The 14th annual Tyler Film Festival, held September 18-19, 2026, at Liberty Hall in downtown Tyler, achieved a new ticket sales record. A total of 167 tickets, costing up to $30 each, were sold early online for the two-day event. The festival featured 20 short films, selected from 84 submissions, and concluded with an awards ceremony on Saturday evening.
Festival Director Craig O’Daniel stated that the organization observes the growth of the film community in Tyler and East Texas by tracking the festival’s expansion each year. He noted excitement around town and an increase in both ticket sales and film submissions.
The festival's first night on Friday, September 18, saw filmmakers and movie enthusiasts gather as the scent of popcorn filled the air. Films that evening were categorized into themes including changing landscapes, family ties, and twisted tales. On Saturday, September 19, the categories were unwritten rules and made here. Films shown ranged from 5 to 15 minutes in length and were not constrained by production or idea specifics.
The selection process for the festival involved a team of independent individuals who watched each of the 84 submissions. Films were viewed at least three times by different people to ensure a well-rounded opinion before being narrowed down to the final 20 for judging. O'Daniel emphasized the importance of strong, captivating stories, noting that while technical quality is considered, the narrative is paramount.
A panel of judges evaluated each film over the course of the festival, assessing quality in lighting, photography, cinematography, audio, and narrative. Trevor Hicks, a festival judge and president of the East Texas Film Society, explained that judges look for films that leave a lasting impression on the audience. He also noted that short films often do not follow the classic three-act structure, favoring a more open-ended concept.
Awards presented on Saturday evening included the Jury Award or Best of Festival, Best Cinematography, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Young Actor, Film with the Biggest Heart Award, Funniest of the Fest, and Audience Choice Award. Winners received a filmmaker laurel, a symbol of achievement in cinema. O'Daniel explained that these laurels enhance a filmmaker’s chances of selection at future festivals and can open doors to larger opportunities, potentially leading to a feature film.
Stewart Smith, emcee for the festival, praised movies as a convergence of many artists. He highlighted the significant effort involved in filmmaking and the importance of providing artists an outlet to share their work. Attendee Oliver Simmons, an East Texas filmmaker, expressed his support for local artists and the value of such opportunities for the community.
The Tyler Film Festival has also expanded its activities beyond the two-day event. In April, it hosted East Texas’s first 48-hour film competition, with the winning film, “The Chat,” automatically entered into the festival. Throughout the festival at Liberty Hall, attendees enjoyed complimentary popcorn and beer from True Vine Brewing Company, alongside Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.
