Marina del Rey Film Festival marks 15 years with 400-plus indie films in Beverly Hills

Marina del Rey Film Festival held its 2026 edition June 18-25 at Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall in Beverly Hills, screening more than 400 films over seven days and nights. The festival capped its 15th year with awards, Q&A sessions and a wide slate of independent films from around the world.

Why it matters: - Marina del Rey Film Festival gives independent filmmakers a large Los Angeles-area showcase at an affordable cost. - The 2026 edition put more than 400 films in front of audiences and industry attendees over a full week. - The festival's awards and Q&A sessions create exposure for both filmmakers and screenwriters.

What happened: - Marina del Rey Film Festival celebrated 15 years in June 2026. - The festival was held at Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall in Beverly Hills, California. - The event opened with a kickoff party on June 18. - Film screenings ran from Friday, June 19 through Thursday, June 25. - The festival used two screens throughout the run. - Daily screening blocks ran from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. - Q&A sessions ran from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. - The festival screened 400-plus films. - The closing night awards party presented more than 100 Film and Screenplay Awards.

The details: - Festival Director Jon Gursha said the festival aims to provide a high-quality experience for filmmakers at an affordable cost. - Program Director Peter Greene said the program featured an eclectic mix of films across genres. - Greene said each day offered a different block of films. - Greene said audiences could expect films from around the world along with local and domestic titles. - The highlighted lineup included films such as 1000 O, A Sheep Like Me, Anoche, Barry & Bernice: L.A. Dating Chronicles, Beget, Class of Her Own, Dreams Work LLC, Growing Up Movies, Into the Abyss, It's Weird Next Door, Like a Willow Tree, Lipstick Grunge, Mexican Hat, Mouser, My Asian Cam Girl, Nothing to See Here: Watts, Outwit the Devil, Students Are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warriors Story, Swipe, The Glow on the Ridge, The Rosies, The Strawberry featuring Mike Farrell, Unpunished, We Are Animals, While You Were Freeing the World, Our Family Pride and Guardian Angel. - The festival venue was Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. - The festival program was posted at Festival Program. - The festival's website provides general press and event information.

Between the lines: - The festival's 15-year mark signals staying power in a crowded independent-film market. - Moving the event to Beverly Hills widened its visibility while keeping the Marina del Rey brand tied to Los Angeles indie film. - The scale of the lineup suggests the festival is built as a volume showcase, not a narrow competition.

What's next: - The festival is directing filmmakers and attendees to its website for press, general inquiries and participation details. - Marina del Rey Film Festival also points audiences to its social channels on Instagram, Facebook and X. - The festival says it is a registered trademark and was founded by Jon Gursha, with Peter Greene as co-founder.