Lights, Camera, Lancaster: The Red Rose Film Festival Returns This November

The Red Rose Film Festival returns November 12-15, 2026 with 74 films from 14 countries, screening in Lancaster and Lititz. If you love independent cinema, or just looking for something unique to do, this is the weekend to put on your calendar.

Four Days, Seventy-Four Films

The festival kicks off Thursday, November 12, with a Welcome Party at 5:30PM at Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse. The evening features a screening of DEI from filmmaker Jill V. Dae, winner of Best Short at the 2025 festival. It’s a relaxed, festive way to meet the people behind the films and feel the energy of a city that’s excited to host them.

From there, nearly 75 films are organized into 20 programming blocks at Penn Cinema, Zoetropolis and West Art, with special guest directors appearing along the way. Filmmakers are traveling from as far as Germany, giving the weekend an international lineup that remains rooted in community.

Friday, November 13 appropriately brings a collection of horror films to the screen, alongside student showcases and works from local filmmakers. Saturday night is the Awards Ceremony at Penn Cinema, where tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The weekend wraps on Sunday with “Cheila’s Choice,” a block curated by Zoetropolis co-owner Cheila Huettner.

Between screenings, West Art serves as the festival lounge all four days where you can gather and relax. The Art Bar keeps pace with the day, moving from espresso in the morning to cocktails at night. All events are open to the public, with a mix of paid and free offerings. Tickets are available online now, and you can also purchase them at the box office.

More Than A Movie

The Red Rose Film Festival has grown into something bigger than a night out at the theater. It has become a true cultural event—one that brings audiences, artists, and local businesses together in the Red Rose City. 

As Ryan Shank, Executive Director of the film festival puts it: “I can’t wait for people to see the talent we’re bringing together and the incredible work happening right here in our communities. Behind every film are writers, actors, crews, and so many others who make this medium possible. Red Rose Film Festival gives audiences a chance to discover their work, meet them, and become part of what they’re building. When we fill those theaters, we’re showing these filmmakers that their stories matter and that this community is excited to support them.”

Turn It Into A Weekend

Screening blocks leave plenty of time in between, and Lancaster is happy to fill it. Festival attendees can take advantage of the bustling city right outside the theaters. Linger over a long lunch, wander the downtown shops and galleries, and settle in for a cozy dinner before the next block begins. Coming from out of town? The festival’s Book Your Stay page makes it easy to find a place to extend your time.

So gather a friend, a few film fanatics, or the whole crew of your favorite people. Come for the movies, and stay for everything else Lancaster has to offer. They’ll save you a seat.

Explore the lineup and purchase tickets at redrosefilmfestival.com.

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