an unspeakable catastrophe turns their lives upside down, a married man and his newly divorced friend find themselves facing Christmas alone. But as they navigate the wreckage together, the holiday becomes a test of loyalty, healing, and the quiet possibility of something more. Written and Directed by Nick Rapuano. Produced by Jeff Snyder. Starring Kaite Corda, Jamie Carson, Cindy Harris and Michael King.
9:05 p.m. - 9:35 p.m. — Q&A Panel Forum with Filmmakers.
9:35 p.m. - 10 p.m. — BREAK
10 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. — BIFF 2026 AWARD CEREMONY [Champlin’s Marina & Resort]
10:30 p.m. - 12 p.m. — Closing Night “Martini Shot” Wrap Party at Champlin’s Marina & Resort, New Harbor, at the Top Dock Bar.
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