Los Angeles Will Host 40th AFI Fest This October
The annual film festival will feature 157 films at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Animation
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The 40th edition of the American Film Institute Festival will take place in Los Angeles from Oct. 21 to 25, 2026. The event will be held at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Why it matters
AFI Fest serves as a major cultural event for the industry, showcasing a curated selection of feature films and shorts to a global audience. The festival continues its legacy of highlighting diverse cinematic storytelling in the heart of the film industry.
The festival will showcase a total of 157 films, consisting of 112 feature-length projects and 45 short films. Five red carpet premieres are planned throughout the five-day event.
The players
Phil Lord
He is an acclaimed filmmaker and writer who is serving as a guest artistic director for this year's festival.
Chris Miller
He is a prominent director and producer who is acting as a guest artistic director for the 40th AFI Fest.
Canva
This global visual communications platform is the presenting sponsor for the upcoming AFI Fest.
The details
Guest artistic directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller are helping oversee the programming for the 40th edition of the festival. Canva is serving as the official presenting sponsor for this year's installment.
Timeline
Individual tickets for the festival will be available Oct. 3, 2026.
AFI Fest 2026 takes place from Oct. 21 to 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The festival remains a central pillar in the annual Hollywood film circuit, anchoring a season of high-profile showcases and industry gatherings. It reflects the ongoing trend of large-scale film institutions maintaining influence in an era of digital content proliferation.
Local film enthusiasts can begin purchasing individual tickets for the festival on Oct. 3, 2026. The event offers attendees the opportunity to view a wide range of international and independent films at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
The takeaway
Fans of independent and feature-length cinema should mark their calendars for the ticket launch on Oct. 3, 2026. This festival provides a unique chance to experience high-profile premieres in one of Hollywoods most iconic screening venues.
What happens next
Individual tickets for the event will be released to the public on Oct. 3, 2026.
Further reading
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