The American Film Institute announced the AFI Fest 2026 lineup on September 29, 2026, naming Wildwood, I Play Rocky and Behemoth among the films set to play the festival.
The initial slate, as released by festival organizers, highlights a mix of narrative features, documentaries and short-form work from both established and emerging filmmakers. The announced titles represent a cross-section of domestic and international filmmaking that AFI Fest has made central to its programming in recent years.
AFI Fest, the American Film Institute’s annual Los Angeles festival, is known for presenting early-season screenings that draw critical attention and industry interest. The festival has traditionally offered a platform for films to gain visibility with critics, distributors and awards-season voters ahead of wider releases.
Having films such as Wildwood, I Play Rocky and Behemoth on the bill boosts AFI Fest’s profile and provides those projects with an early, high-visibility forum. For filmmakers and producers the screenings can translate into reviews, distribution conversations and publicity opportunities, while audiences get first looks and the chance to attend Q&A sessions and special events.
AFI Fest has not yet published the full screening schedule, ticketing details or guest list for the 2026 edition. Attendees and industry members should monitor the festival’s official channels for the complete program, premiere notices and announcements about panels and special presentations as they are released.
We will update this story as AFI Fest publishes the full program and additional information about the 2026 festival.
