Poppy Jasper International Film Festival Unveils 2026 Feature Lineup
- Details
- Category: Entertainment News
- Published on Tuesday, 23 December 2025 09:23
- Written by A&E Contributing Editor
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival (PJIFF) proudly announces its full feature lineup for the 20th anniversary edition, taking place April 8–15 across Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister, and San Juan Bautista, California.
This milestone year celebrates two decades of uplifting independent filmmakers and expanding global cinematic storytelling.
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The 2026 narrative lineup is headlined by What Comes Next, directed by Alex Caulfield and starring Mena Suvari, Aaron Ashmore, and Alison Thornton in an intergenerational drama exploring the unexpected intersections of family, memory, and consequence.
The program also features Mistake, directed by Honey Lauren, an unflinching portrait of identity and survival; Zoe, from Emanuela Galliussi and Dean Ronalds, a magical realist journey across three imagined lives; and American Comic, Daniel J. Clark's sharp mockumentary on the competitive world of stand-up. Additional highlights include Jon Salmon's heartfelt The Mother, the Menacer and Me; Lilian T. Mehrel's lyrical Honeyjoon; Mario Garza's evocative Censurada; Lane Michael Stanley's intimate transition-centered film T; and Eugene O'Neill's The First Man, directed by Hardeep Giani, the first feature adaptation of an early work by the Nobel laureate.
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Documentary selection includes The Invisible Mammal by Kristin Tièche; Halcyon Daze by Carrie Coaplen; From Here / From There (De Aquí / De Allá) by Marlene "Mo" Morris; The Window on Death Row by Linda Freund; Voices: The Danny Gans Story by Andrew Davies Gans; Nina the Athlete by Ravit Markus; and the intergenerational narratives Broken Dolls and Ben Between Africa by Ari Ali.
PJIFF will also host its annual Mexico y Tú Day on April 13, honoring Rick Najera and Grammy-nominated Eugene Rodriguez with the PJIFF Icon Award, with legendary playwright and filmmaker Luis Valdez serving as keynote speaker. The day will include a curated program of Latino films at the Granada Theater.
This year, internationally respected film professional Ron Fogel will join PJIFF as a distinguished juror. Known for his longstanding service on the Jury Ecumenical at the Cannes Film Festival and jury roles in Berlin, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Karlovy Vary, Fogel brings invaluable global perspective to this milestone edition.
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"Reaching our 20th anniversary is both humbling and exhilarating. This year's program reflects the heart of what PJIFF has championed for two decades—bold voices, inclusive storytelling, and communities coming together through film. Our 2026 lineup honors where we've been while embracing a vibrant, boundary-pushing future," said Festival Director Mattie Scariot.
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, PJIFF is proud to unveil its commemorative festival artwork designed by internationally recognized Brazilian artist and designer Leandro Senna, known for his expressive typography and collaborations with Apple, Drake, Airbnb, EA Sports, and global cultural brands. "It is an honor to collaborate with the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival on such an important year. Celebrating 20 years is a powerful achievement and a reflection of the dedication and passion that live in these communities. I am proud to contribute to a festival that supports filmmakers, strengthens local culture, and keeps the art of storytelling alive, " said Senna.
The festival will also include a robust slate of short films and music videos across genres, concluding with a Closing Night screening on April 15 at the Granada Theater in Hollister.
The 20th anniversary edition promises a dynamic celebration of global cinema and the creative communities that have shaped PJIFF for two decades. Tickets and passes are now available on the festival's website.
In addition, PJIFF is also launching a year-round partnership with Pruneyard Cinemas. Beginning in early 2026, the festival will present a monthly theatrical showcase featuring one independent feature and one short film, each accompanied by filmmaker Q&As, expanding access to global independent cinema for Bay Area audiences.
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About Poppy Jasper International Film Festival
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival is an award-winning regional festival dedicated to inclusion, diversity, and women's empowerment through film, music, and art. With eight educational programs serving community members of all ages, PJIFF helps audiences and creators "find their voice through film."
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