2026 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES “THE PROJECTIONIST”
AS OPENING NIGHT FILM AND THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION PRIZE
Utopia partners with Slamdance to offer theatrical distribution for at least one Grand Prize Winner.
“The Untitled Ruby Slippers Documentary” to screen as part of Slamdance’s Spotlight section.
Slamdance Film Festival, the artist-led organization by filmmakers for filmmakers, today announced the World Premiere of Alexandre Rockwell’s THE PROJECTIONIST as the Opening Night selection for its 32nd edition. Returning for its second year in Los Angeles, Slamdance will take place in-person February 19-25, 2026, and virtually from February 24 to March 6, 2026 on the Slamdance Channel.
“Celebrating our second year in LA, Slamdance is proud to shine an even brighter spotlight on the independent filmmakers who are redefining storytelling. With Rockwell’s masterful new film THE PROJECTIONIST kicking off our slate, we can’t wait to bring new creative visions and new ideas in filmmaking to the LA community and beyond,” stated Peter Baxter, Co-Founder of Slamdance. “At the same time, we recognize the seismic shift of the media landscape, and we’re honored to join with partners like Utopia, the DGA, and Landmark to deliver a meaningful platform for new voices and together champion the art of independent film.
Produced by Quentin Tarantino and Jack Auen, Rockwell’s THE PROJECTIONIST follows a reclusive projectionist who is haunted by a wrongful conviction and the loss of his wife. He lives in solitude inside a fading art house theater until one fateful night when his past resurfaces, forcing him to confront the truth, rekindle love, and find peace in the glow of the final reel. The film stars Vondie Curtis-Hall, Karyn Parsons, Kasi Lemmons, David Proval, Kevin Corrigan, and Michael Buscemi.
“THE PROJECTIONIST is a love letter to the quiet power of cinema as a refuge where our stories are held, remembered, and reborn — and we couldn’t be more honored to screen our film at the opening night of Slamdance, a festival that embodies the vital spirit of independent film better than anywhere,” stated Alexandre Rockwell, director of THE PROJECTIONIST.
Also featured in the festival’s Spotlight section is THE UNTITLED RUBY SLIPPERS DOCUMENTARY, directed by Seth Gordon and Nikki Calabrese. The film traces the theft and recovery of the world’s most sought-after piece of movie memorabilia – the Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz – sending a small Minnesota town reeling. A maze of clues and calamities unfolds, delivering unexpected twists and turns in small-town life and big-time crime, proving that even the most outlandish capers can reveal profound truths.
“We’re honored to be premiering this documentary at Slamdance 2026. It’s a homecoming of sorts for us on a few levels: 20 years ago, Seth’s first documentary, ‘The King of Kong,’ premiered at Slamdance, and that’s also when he shot the first interview for this film,” stated directors Seth Gordon and Nikki Calabrese. “This film has been two decades in the making and along the way we’ve uncovered some remarkable and harrowing stories connected to a larger-than-life true crime more bizarre than we could possibly dream up, layered with trauma, mafia entanglements, hope and reinvention. It took all of those 20 years for the truth behind the crime to emerge, and we can’t wait for the world to see it.”
Slamdance will also host the return of Market Monday on February 23, bringing the LA film community together for a full day of interactive panels and workshops focusing on distribution, film production in Los Angeles, and finding an audience. The full schedule will be announced at a later date.
With a commitment to launching new careers and providing a platform for unique voices, Slamdance is taking their filmmaker support one step further and partnering with Utopia, the award-winning independent studio, to offer theatrical distribution opportunities to the Slamdance award winners. Known for arthouse gems such as THE LAST SHOWGIRL, PAVEMENTS, RED ROOMS, SHIVA BABY, as well as Slamdance premiere THERAPY DOGS, Utopia will offer a traditional theatrical distribution deal to a 2026 Grand Prize Winner. In addition, Utopia’s technology suite including Powerflix and Altavod will offer aggregation and bespoke digital distribution opportunities to all competition films.
“Peter and the Slamdance team have always been innovative and forward-thinking when it comes to their offerings for filmmakers whether through technologies, resource sharing or partnerships,” said Utopia Co-Founder, Cole Harper. “Our company is thrilled to collaborate with Slamdance to continue on that mission and bring a timely solution to the biggest issue filmmakers face – receiving meaningful distribution services and tools to bring their movies to the masses, from a theatrical strategy that elevates the film to a long-term approach that creates visibility wherever audiences are, both real-world and online. Utopia is uniquely positioned and excited to extend our services to Slamdance’s films and their entire filmmaker community, and we know this is just the beginning of a new offering that benefits everyone, with no ceiling on its potential.”
Sponsors for this year’s festival include returning champions Directors Guild of America, Easterseals Disability Services, and Panasonic LUMIX.
Festivities kick off one day early, on February 18, with the return of the Indie Awards. Now in its second year, the ceremony honors the spirit of truly independent filmmaking in the face of significant barriers around resources, visibility, and access to the broader marketplace. Winners will be announced during the ceremony
Celebrating its second year in Los Angeles, Slamdance is thrilled to partner with iconic LA venues such as the DGA, Landmark Sunset, and 2220 Arts. The festival is proud to be a part of the LA community and is looking forward to supporting local artists – with a record 28% of the total 2026 submissions hailing from the greater Los Angeles area.
In keeping with accessibility, Slamdance passes are now on sale for the affordable price of $50. In-person passes, industry bulk passes, and Slamdance Channel subscriptions can now be purchased.
Press accreditation for the 2026 Slamdance Film Festival is now open. Members of the press can apply for Media Accreditation here.