Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival

@ The Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival (LTDFF) is returning, taking place from Friday to Sunday, April 17-19, 2026. This year, it will be held at the Margaritaville Resort. Following the success of its inaugural festival, which showcased 65 films from around the globe and attracted over 400 attendees, the festival is introducing a new initiative: the Local Spotlight program, a dedicated showcase for documentary filmmakers from the Tahoe region. The Local Spotlight program embodies LTDFF’s commitment to “bringing the world to Tahoe and Tahoe to the world.” This year’s lineup reflects both global impact and local pride. Notable selections include three films that premiered at Sundance: The Reality of Hope, They Dream, and Speak. The program also features Holding Liat, winner of the Berlinale Documentary Award; Remaining Native, a SXSW Special Jury and Audience Award Winner filmed in Yerington, NV; and Mountains of the Moon, a genre-defying film and immersive art experience created by professional skier and artist Chris Benchetler. In addition, the festival proudly showcases 15 local films and filmmakers, along with dozens of short films that are often difficult to find. While continuing to feature exceptional documentaries from diverse regions worldwide, this new initiative aims to create a platform for local filmmakers, allowing them to shine alongside international films and nurturing a vibrant culture of storytelling within the region. “We’ve always believed that powerful stories exist everywhere—from remote villages across the globe to right here in our own backyard,” said Michelle Ficara, founder of LTDFF and documentary filmmaker. “The Local Spotlight program is our way of empowering Tahoe-area filmmakers to share their unique perspectives while connecting with the incredible global community of storytellers we bring to the festival each year.” Buy your tickets today! Local Filmmakers: Your Stories Matter Tahoe-area documentary filmmakers are invited to submit their work for consideration in the Local Spotlight showcase. The program seeks films that capture the diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives of the region and beyond. The focus is on highlighting our local storytellers and fostering a community that learns from one another. Submission Details: We welcome both short and feature-length documentaries by filmmakers from the Reno–Tahoe region, explore stories rooted in the area, or combine both. ● All subject matters welcome ● Free submission ● Deadline: January 17, 2026 ● Selected films will be showcased in a special Local Spotlight program during the festival Festival Growth and Community Impact The inaugural 2024 festival exceeded all expectations, bringing together 65 films from all over the world and attracting more than 400 attendees over two days. Beyond the screenings, the festival fostered lasting connections through filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, guided hikes, yoga, and evening parties, demonstrating the ...