DaVinci International Film Festival sets 8th edition at The Grove

The DaVinci International Film Festival will return to AMC Theatres at The Grove in Los Angeles on Sept. 25-26, 2026, with new global programming, a Randall Wallace honor and an opening-night Braveheart retrospective. The lineup also adds an impact-focused child sex trafficking program and expanded partnerships with RecFest and FilmAfrica.

Why it matters: - DIFF is using its 8th edition to expand beyond a standard festival slate with awards, global showcases and issue-driven programming. - The festival’s mix of screenings, live conversations and nonprofit partnerships is designed to draw independent film audiences and industry guests to The Grove in Los Angeles. - The opening-night benefit and charity raffle tie the event to a fundraising mission, not just a screening schedule.

What happened: - The DaVinci International Film Festival announced its 8th edition for Sept. 25-26, 2026, at AMC Theatres at The Grove in Los Angeles. - Opening night is set for Friday, Sept. 25, with a Getty red carpet at 5 p.m. - Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace will receive DIFF’s Visionary Award. - The opening-night program includes a retrospective screening of Braveheart, a keynote and Q&A, and a reception benefiting Hollywood Habitats for Humanity. - Attendees will be able to enter a raffle for signed Braveheart memorabilia, with proceeds supporting the charity.

The details: - The 8th edition lineup includes independent narrative, documentary, animation and screenwriting projects. - DIFF is adding new global partnerships and signature programming blocks for 2026. - RecFest, DIFF’s guest festival and sister organization from Vancouver, B.C., will debut with a short-documentary block focused on sports, recreation and human grit. - FilmAfrica is returning with storytelling from Angola and Kenya, plus curated short films, narrative features and cultural events. - “The Writers’ Corner” returns as a two-hour in-theater program for finalists from DaVinci’s Storyline screenwriting competition. - Professional actors will perform live read scenes on AMC’s 60-foot screen, followed by a pro writer panel. - The inaugural “Rise UP” program will center on an Official Selection about child sex trafficking. - The Rise UP screening will be followed by a filmmaker Q&A, keynote and executive panel. - Title sponsor ALLY.org, along with Atlas Free and ARC, are partnering on the Rise UP program. - DIFF said tickets and All Access passes are on sale now, with limited seating at the boutique festival. - The full schedule and ticketing information are available at festival details. - Brand partnership and sponsorship inquiries go to partners@davincifilm.org.

Between the lines: - The festival is positioning itself as both an awards platform and a cultural showcase, with a stronger emphasis on international partnerships and social impact. - Randall Wallace’s honor, paired with a Braveheart retrospective, gives the opening night a recognizable hook for mainstream attention. - The addition of Rise UP suggests DIFF wants to use film programming to frame advocacy topics as part of the audience experience. - The official 8th edition artwork leans into DIFF’s “Architects of Cinema” identity and the festival’s focus on design, structure and independent craft.

What’s next: - Audiences can buy tickets and All Access passes ahead of the Sept. 25-26 festival dates. - DIFF will release the detailed schedule through its website as the event approaches. - Partnerships and sponsorship discussions will continue through the festival’s contact channel.

The bottom line: - DIFF is turning its 8th edition into a broader platform for independent film, global storytelling and cause-driven programming at one of Los Angeles’ most visible venues.