2026 FESTIVAL PANEL DISCUSSIONS
POP-UPS, & EVENTS
Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26, 2026
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Friday, April 24th from 5:30-7:00 pm
​​Kickoff the 2026 West Chester Film Festival with filmmakers and fellow film fans! Get your phototaken on the red carpet, grab a drink in Mac’s Foxhole, and food from Alexander Catering Company. All events through the weekend are open to the public!
Mayday Coffee & Shop
Friday, April 24th from 9:30-11:00 pm
​​Yes, the Horror Block is BACK! This popular late-night event includes the scariest films from the 2026 West Chester Film Festival, including Oscar-shortlisted films and Chester Award nominees from five countries. Look into those things that go bump in the night, and what hides behind the stories we have been told. Held at Mayday Coffee & Shop, this event will sell out!
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This collection of films includes:
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Octopus
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Playing God
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White Meat: Appetizer
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The Quinta's Ghost
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The Pearl Comb
Panel Discussion & Filmmaker Meeting at Hotel Warner
Saturday, April 25th from 8:00-9:45 am
Sponsored by Something’s Awry Productions
Food Provided by Mayday Coffee & Shop
Moderated by Craig Smith
Panelists:
Fr3deR1ck Taylor, Tomorrow Pictures, Founder & Filmmaker
Brian Russell, Red Shoe Film, Founder & Filmmaker)
Danny Donnelly, Filmmaker
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Kick off your Saturday at the West Chester Film Festival with Getting the Word Out, a lively panel discussion designed to help filmmakers amplify their films and reach the right audiences. Held at the Warner Hotel from 8:00–9:45 AM on Saturday, April 25th, this engaging session brings together experienced filmmakers and industry professionals to share real-world insights on social media strategy, distribution, and marketing for independent films. Moderated by Craig Smith, a seasoned media professional and longtime QVC host known for his expertise in storytelling and audience engagement, the conversation will offer practical, actionable advice you can apply to your own projects right away. Panelists include Fr3deR1ck Taylor (Tomorrow Pictures, Founder & Filmmaker), Brian Russell (Red Shoe Film, Founder & Filmmaker), and Danny Donnelly (Filmmaker).
Enjoy a light breakfast and coffee provided by Something’s Awry Productions and Mayday Coffee, connect with fellow filmmakers, and start your day inspired and informed.
Chester County 250 Pop-Up & Panel Discussion
Chester County History Center
April 25th at 12:00–1:45 PM
Moderated by Anne Skillman, Community Engagement Officer, Chester County History Center
Panelists:
Erik Freeland, Executive Creative Director, Springhouse Films, for N.C. Wyeth: The Giant
Amanda C. Burdan, Ph.D., Senior Curator, Brandywine Museum of Art, for N.C. Wyeth: The Giant
Adi Day, Founder, Rainbow Connections, for See Me - LGBT Equality Foundation
Kim Andrews, Chester County Community Foundation, for Dare to Declare
Chris Cotter, Director, Tailor Made Media, for Dare to Declare
Dr. Koreem Bell, Board Chair, West Chester Community Foundation, for Together We Thrive
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​​The West Chester Film Festival, in partnership with the Chester County History Center, will present a selection of films showcasing the communities, history, and art of Chester County, followed by a moderated panel discussion from historians, curators, and experts. This special event is a wonderful way to connect with our history and look forward to what is to come.
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This collection of films includes:
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N.C. Wyeth: The Giant
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See Me - LGBT Equality Alliance
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Dare to Declare
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Together We Thrive
Chester Awards and 20th Anniversary Toast
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Saturday, April 25th from 7:00-8:15 pm​
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And the winner is...
Join us Saturday evening to hear the winners of the Chesters, mingle with filmmakers, and enjoy a cupcake & a toast to celebrate our 20th season!
Panel Discussion & Filmmaker Meeting at Side Bar
Sunday, April 26th from 9:00-10:45 am​
Moderated by Collin Peters, Film Asylum
Panelists:
David Dylan Thomas, Filmmaker
Alfreda "Fre" Howard, Faces by Fre, Special Effects Makeup
Kelly Murray Filmmaker
Start your Sunday with a thrilling dive into the world of horror at From Script to Scream: Building Better Horror, a panel discussion held at Side Bar from 9:00–10:45 AM. This engaging session brings together horror filmmakers and a professional horror makeup artist to explore what it takes to create fear on screen—from storytelling and atmosphere to practical effects and behind-the-scenes techniques. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to sharpen your skills or simply a fan of the genre, you’ll gain insight into how great horror comes to life. Panelists include David Dylan Thomas (Filmmaker), Alfreda "Fre" Howard (Faces by Fre, Special Effects Makeup), and Kelly Murray (Filmmaker). A light breakfast will be provided by The Biscuit Lady—come grab a bite, connect with fellow horror enthusiasts, and get inspired.
Coffee & Cartoons
BierHaul TownHouse
Sunday, April 27 from 11:00–12:30 pm
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Bring the whole family to BierHaul TownHouse on Sunday morning for brunch and a show! This year’s lineup includes Oscar nominees,
films from young filmmakers, and global voices. Food and beverages are available for purchase from Bierhaul. This is the perfect opportunity to check out what the film festival is all about! (Note: while films are unrated, these are generally appropriate for
all audiences. Direct questions to info@westchesterfilmfestival.com or ask anyone with a Fest shirt at the venue.)
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This collection of films includes:
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Retirement Plan
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Pig
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Dance into the Day
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The Girl Who Cried Pearls
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Rush Order Drive! CalGal Drive
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Éiru
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Forevergreen
Closing Night Best of the Fest
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Sunday, April 27th from 6:00-9:00 pm​
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Sunday night, we will be showing a curated selection of the best films from the 2026 West Chester Film Festival, including Chester Award Winners, fan favorites, and more. This popular event includes a two-hour open bar, food by Alexander Catering, and
desserts from The Master’s Baker. Perfect for a special date, ladies’ night out, or one more chance to see your favorite film from
the Festival, it is a wonderful way to close out our 20th Fest!
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
