25th Annual Route 66 Film Festival
Welcome to the captivating world of the Rt. 66 Film Festival – an event that seamlessly merges the allure of cinema with the spirit of adventure. This festival stands as a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and cultural exploration, drawing filmmakers, enthusiasts, and cinephiles from all corners of the globe. With a nod to the legendary highway that symbolizes the essence of American road travel, the Rt. 66 Film Festival promises a cinematic journey like no other.
The deadline for film submissions is August 15, 2026. Selected films will be screened November 20 and 21 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield, Illinois. About 25 films, both short and feature length, will be shown. See the website in October for specific film titles and exact schedule.
There is a suggested donation at the door for each of the four sessions (Fri: 7pm-10pm; Sat: 11am-2pm, 3pm-5pm, and 6pm-10pm). Food and drinks available for purchase. Door prizes! Free popcorn! Red carpet photo opportunity. Filmmakers are invited to attend, at no cost, and are encouraged to interact with audience members. Q&A with attending filmmakers.
This year the Festival expands to a 3-day event with an Award Ceremony / Brunch held on Sunday, November 22, 10am-noon, in the Club Room at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Local celebrities will present awards in these categories: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Debut, Experimental, Film Noir, Foreign Language, Made in Illinois, Road Adventures, Student Showcase, and the Hugh Moore Best of Fest. The Junior Filmmaker award will be awarded on Saturday afternoon.
