The Virginia Film Festival has announced its 2026 Virginia Filmmaking Series for its upcoming 39th annual event, scheduled to run from October 21 through October 25, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia, according to organizers. The newly revealed lineup features 10 films from Virginia filmmakers, spanning documentaries, narrative features, and short projects.
World Premiere of UVA Football Documentary
Among the major highlights is the world premiere of 1 15 41 Tragedy to Triumph. Presented in partnership with Virginia Athletics, the documentary chronicles the UVA football team following the November 2022 shootings that claimed the lives of three players: Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry, according to festival announcements. The film traces the team’s journey through its 11-win 2025 season and subsequent appearance in the ACC Championship game. Directed and produced with behind-the-scenes and game footage, the project includes interviews with players, coaches, university officials, and family members.
Daphne Maxwell Reid Stars in The Cashier
Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office, is making his feature film writing and directing debut with The Cashier. Set against a backdrop of everyday characters, the dark comedy stars Daphne Maxwell Reid as Glenda, a humble cashier who discovers a winning lottery ticket and worries about the person who lost it, as detailed in festival releases. The film also stars Michael Marundé, Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen, and Paul Wilson, and was produced with an all-Virginia crew. During the festival, Daphne Maxwell Reid is scheduled to receive the Governor Gerald L. Baliles Award for her contributions to filmmaking in the Commonwealth.
Chris Farina’s Final Film Examines Life’s End
Charlottesville director Chris Farina will present the world premiere of his final film, Death Becomes Us: And Hands Are With Us. Farina’s ALS diagnosis in 2022 expanded a smaller project into a personal exploration of life’s final chapter, featuring perspectives from hospice workers, funeral home staff, and hospital personnel. According to event organizers, the project was completed with support from family, friends, and community partners.
Additional Virginia-Themed Feature Selections
Presented by the Virginia Film Office, the festival’s lineup includes several other notable feature projects:
- 9th & Gasoline, directed by BL Shirelle, blends documentary and music video formats to follow B. Alexis, described by festival materials as the first woman to release an album from prison.
- Admission Possible, directed by Matthew Syrett and Bowie Alexander, tracks seven first-generation college applicants from New York City navigating the modern higher education admissions landscape, featuring UVA student Kamani Confident (’28).
- No More Punk Time: The Last Days of Crayola House, directed by Tarik Begic, makes its world premiere as an exploration of a local cultural hub.
“We are very excited to shine a spotlight on this collection of extraordinary Virginia-themed films and filmmakers,” said Jody Kielbasa, executive director of the Virginia Film Festival and vice provost for the arts at the University of Virginia, in a statement. “Each year we are more impressed with the filmmaking talent showcased in this series and the way their voices reflect their visions of the Commonwealth.”
Festival Overview and Schedule
The 39th annual Virginia Film Festival runs from October 21 to October 25, 2026, across venues in Charlottesville.
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