Better Together Film Festival expands nationwide in July

Dozens of U.S. communities are hosting free screenings and conversations this month as the third annual Better Together Film Festival returns during America’s 250th anniversary year. The decentralized event aims to use film and neighbor-to-neighbor dialogue to help communities build trust, reduce division and strengthen local problem solving.

Why it matters: - The Better Together Film Festival is trying to use shared storytelling and discussion to help communities reduce polarization and rebuild trust. - The July 2026 events come as the country marks America’s 250th anniversary, which organizers are using as a civic theme for connection and reflection. - Local events are designed to move participants from passive viewing to direct conversation about real community challenges.

What happened: - Dozens of communities across the U.S. are hosting free film screenings and conversation events throughout July 2026. - The festival is in its third year and is organized by Listen First Project. - Local partners in all regions of the country are running events through libraries, faith institutions, community centers, local theaters, breweries and other community organizations. - The festival is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and announced its July rollout on July 9, 2026.

The details: - The festival features eight films: 9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero, A Binding Truth, Abraham's Bridge, Breaking the Cycle, Creede, USA, My Omaha, The [Conserv]atives and The Question. - Organizers say each film explores a different issue, including religious divides, environmentalism, public school policies, race relations and homelessness. - After each screening, audience members are encouraged to talk with each other about the film and how its themes connect to their own lives. - The festival’s registered hosting partners include community-based organizations that want to create more opportunities for connection and conversation among neighbors. - Details about participating cities, featured films and local registration are available through the festival’s event information page.

Between the lines: - The festival is part of a broader effort to counter what organizers describe as low public trust and highly polarizing media narratives. - The program leans on the idea that stories can either widen divisions or help people understand one another better. - By using decentralized local events instead of a single national gathering, the festival appears built to scale through community ownership rather than top-down programming. - Karissa Raskin, director of the festival and CEO of Listen First Project, said the goal is to encourage curiosity, empathy and dialogue over contempt and demonization.

What's next: - More local Better Together Film Festival events are expected to continue through the rest of July. - Organizers say the effort will keep building on neighborhood screenings, post-film conversations and community partnerships. - Listen First Project will continue supporting the festival through its broader coalition work.

The bottom line: - The festival is using film as a civic tool, betting that small-group conversation can help communities find common ground in a divided moment.