Chattanooga Film Festival Announces Fun-Sized First Wave for Lucky 13th Edition in 2026
The Chattanooga Film Festival is turning a very lucky 13 this year for its 2026 edition, and the first fun-sized wave of programming has arrived. Discounted Early Bird badges are now on sale for the festival that’s being held in person at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre from June 18-21 and virtually June 19-27, 2026. The […]
The Chattanooga Film Festival is turning a very lucky 13 this year for its 2026 edition, and the first fun-sized wave of programming has arrived.
Discounted Early Bird badges are now on sale for the festival that’s being held in person at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre from June 18-21 and virtually June 19-27, 2026.
The annual event marks the long-awaited return of a fan-favorite guest: filmmaker Joe Lynch, who, along with his wife and frequent collaborator, filmmaker Becca Howard, will treat guests to a live episode of their popular podcast “A Couple of Old Fashioneds.”
CFF also once again honors its commitment to audience accessibility by offering a jam-packed slate of films and events that will be presented virtually. This includes the fourth year of the wildly popular nightly secret screening series RED EYE, in which fans are treated to virtual screenings and accompanying watch parties featuring some of the weirdest cinema on Earth.
Though the CFF continues to embrace new technologies that make it easier for film fans to participate in the fun, they’ve doubled down on their highly publicized ban on films and productions made with the use of generative AI software.
“As we rapidly approach a world in which all major film studios are owned by the same small group of billionaires and both the theatrical window and the human side of film production are being threatened, we feel a deep responsibility to remind fans that it’s human heart, creativity and community that have made the medium of motion pictures such an impactful one,“ said Chris Dortch II, Festival Director and Lead Film Programmer.
In addition to CFF’s GenAI ban, festival organizers are also launching their first-ever A.I. (Analog Idiocy) filmmaking challenge. The festival is asking filmmakers to create their own AI-free 30-60-second anti-AI public service announcement videos. Those interested in participating can email their Anti-AI ads to the festival at CFFhelpdesk@chattfilmfest.org before midnight on April 31st. The festival’s programming team will select a winner and, in addition to receiving a pair of hybrid 2026 VIP festival badges, the winning spot will also screen before each and every one of the festival’s in-person screenings.
Read on for the fun-sized first wave…
