By Debbie Hall
Film fans seeking a diverse, creative, and immersive experience can head just outside Las Vegas this February as the 22nd Annual Dam Short Film Festival returns to downtown Boulder City, Nevada, Feb. 11–16. With over 150 films from around the world, the event aims to inspire curiosity and a sense of global connection among attendees.
Now in its 22nd year, the Dam Short Film Festival continues to prove that big ideas don’t need feature-length runtimes. The 2026 festival will feature 32 themed program blocks, 60 to 90 minutes. Genres include Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Sci-Fi, International films, Nevada Filmmakers, and Underground works. Special programs include Horror on Friday the 13th and Love & Romance on Valentine’s Day, offering creative date night options or weekend escapes.
The festival’s global reach is a major draw, with films representing countries such as Belgium, Finland, Georgia, India, France, Ireland, Sweden, Japan, Greece and more. All screenings will be presented with state-of-the-art digital projection at the Elaine K. Smith Building (700 Wyoming Street), and this year’s festival trailer was created by local production company Desert Cactus Films, spotlighting Southern Nevada talent.
“This year, we’re honoring our founder, Lee Lanier, with a retrospective and some of his shorts. This is how the festival started. He was a short filmmaker who visited different film festivals throughout the world and decided he wanted to start his own, said Ken Cioe, Director of Operations. “Now, 22 years later, here we are. We will continue to present excellent and diverse short films from around the world.”
Beyond the screen, the Dam Short Film Festival offers many opportunities to connect. Each program includes filmmaker Q&As and other events, such as the Filmmaker Meet-n-Greet, Coffee with Filmmakers, and the Dam Mixer, designed to foster community and inspire conversations with creators.
Boulder City’s walkable downtown adds to the appeal, with local businesses offering discounts to festival badge holders, including a free chocolate from Grandma Daisy’s on Valentine’s Day—perfect for enjoying during the Romance program blocks.
Ticket options include $12.50 per program block, a $150 five-day pass, and single-day passes starting at $45. VIP packages provide an all-access experience, early seating, filmmaker brunch, swag, discounts, and personalized service, making every attendee feel appreciated and catered to.
Over the past 22 years, the Dam Short Film Festival has screened more than 2,600 films, earning its reputation as a filmmaker-friendly festival and a cultural highlight of Southern Nevada. Supported by sponsors including KNPR, El Rancho Boulder Motel, Platinum Title, There’s Nothing to Do in Vegas and the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, the festival continues to grow while staying rooted in the community.
If you’re seeking a unique February outing beyond the Strip, the Dam Short Film Festival provides a compelling reason to visit Boulder City and experience local creativity. For tickets, VIP packages, the full screening schedule, and volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit damshortfilm.org, follow on Facebook @damshortfilm, LinkedIn @damshortfilmsociety and Instagram @damshortfilm.
