Coming July 10-12th 2026!
GOLDEN BEAR Film Festival
Join us for an unforgettable film festival experience July 10-12 2026!
Experience Golden Bear Film Festival Film Festival 2021
About Golden Bear International Film Festival
The Golden Bear Film Festival Film Festival is showcasing the best in independent cinema from around the world. Our mission is to celebrate the best in creativity in filmmaking, and to provide a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work.
Schedule*
🎬 Golden Bear Film Festival – Friday July 10th, 2026 Evening Schedule
📍 Opening Night | Red Carpet Premieres & Celebration
🗓 Friday
⏰ 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Time
Activity
Details
6:00 PM
🟨 Doors Open & Check-In
Guests arrive, check in, and enjoy red carpet photo ops.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🥂 Opening Mixer & Welcome Toast
Meet-and-greet with filmmakers, talent, and special guests..
7:00 PM
🎞️ Movie Screening 1
The first official feature film of the festival begins.
8:45 PM
☕ Intermission
15-minute break for refreshments and conversation.
9:00 PM
🎞️ Movie Screening 2
The second featured film of the evening begins.
10:45 PM
🎤 Quick Q&A with Filmmakers
Insightful remarks and short audience Q&A session with filmmakers.
11:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🎉 Golden Bear Film Mixer & After Party
Music, drinks, dancing, and networking to cap off Opening Night.
Golden Bear Film Festival – Saturday July 11th, 2026Schedule
Time
Event
Description
Location
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Day 2 Kickoff
Opening remarks, coffee & mimosas
Lobby
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Narrative Feature Film 1
Main Theater
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Coffee Break & Networking Lounge
Casual networking with filmmakers and guests
Filmmaker Lounge
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Narrative Feature Film 2
Main Theater
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Panel: “Q+A”
Industry discussion with directors and digital distributors
Main Hall Panel Room
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Narrative Feature Film 3
Main Theater
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Golden Hour Dinner Break
Festival Plaza
8:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Feature Spotlight - Film 4 + Q+A
Main Theater
9:45 PM – 11:00 PM
Afterparty: “The Bear’s Den”
DJ, cocktails, celebration
Lounge
🎬 The Golden Bear Film Festival – Sunday July 12th, 2026 Schedule
📍 Main Venue: The California Arts Theater
🗓 Sunday | Festival Day 3 – Closing Day
⏰ 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Time
Event
Description
Location
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
☕ Day 2 Festival Kickoff
Lobby
12:15 AM – 2:15 PM
🎞️ Narrative Feature Film Block 4
Main Theater
2:15 PM – 4:00 PM
🎞️ Narrative Feature Film Block 5
Main Theater
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
🍴 Dinner Break & Networking
Grab a bite and connect with filmmakers and guests
Lobby
5:00 PM – 6:45 PM
🎞️ Narrative Feature Film Block 6
A dynamic and inspiring final feature to close the screenings
Main Theater
6:45 PM – 7:00 PM
🎤 Intermission & Red Carpet Photos
Mix and mingle before the big finale — step & repeat open
Lobby / Theater Entrance
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🏆 The Golden Bear Awards Show
Celebrate excellence in storytelling, acting, and craft with special guests
Main Theater
*times subject to change.
Harris Center For the Arts
The Harris Center for the Arts seeks to enrich the lives of people throughout California’s capital region by providing venues and opportunities to experience artistic work, celebrate cultural traditions and participate in the creative process.
