Lost Coast Film Festival 2026
Lost Coast Film Festival 2026: A Night of Stories, Courage, and Community
The Lost Coast Film Festival once again brought our community together for a night that reminded us just how powerful storytelling can be. With more than a dozen films submitted across a wide range of genres, the evening took us on a journey through laughter, reflection, imagination, and heartfelt moments. From animated pieces to deeply moving personal stories, each film offered a unique perspective and voice.
One of the beautiful things about film festivals is how a story doesn’t always end when the screen fades to black. Instead, it lingers. You find yourself replaying moments in your mind, thinking about the characters, the message, and the different ways the story can be interpreted. That shared experience—watching together and then reflecting afterward—is part of what makes gatherings like this so special.
In a time when technology is rapidly transforming the film industry and making storytelling tools more accessible than ever, events like the Lost Coast Film Festival highlight something even more important: the people behind the stories. Many of the filmmakers were right there in the room with us, generously sharing their work and speaking about their creative process. It takes courage to present your art to an audience, and we are incredibly grateful to every filmmaker who chose to share their vision with our community.
One of the most inspiring parts of this year’s festival was the range of voices represented. Some of the filmmakers were seasoned storytellers, while others were just beginning their creative journeys. In fact, several of our youngest participants were just 11 years old, reminding us that creativity and imagination have no age limit. Their work, enthusiasm, and bravery in presenting their films were a highlight of the evening.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the festival possible—from the organizers and volunteers to the filmmakers and audience members who filled the room. Events like this remind us that the Lost Coast is not only a place of extraordinary natural beauty, but also a place where creativity, community, and storytelling thrive.
2026 Film Festival Awards
1st Place:
The Void - Danika Frey
2nd Place:
Huff Caleb McCarthy
3rd Place:
Here Sits - Naomi Plasterer
Youth Awards
Recognition For Creativity
Riptide Dojo - Makana Davis
Visual Style
Vampire Hillbillies - Oleg Kukuruza
Future Filmaker Award
Johanna Monschke
To all of this year’s filmmakers: thank you for sharing your stories with us. We look forward to seeing where your creativity takes you next—and we can’t wait to gather again for another year of films on the Lost Coast.
If you like what you see, please consider becoming a donor! Every dollar goes to events like this through our 100% volunteer ran Lost Coast Tourism Assocation.