FRANKLIN – The Torchfire Film Festival is back and ready to make 2026 its biggest year yet! Set for Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Historic Artcraft Theatre, the festival is calling filmmakers from across Indiana and around the world to submit their work.
With more entries, more sponsors, more prizes, and double the attendance from 2025 to 2026, Torchfire is quickly becoming a premier destination for independent and student filmmakers.
Last year’s festival celebrated standout films:
2025 Winners:
- Indiana Feature-Length Film Winner: Never Not Yours – Adult Children Films
- Indiana Short Film Winner: Bleeding Heart – Autumn Libengood
- Indiana Student Short Film Winner: Turquoise – Aden Dekhli
- Feature-Length Film Winner: Trail Mix – Glenn Sweitzer
- Short Film Winner: The Walker – Stephen Wise
“We are thrilled to build on the momentum from last year and give filmmakers even more ways to shine,” said Dustin Brenton, Torchfire co-creator. “With new categories and a bigger audience, this is a festival designed to celebrate creativity and community, while giving both local and international filmmakers the recognition they deserve.”
Key Entry Dates:
- September 1, 2025: Opening Date
- February 1, 2026: Earlybird Deadline
- May 1, 2026: Regular Deadline
- June 1, 2026: Extended Deadline
- July 1, 2026: Super Late Deadline
- July 13, 2026: Notification Date
- August 27, 2026: Event Date
Categories for 2026:
- Best Feature-Length Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Animation
- Best Short Film (under 30 mins)
- Best Student Short Film (under 30 mins)
- Best Indiana Feature-Length Film
- Best Indiana Documentary
- Best Indiana Animation
- Best Indiana Short Film (under 30 mins)
- Best Indiana Student Short Film (under 30 mins, Indiana high school/college students only)
Current 2026 Sponsors: Builder Resource Group, First Frame Productions, Brenton Creative. Sponsorships start at $100 and go up to $500, or you can donate a prize. Interested sponsors can contact TorchfireFilmFestival@gmail.com.
JD Brenton, co-creator, added, “Torchfire is more than a festival—it’s a community. We want filmmakers to not only share their work, but also experience the excitement of seeing it on the big screen, connecting with fellow artists, and celebrating their films.”
Filmmakers can submit their entries via FilmFreeway.com/TorchfireFilmFestival or the festival website at TorchfireFilmFestival.com. Don’t miss the chance to be part of Indiana’s fastest-growing celebration of independent cinema.
About Torchfire Film Festival:
Torchfire Film Festival shines a spotlight on independent and student filmmaking in Franklin, Indiana. Founded by Dustin and J.D. Brenton, the festival supports filmmakers at every stage of their journey, offering awards, exposure, and a platform to connect with audiences. Torchfire fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where creativity, storytelling, and cinema are celebrated.
