The Houston Film Festival That Discovered Spielberg Returns in 2026

The Houston Film Festival That Discovered Spielberg Returns in 2026

WorldFest Houston Announces WorldFest 59, April 24-May 3, 2026, With Full Schedule Now Live

34 feature films and 89 short films, filmmaker seminars and wellness programming, WorldFest Village festival hub, and the Remi Awards Dinner returning May 2 at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City

HOUSTON, Texas, March 30, 2026 — WorldFest Houston will return to Memorial City April 24-May 3, 2026, for the 59th Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, showcasing 34+ feature films and 89+ short films alongside seminars, workshops, and wellness programming designed to support filmmakers and audiences alike.

“We’re building on what has always made WorldFest special, which is discovery,” said Festival Director Katy Lea Cannon. “But we’re expanding that idea. It’s not just about discovering films. It’s about supporting filmmakers—how they connect, sustain themselves, and grow creative careers over time.”

A global slate of independent storytelling

WorldFest 59 will present a wide-ranging lineup of independent films—spanning continents and genres—with multiple premieres and filmmakers expected to attend select screenings for post-film conversations and Q&As. Festival materials highlight Opening Night programming including Star Sailors: Past the Horizon (Portugal), with the director in attendance.

Where the festival connects: WorldFest Village

Newer to the festival experience, WorldFest Village at Memorial City Mall serves as a central hub for check-in, filmmaker resources, gathering spaces, and community activations. The Village will also host lounges, informal meetups, and educational programming designed to make the festival more accessible and interactive beyond the theater.

Industry-focused seminars and filmmaker resources

In addition to screenings, WorldFest Houston continues its filmmaker development focus with practical, high-value sessions centered on topics such as distribution pathways, music licensing and supervision, and the business side of filmmaking. This year also includes a collaboration with Captiv Studios, bringing a live podcast studio activation and recorded conversations with filmmakers and industry leaders.

WorldFest Wellness: supporting the whole artist

WorldFest Houston is expanding wellness offerings—such as yoga, sound baths, and rest spaces—recognizing the intensity of festival weeks and the importance of sustainability for creators.

Remi Awards Dinner returns May 2

The WorldFest Remi Awards Dinner returns May 2, 2026, at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City. Cocktails begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner and awards presentation at 8:00 p.m. (Black Tie Optional). The winner list will be posted by May 4, 2026.

Closing Day: NASA and “Day on the Bay”

WorldFest 59 concludes Sunday, May 3, with a signature Closing Day experience including a Space Center Houston / Rocket Park visit and a waterfront “Day on the Bay” gathering at the Houston Yacht Club, celebrating filmmakers and showcasing the region’s cinematic potential.

Tickets and schedule

The full schedule and individual tickets are now available. Use WF59 to get 20% off:

https://www.worldfest.org/#schedule

More festival information:

https://www.worldfest.org/#festival-59

Media Contact:

WorldFest Houston - Media Inquiries

info@worldfest.org

(713) 965-9955

About WorldFest Houston

Founded in 1961, WorldFest Houston is one of the longest-running independent film festivals in the world. WorldFest’s mission is to recognize and honor creative excellence in film and to connect audiences with emerging filmmakers and global storytelling.

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Primary link (tickets + schedule): https://www.worldfest.org/#schedule

Secondary link (festival home): https://www.worldfest.org/#festival-59

Third link (media library): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g7CucAFKbAGNkNAc1aFf78R25RujmMxe?usp=drive_link


WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival
City: Houston
Address: 9898 Bissonnet Ste #650
Website: https://www.worldfest.org/
Email: katy@worldfest.org

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