STXIFF 2026 Schedule & Tickets STXIFF 2026 Film Guide Judges 2026 Hotel & Travel STXIFF 2026 Guidelines Pitch Guidelines 2026
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STXIFF 2026 award winners

Congratulations to the Award Winning Films and Pitches at the 12th Annual South Texas International Film Festival

Check your email for the official "Judging Status has changed for..." notification from FilmFreeway (possibly in junk/spam). The Judging Status email contains the Award Winner STXIFF Laurels.

 

PITCH

Pitch-Texas Student Division

The Pitch

Best FilmS

Narrative Feature Film

Documentary Feature Film

Documentary Short Film

International Short Film

  • RISE, Director Jessica J. Rowlands

RGV Short Film

  • Adagio, Director Joseph Balderas

Texas Short Film

U.S. Short Film

TX Student Division Short Film

South Texas

Awards

South Texas director

SOUTH TEXAS CINEMATOGRAPHY

South Texas Sound

South Texas Actor

  • Angelo Salais "Alonso", ADELA

South Texas Actress

  • Daniela Tiscareno "Adela ", ADELA

 STXIFF 2026 48 Hour Film Race AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to the Award Winning 2026 South Texas International Film Festival 48 Hour Film Race winners

Best 48-Hour Film & Edinburg Film Friendly Award - The Place I Ran From

Best Action Film - The Man Who Couldn't Bare Himself

Best Actor - Nabil Leal, The Man Who Couldn't Bare Himself

Best Actress - Gabriela Sanmiguel, Director's Cut

Best Cameo – Raymond Orta, The Man Who Couldn't Bare Himself

Best Cinematography - The Road To Kartos

Best Costumes - The Road To Kartos

Best Director - Juan Cantu, The Road to Kartos

Best Editing - The Road to Kartos

Best Ensemble - Cheese & Mimosas

Best Experimental Film - Hello

Best Narrative Script - Hector Orellana, WHAT A HOLE

Best Non-Narrative Script - The Place I Ran From

Best Original Music - I. Zamorano, Lucky Strike

Best Plot Twist – Turned

Best Sequel - Los Hermanos Lucha - Xtreme Makeover

Best Set Design - Hello

Best Sound - Cheese & Mimosas

Best Supporting Actor - Javier Jauregui, WHAT A HOLE-

Best Supporting Actress – Judy Lizcano, Sonya

Best Tracking Shot Technique - Director's Cut

Best Use of a Drone - THIS IS THE DAY

Best Use of All Elements - Director's Cut

Best Use of STXIFF Shirt Object – Color Rush

Best Use of Transformation Concept - Color Rush

Best Young Actor - Dante Flores, THIS IS THE DAY -

Best Young Actress – Aurora Schumann, Butter

Best Young Director - Jacen Orellana, WHAT A HOLE

Best Young RGV 48 Hour Film – WHAT A HOLE

Outstanding ACE Promotion – NO SABO, PORQUE

Outstanding Collaboration & Production Management – Color Rush & Colorstruck

 CELEBRITY GUEST Edward James Olmos

Hollywood legend, award-winning actor, and cultural icon Edward James Olmos is joining us as our 2026 Celebrity Guest for the 12th Annual South Texas International Film Festival (STXIFF)!

From his unforgettable, Oscar-nominated performance in Stand and Deliver to his legendary roles in Selena, Blade Runner, and Battlestar Galactica, Mr. Olmos has shaped the landscape of film and television for generations. Now, he’s heading right here to the Rio Grande Valley! Don't miss your chance to experience independent cinema, attend industry workshops, and share the room with a true cinematic pioneer.

Mark Your Calendars

September 10–12, 2026

Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center in Edinburg, TX

Passes & Info: Purchase Tickets

Finalists & Nominees 2026

Check your email for the official "Judging Status has changed for..." notification from FilmFreeway (possibly in junk/spam). The Judging Status email contains the Nominee and Finalists STXIFF Laurels and important deadline information.

 

Finalists

Pitch-Texas Student Division

The Pitch

Nominees

Best Film

Narrative Feature Film

Documentary Feature Film

Documentary Short Film

International Short Film

RGV Short Film

Texas Short Film

U.S. Short Film

TX Student Division Short Film

  • Meadow Melody, Directors Alizah Barbee, Alana Lombardi

  • The First Date, Directors Diego Calderon, Antonio Diaz

  • Yvonne & Beau, Director Devine Galvan

Nominees

South Texas

Awards

South Texas director

SOUTH TEXAS CINEMATOGRAPHY

South Texas Sound

South Texas Actor

South Texas Actress

  • Elizabeth Raquel Ramirez "Ines", SweetNess

  • Patricia Rigney "Mandy", Fishman

  • Daniela Tiscareno "Adela ", ADELA

June 20

Official Selection information

Filmmakers check your email after 5:05 PM central time on June 20, 2026 for an email from “FilmFreeway <noreply@filmfreeway.com>” titled “Judging Status has changed for….”

July 8

Deadline for filmmakers to send STXIFF all required files and information so we can prepare for STXIFF 2026 and build the webpage for the films and pitches. Details are in the June 20th “Judging Status has changed for….” email.

Early August

Film Nominees and Pitch Finalist will be announced on social media and notified with an email from “FilmFreeway <noreply@filmfreeway.com>”

 STXIFF 2026 Registration Deadlines

STXIFF 2026 Registration Deadlines -- Early Bird from November 15 to December 19, Regular from December 20 to March 31, Late from April 1 to May 15

Submissions are OPEN for STXIFF 2026!

The South Texas International Film Festival returns September 10–12, 2026, and filmmakers can now submit their work via FilmFreeway.

Submission deadlines:

Early Bird: Nov. 15 – Dec. 19

Regular: Dec. 20 – Mar. 31

Late: Apr. 1 – May 15

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your film at one of South Texas’ premier international film festivals.

STXIFF 2026 poster

 STXIFF 2025 Award Winners

Congratulations to the Award Winning Films and Pitches at the 11th Annual South Texas International Film Festival

STXIFF 2025 48 Hour Film Race Awards

 The South Texas International Film Festival owes its success to the incredible contributions of our dedicated volunteers. With a wide array of volunteer opportunities available throughout the festival, we guarantee that we will find the perfect match for your exceptional skills.

  • Check-In & Information Attendant

    Greet and welcome guests to STXIFF.  Manage the arrival of guests, verify tickets, and ensure a smooth check-in experience. Provide directions and information about the event, venue and schedule. Handle various tasks and general assistance.

  • Concessions / Merchandise Attendant

    oGreet customers, provide customer service, maintain an attractive and organized stand, and handle transactions.

  • Screening/Workshop/Panel Room Attendant

    Manage screening, panel or workshop rooms. Ensure the room is ready, arrange seating if needed. Welcome guests and assist with questions. Assist technicians as needed. 

  • Gala Usher

    Gala/Awards Ceremony Ushers are asked to wear formal attire. 

    Manage entrance line, provide a seamless flow for guests. Provide information to guests regarding seating, guide guests to their seats.

  • Event Operations Crew

    Set up and breakdown rooms, assist with room turnover.  Serve as stagehand and backstage crew.

For additional information, visit our Volunteers page
Register to volunteer HERE