Our 2026 Festival was amazing!
2026 Festival Events
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION & PREMIERE
Opening Night Reception
The evening kicks off with the Red Carpet Premiere of the action-packed political thriller BODYMAN, followed by an exclusive Opening Night Reception at Pure Heart Collective!
Join the cast, crew, and producers for an unforgettable evening featuring complimentary cocktails, cool musical vibes, and fantastic networking opportunities with fellow filmmakers, content creators, Hollywood insiders, and industry decision-makers.
Lights, Camera, Cocktails — Let the Celebration Begin!
Friday - Opening Night Premier - "Bodyman"
At 6:00 PM, guests will make their way to Regal Cinemas at the iconic Sherman Oaks Galleria for the Media Red Carpet and Festival Premiere of the action-packed political thriller BODYMAN.
Directed by Michele Kanan, the film features an all-star cast including Sean Kanan (The Bold and the Beautiful), Martin Kove (Cobra Kai), David Chokachi (Baywatch), Tom Arnold (True Lies), and introducing Kate Monroe.
Join us for an high-octane evening of Hollywood glamour, red carpet excitement, and thrilling cinematic entertainment!
NIGHT OF SCI-FI, Fantasy & HORROR
Following a full day of exciting festival screenings at Regal Cinemas, Saturday night takes a thrilling turn as we celebrate the Night of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror!
Following the highly anticipated World Premiere of Jeff Rector’s BOOK OF SECRETS, the festivities continue with an unforgettable After-Party “TO DIE FOR!”
Enjoy complimentary cocktails, electrifying music by DJ Kristal Kira, dancing, and incredible networking opportunities with the film’s cast and crew, fellow filmmakers, content creators, Hollywood insiders, and entertainment industry professionals.
Cosplayers are welcome and encouraged! Come dressed as your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, or horror character and join us for a night of cinematic thrills, supernatural surprises, and devilishly good fun!
World Premiere - Book of Secrets
The night begins with the World Premiere of Jeff Rector’s thrilling Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror anthology, BOOK OF SECRETS!
When a wealthy New York attorney mysteriously inherits an old Victorian mansion in New England, he discovers an ancient, mystical book hidden within its walls. But this is no ordinary book. Each page holds a secret, unlocking gateways to extraordinary worlds and terrifying mysteries that transcend both time and space.
Journey through the unknown, where the past, present, and future collide—and some secrets are better left undiscovered.
AIMF Screenings - SATURDAY & Sunday
All Festival Screenings at Regal Cinemas
SUNDAY, October 4th - CLOSING NIGHT DINNER & AWARDS GALA
Media Red Carpet - 6:00pm-7:00pm
The elegant semi-formal evening begins with a glamorous Media Red Carpet and Cocktail Reception at the exclusive Mulholland Hills Country Club. Guests will enjoy red carpet photo opportunities before mingling over refreshing cocktails on the beautiful outdoor balcony, taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the lush golf course and the magnificent San Fernando Valley.
It's the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of Hollywood glamour, celebration, and mingling with filmmakers, celebrities, and entertainment industry professionals!
Dinner & Awards Gala - 7:00pm-9:00pm
Following the Cocktail Reception, guests will make their way into the elegant Grand Ballroom for a sumptuous Gourmet Buffet Dinner and star-studded Filmmaker Awards Show, hosted by Festival Founder and Creative Director Jeff Rector (American Horror Story).
The evening will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity presenters, including acclaimed director and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson (The Walking Dead), Sean Kanan (Cobra Kai), Patrick Kilpatrick (Minority Report), Emmy Award-winning producer David Millbern, Jim Meskimen (War of the Worlds), beloved scream queen Kelli Maroney, and other special guests!
Join us as we roll out the red carpet to celebrate outstanding filmmakers, honor extraordinary achievements, and recognize the creative visionaries bringing unforgettable stories to the screen including legendary Executive Producer Gale Anne Hurd, ("Terminator" films, "Aliens", "The Abyss", "Tremors", "Armageddon" and the hit TV series "The Wakjing Dead") among many others.