UCLAxFilmFest returns for an encore, marking 10 years of celebrating the creative works of UCLA Extension Entertainment Studies’ students and alumni, at the historic Los Angeles Theatre and UCLA Downtown in downtown Los Angeles, May 3-9, 2026.

“For this milestone anniversary, we wanted to do something special,” said Erin Kaufman Gabrieloff, director of the Entertainment Studies Program at UCLA Extension. “Not only will we be celebrating our current selections, but we will also be looking retrospectively at some of the films from our past, where they went and what those alumni have accomplished since.”

Official selections include 21 short films featuring current and former UCLA Extension students in the roles of producer, writer, director or composer. The main festival event, taking place at the Los Angeles Theatre on May 9, includes a viewing of the films, award presentation and a reception. Additional events will be announced as confirmed.

UCLAxFilmFest awards will be presented in the categories of best film, best director, best cinematography, best unique and artistic film, entertainment studies award and audience choice award.

The theater, located just blocks from UCLA Downtown, opened in 1931 and is the most ornate of the L.A. Broadway Theatre District movie palaces. With seats for 2,200, the event is open to the public – though registration is required.

Additional events will take place throughout the week, including a Music in Film panel followed by a conversation with music lawyer Dina LaPolt on May 5, a Trends in Independent Film Financing panel on May 6, and a Directing in an Evolving Industry panel on May 7. All panels are free and open to the public.

To accommodate friends and family outside Los Angeles, the festival will also be available for screening online.

To register for the in-person or online event, please visit uclaextension.edu/uclafilmfest