By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos

After Mikheil Gabadize went on from the 2025 Los Alamos Film and Culture Festival to win two additional awards, it demonstrated that a small, local event had inspired people in several countries.

The volunteer-run and lead non-profit hopes to set the same good fortune in motion for 2026, once again at the spectacular SALA Los Alamos Event Center April 17-19.

SALA’s owner Allan Saenz  is honored to be hosting it at the event center and excited to partner with Sandy Jones again for this third-year festival that brings films from many different countries.

“What I enjoy most is the opportunity to connect with filmmakers and producers, often through Zoom on the big screen, and hear their perspectives directly,” Saenz said. “It creates a special experience where our audience can engage with people from different cultures and places while enjoying films that open up new ways of seeing the world.”

The 2026 festival includes films from Finland, Iran, Ireland, Spain, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Guernsey, Serbia, Switzerland, and Canada.

A one-day pass is $10, and a three-day pass is $25 with full access each day. The net proceeds from the festival will support the Sala Phase Forward improvements to ensure future community events.

“We’re excited to host it again, and it is also meaningful that the festival helps support SALA as we continue making upgrades and improvements to the venue,” Saenz said. “I hope people come and experience these films, thoughtfully selected and organized by Sandy, and we are very thankful for all the effort she puts into making this festival possible.”

Information about all films and tickets can be purchased on the SALA website at https://sala.losalamos.com.