Cleveland International Film Festival 2026: A must-see event

It’s finally here!

I’m not talking about the 2026 NFL Draft being hosted in Pittsburgh. I’m talking about something just as big for movie lovers everywhere.

It’s the 50^th annual Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) going on now through April 18. This year’s milestone festival lineup includes over 90 feature films and 236 short films from 57 countries. Over 300 international filmmakers and special guests will be in attendance.

While I did not attend the inaugural event back in 1977, I did come aboard in the early ‘90s when I was reviewing movies on KDKA-Radio1020 with legendary morning drive host John Cigna. I was excited then and my excitement continued to grow over the years that followed. It was like Christmas for Cinephiles.   

There were world premiere feature films like Robert Altman’s “The Player,” (1992) starring Tim Robbins, as well as the debut of low-budget, independent films like “El Mariachi” (1992). The movie’s 24-year-old director, Robert Rodriguez hosted a Q&A following the screening, talking about how he produced “El Mariachi” for just $7,000 – a budget so tight he could only roll one take of every meticulously rehearsed shot.

The special guests over the years were the icing on the cake of a truly international selection of hundreds of carefully selected movies.

This year’s opening night festivities included a special screening of the new documentary film “A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole” recapping the career of a colorful, global fashion icon who can be described as a mega-successful designer, marketing genius, humanitarian, social activist, crusader and provocateur. His rise to fame as well as his high-profile involvement in causes like AIDS, homelessness, LGBTQIA+ rights, civil liberties, gun violence and mental health are a lot to squeeze into a 98-minute film.

The charismatic Kenneth Cole himself was on stage for the Q&A following the screening as well as the gala party afterwards.   

CIFF was always the place to go for film buffs who wanted to venture out beyond the mainstream movies in local cineplexes and the repetitive offerings on cable TV and streaming services. 

You were able to see movies you knew you would probably never see anywhere else, including foreign features, independent films, short subject films, animated movies and documentary films.  Like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never knew what you were going to get. You just knew that the offering would be a delicious mix — something for everyone.

As I have mentioned over the years, CIFF’s proximity to Pittsburgh was a real plus for everyone living in Western Pennsylvania. It’s roughly a two-hour drive. Once there, movie buffs could enjoy the fan friendly atmosphere, easily accessible theaters, affordable hotels and restaurants and convenient parking.

There is a lot to see and experience, but if you’re on a tight schedule, CIFF is a very enjoyable — very doable — day trip. 

An added bonus is the nearby Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It’s a great side trip and a cool way for Steel City Rockers to spend a few hours on the way to or from the festival.

And speaking of fun side trips, let’s not forget that Cleveland is where the movie, “A Christmas Story” was filmed. Fans of the film can visit the house where the movie was shot and browse the gift shop where you can purchase your very own leg lamp or Daisy Red Ryder BB gun.

There’s a lot to see and do in the Cleveland area during the annual Cleveland International Film Festival. It all revolves around one of the best film festivals in the country, now in its 50^th year. It’s easy to check out the lineup and schedule (and purchase tickets online) by going to clevelandfilm.org.  

The 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival is going on now through April 18. If you love movies, you’ll love CIFF.