Now in its 26th year, the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase shines a spotlight on the talent, imagination, and resilience of the region’s filmmaking community. This year’s theme, “A SHARED LIGHT,” reflects the collective spirit that continues to fuel St. Louis filmmakers and their remarkable work.

“We thrive because we build together, cultivating an environment rich in mentorship, collaboration, and mutual support. When we share our light, we show the world exactly who we are.”—Cinema St. Louis Festival Director Emmett Williams

Showing more than 60 films that have been written, directed, edited, or produced by local St. Louis filmmakers (or artists with strong ties to the community), this year’s Showcase also features filmmaking workshops, post-screening Q&As, and networking sessions. Check out the schedule for more details and to buy tickets.

OPENING NIGHT, JULY 17
St. Louis premiere of Chasing Summer (2026)

Filmed in St. Louis last summer and debuting at Sundance this January, this delightful romantic comedy by award-winning director Josephine Decker will screen for the first time in St Louis as the opening night feature for this year’s Showcase, with a reception just before at Par Lounge. Written by and starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger (Good on Paper), Chasing Summer also features Lola Tung (The Summer I Turned Pretty), Aimee Garcia (Lucifer, Dexter), Tom Welling (Smallville), and Megan Mullally (Will & Grace, Bob’s Burgers.)

CLOSING NIGHT, JULY 26
St Louis premiere of Gangland (2025) featuring special guest Lou Diamond Phillips

Filmed on Cheyenne and Arapaho reservations in Oklahoma, last year’s gritty cop drama Gangland features up-and-coming Indigenous actors like Elisha Pratt (Killers of the Flower Moon), Lane Factor (Reservation Dogs), Ryker Sixkiller (Killers of the Flower Moon, Reservation Dogs), James Whitecloud (The Lowdown) and Bodee Jimerson (Lone Wolf Hill), as well as established actors like Irene Bedard (The New World, Smoke Signals) and Kimberly Guerrero (It: Welcome to Derry, The English). We’re thrilled to be joined that night by star of the film and screen legend Lou Diamond Phillips, who will introduce the film and stay for a Q&A afterwards.

For the first time ever, the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase is partnering with Explore St. Louis, the St. Louis Film Office, and the annual Music at the Intersection (MATI). The celebration of the film and music begins with a free block party, sponsored by Nine PBS, in the Grand Arts Center on Thursday, July 16th. In addition, the MATI conference features a panel discussion moderated by Festival Curator Emmett Williams about the state of filmmaking in St. Louis, which will be immediately followed by a Best-Of selection of local films. 

• RED BRICK BLUE TARP (IMPACT SCREENING): Filmmaker and artist Cami Thomas and 314 Oasis present an emotional document of the local recovery from last year’s tornado. This final public screening brings together a community that has worked over the past year to rebuild.
• REAPER ROAD: Local filmmaker Mando Franco’s festival hit brings horror to the Hi-Pointe Theatre as two friends on their way home from a concert wind up on a never-ending road that traps them in a hellish dimension.
• FILMMAKING WORKSHOPS: Topics include a panel discussion on distribution and a Town Hall event on the present and future of A.I. and its impact on filmmaking.
• SUMMER CAMP FILM CLASSES: Cinema St. Louis continues its dedication to teaching the next generation of filmmakers with days of classes covering Stop Motion Animation, Screenwriting, and Film Production for ages 8 – 18.
• The Chellappa-Vedavalli Foundation is underwriting both the Showcase’s workshops and the Essy Award, a $1,000 prize for the Best Showcase Film.