How to Fest 2026

Secure your tickets for an individual film block, a panel event, or grab an All Access badge.

All sales are final.  Please see our Refund Policy for more information.

Contact boxoffice@davincifilm.org to learn more about Group Discounts.

Credentials can be picked up early as Friday, September 25th at 12:00PM at AMC Theaters, The Grove.  Day-of programming (September 26th) badge pickup will be available starting at 9:30AM.  Please bring a valid ID for pick up.

Ticketed guests for Opening Night only must bring proof of ticket purchase (confirmation email with barcode) and valid ID for entry.

We’re so excited to meet you! Thank you for joining us this year at DIFF.

Badge Pickup Locations:

• Early Will Call & Opening Night opens: Friday at 12:00PM, AMC Theaters, The Grove.
• Day-of: Starting at 9:30AM, AMC Theaters, The Grove.
• Opening Night: Simply bring your purchase confirmation email (has a barcode on it)

Questions?

boxoffice@davincifilmfestival.com

DaVinciPlus™: DIFF’s online component will run in parallel to our live event.

Due to our truncated format for 2026 (single day of programming), we are thrilled to announce that we will be expanding our Selections, including Honorable Mentions beyond the walls of the theater. Join us online!

**DaVinciPlus is currently in development and will be available soon.

Enjoy DaVinci International Film Festival titles on demand:

• Due to limited theater capacity, we can not screen all of the incredible films that are submitted to DaVinci each year …
• DaVinciPlus offers video-on-demand access to incredible films, including:
  • In-competition selections: Witness the best of independent cinema competing for the Leo, Jr. Leo, and Audience Awards
  • Honorable Mention: Discover hidden gems recognized for their originality and artistry.
  • Narrative, documentary, and animation films: Explore a diverse range of genres and cinematic expressions.

More than just movies:

• Dive deeper into the filmmaking process with filmmaker and screenwriter bios.
• Capture your own red-carpet moment with access to DIFF’s virtual step-and-repeat banner!
• Share in this online experience with global audiences!

Availability:

DaVinciPlus will be available from September 25th – October 2nd.

Content Rating:

Please note that the majority of projects in our Festival program have not been formally rated. DIFF assigns a subjective rating to each film block (“DIFF Rating”), which you will find in both our online and printed program.

Look for the red dot:

• A red dot (🔴)next to a film block indicates mature content. Generally language or violence.  We do not screen horror or any gratuitous material.
• DIFF curates bold and creative films, some of which can be provocative and may not be suitable for all viewers.

Before you buy:

To ensure the film is appropriate for everyone in your group, please review the detailed description before purchasing a specific film block. You can find synopsis, DIFF notes, and more information on each title here.

If you haven’t been to The Grove in LA … you’re in for a treat.

Nestled within the vibrant heart and world-famous Grove Marketplace, DaVinci at AMC Theaters offers the perfect escape into the world of independent cinema. Relax in plush, stadium-style seating and enjoy award-winning films on the big screen.

Address:

189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Short Stories Hotel: Hotel Partner of DaVinci International Film Festival

Call (323) 937-3930 and ask for a room under the DaVinci International Film Festival rate and get a 20% DISCOUNT.  Or click here to book.

Short Stories Hotel in Los Angeles is a quick walk to the best shopping, dining, and attractions the city has to offer. Drawing inspiration from Los Angeles’s breezy natural aesthetic, our hotel serves as a tranquil retreat in an urban core. We pride ourselves on our unique and personalized service for our guests, complimented by our airy and calming design.

More at shortstorieshotel.com.  This is a boutique hotel located across from The Grove with limited rooms.  It’s recommended if you are coming in for the festival to book your room ASAP.

Nice Casual: The outfit should be clean, well-fitting, and put-together. You should look like you made an effort to look your best, but you should also be comfortable.  In short, dress like you want to be on camera.

Awards and After Party: While we appreciate people looking their best, these are not formal gala events.

Here are some additional tips for dressing for the DaVinci International Film Festival:

• Consider the weather. Los Angeles in September is typically mild, with highs in the mid-60s to low-70s and lows in the mid-40s to low-50s. However, it can rain, so be sure to check the forecast.
• Pay attention to the venue. The festival takes place at The Grove, which is a historic, upscale, entertainment complex. You may want to dress a little more formally than you would for a film festival that takes place at a more casual venue.
• Be yourself! The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing.
• Avoid. Graphic t-shirts, flip-flops, torn or revealing clothing, and attire that could be deemed offensive or disruptive. We ask kindly that you respect the high-end nature of the festival.

Etiquette

• Respectful Communication:  Be mindful of your language and behavior, ensuring it is respectful and inclusive towards all attendees, staff, and filmmakers.  We have ZERO TOLERANCE for bad behavior. If you are invited to speak in front of DIFF audiences (panel, event, Q&A), please refrain from using offensive language.
• Consideration for Others:  Be mindful of noise levels and distractions, allowing others to enjoy the festival experience fully.
• Positive Representation:  We encourage all guests to uphold the positive and professional image of the festival through their attire and behavior.
• Politics: This is not a political platform.