Events That Bring CIFF to Life
There’s more to CIFF than our annual festival. We fill the calendar with screenings, filmmaker discussions, and special programming. So be sure to check back frequently and reserve your spot for the events you don’t want to miss.
June 18, 2026
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
June Shorts Club
The Groundbreaker shorts program is a collection of short films sharing racially diverse stories made by racially diverse filmmakers.
June 25, 2026
7:00 pm
TV Writing: Creating the Episodic Engine
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating prestige television shows like THE PITT and HACKS, our first session is for you. We’re kicking off our new masterclass series with TV Writing: Creating the Episodic Engine on June 25.
June 27, 2026
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Hometown Heroes: An Evening With David Wain
Join us for a 25th-anniversary screening of cult comedy classic, Wet Hot American Summer, followed by a discussion with filmmaker David Wain.
Past Events
April 18, 2026
7:30 pm
CIFF50 Closing Night
Join us for our closing night film, Power Ballad, where Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves.
April 9, 2026
7:00 pm
CIFF50 Opening Night, Sponsored by Dollar Bank
Opening Night is where the magic begins — the electric first spark of CIFF50 and the moment the entire festival comes alive. This isn’t just the start of the Festival — it’s the event everyone will be talking about.
February 17, 2026 – April 4, 2026
7X7 Retrospective
We're opening our film vault to celebrate our 50th Festival. Each week for the next seven weeks, we'll release a program of 7 short films.
March 11, 2026
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
How To Fest Webinar
Get the inside scoop on how to navigate the film program on our new website, learn about special events and more!
February 26, 2026
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Cleveland International Film Festival Young Professionals (CIFFYP) Kickoff
We’re excited to introduce the Cleveland International Film Festival Young Professionals (CIFFYP) group as we continue our road to the 50th festival. Join us February 26 for our kickoff event - CIFF Trivia Night - at Lakewood Truck Park!
February 13, 2026
6:00 pm
Get Shorty
Join us for our most popular fundraiser of the year! You’re in charge, along with other film-loving-friends. Together, you’ll screen a top-secret selection of new short films, individually cast your votes for which ones should play at CIFF50, and collectively support independent filmmaking!
January 17, 2026
5:00 pm
Advanced Screening: The Inquisitor
CIFF is proud to honor the legacy of service of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with this special screening depicting another incredible public servant: Barbara Jordan. In 1972, Barbara Jordan became the first Southern Black woman to join Congress. THE INQUISITOR, which debuted at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, chronicles Representative Jordan’s meteoric rise offering a blueprint for uniting a divided America through a turbulent political era.
December 11, 2025
7:00 pm
Shorts Club: Holiday Edition
The final installment of the 2025 Shorts Club season, bringing you holiday cheer along with love, laughter, and mystery!
Sold Out
October 30, 2025
7:00 pm
Spooky Shorts
Save the date for an entertaining night of Spooky Shorts — a hand-picked lineup of eerie, fun, and spine-tingling short films that will get you in the Halloween spirit.
Sold Out
October 25, 2025
10:00 am
Movies & Mimosas (a CIFF x KweliTV collab)
Sip, sparkle, and celebrate global Black stories!
August 29, 2025 – August 31, 2025
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
20 Years Later: Honoring New Orleans Through the Power of Story
On this 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we pay tribute to the strength, culture, and brilliance in the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region—the best way we know how: by sharing stories that inspire.
August 31, 2025
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cars In Cleveland
Activation for Launch of CIFF50 “Road to 50” Campaign