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The 2026 815HORTS Film Festival returns bigger and better than ever with another year of growth, industry-leading content and renowned guests and partners. Set for Thursday-Saturday, November 12-14, 2026, at City Stage Studios, the fifth anniversary edition of 815HORTS – produced by Plus Seven Company as the Rockford region’s premier film festival – is highlighted by the addition of a third day, short- and feature-length film screenings, and a variety of programs alongside industry partners like the Illinois Film Office, Sundance Institute and Tribeca Film Festival.The 2026 815HORTS program kicks off Thursday, November 12, with a 5HORT Opening Reception and Rockford preview of Counterfeit, a new feature film produced locally featuring regional talent. On Friday, November 13, the focus shifts to the Illinois Film Office (IFO) Shortcuts Student Film Contest Screening Block followed by the region’s only screening of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival Shorts Tour – marking the fifth-straight year the Sundance Shorts Tour has screened at 815HORTS. And on Saturday, November 14, an all-day lineup includes three 815HORTS screening blocks (Live Action, Animated and Documentary Shorts) and interactive 815HORTSedu panels and talks. Scheduled guest appearances include: Ben Thompson, VP of shorts programming at Tribeca Film Festival; Stacy Barton, film program director at Augustana College and 2026 815HORTS emcee; Peter Hawley, director of the Illinois Film Office; Don Hatton, founder of Rockford Film Office; and Holly Sparkman, manager of the Quad Cities Film Office.
Single-day passes start at $20, while three-day festival passes are $50 – the best value and a savings of $15. Guests traveling from out of town can stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront – the official hotel partner of the 2026 815HORTS – located less than one mile from the festival venue. Access the Embassy Suites Rockford 815HORTS Official Hotel Booking Link at www.815HORTS.com.
2026 815HORTS PASSES + SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
- Three-Day Festival Pass – $50 (Best Value)
Get access to the entire weekend and save $15! The three-day festival pass includes admission to all film screenings, 815HORTSedu panels and talks, and evening receptions from November 12–14. This is highly recommended for enjoying the best value, comprehensive 815HORTS experience!
- Thursday, November 12, Single-Day Pass – $20
6 p.m. Doors + 5HORT Opening Reception | 7 p.m. Rockford Preview Screening of Counterfeit (Written + Directed by Nick Snow, Produced by Don Hatton) | 8:45 p.m. Post-Screening Q&A and 5HORT Closing Reception
- Friday, November 13, Single-Day Pass – $20
5 p.m. 5HORT Reception | 5:30 p.m. Illinois Film Office (IFO) Shortcuts Student Screening Block | 6:30 p.m. IFO Shortcuts Student Contest Winner Announcement | 7 p.m. 2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour | 9 p.m. 5HORT Closing Reception
- Saturday, November 14, Single-Day Pass – $25
8:30 a.m. Doors Open | 9 a.m. 815HORTS Live Action Screening Block | 11 a.m. 815HORTSedu Panel Discussion #1 | 12 p.m. Lunch Break | 1 p.m. 815HORTS Animated Screening Block | 2:30 p.m. 815HORTSedu Panel #2 | 4 p.m. 815HORTS Documentary Screening Block | 6 p.m. 5HORT Closing Night Reception | 7 p.m. Feature Film Screening (TBA!) | 9 p.m. 5HORT Awards + Closing Remarks
- Note: Additional program updates will be announced soon. Schedule is subject to change. Follow www.815HORTS.com for the latest information.
2026 815HORTS PARTNERS
- Champion Sponsors: Illinois Film Office, Xfinity
- Supporting Sponsors: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront + Culinary Underground, Ron Clewer, Rockford Area Arts Council
- Industry Partners: City Stage Studios, FilmFreeway, Rockford Film Office
- Special Thanks: Luxe Productions, Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Stacy Barton, Jack Dorsey, Don Hatton, Peter Hawley
About 815HORTS: The 815HORTS Film Festival moves film forward by curating screening experiences and interactive programs that transcend time and place. Established in 2022, 815HORTS (pronounced 815 shorts) brings film enthusiasts together for screenings, filmmaker interviews and Q&As, educational content and panels, entertainment and networking, and meet and greet opportunities with industry practitioners. As one of the Midwest's fastest growing film fests, the trajectory of 815HORTS is shaped by its goal of becoming an Oscar-qualifying film festival.
Since its inception, 815HORTS has prioritized local, regional and global partnerships to help create a world-class experience for attendees of all ages and expertise. 815HORTS is produced by Plus Seven Company (P7c), a boutique experience firm that delivers winning sports and entertainment. Through its properties and services divisions, P7c’s expertise covers events, branding, nonprofits, partnerships, public and media relations, and tourism.
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City Stage Studios, 821 First Ave,Rockford, Illinois, United States
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