Ashland Independent Film Festival marks 25th year with strong turnout, renewed momentum

Sold-out shows and engaged attendees sparked ‘an effervescent energy’ at the event

A crowd gathers at the film festival for Saturday's Toast to 25 Years party and to hear the announcement of award winners. AIFF photo

By Jim Flint | Ashland.news
April 28, 2026

The Ashland Independent Film Festival closed its 25th anniversary spring edition with sold-out screenings, high audience engagement and what organizers described as a renewed sense of momentum following pandemic-era setbacks.

Festival leaders said attendance and audience behavior this year pointed to a return to pre-pandemic energy, with steady ticket sales and strong participation throughout the four-day event.

Crowds at the film festival exceeded expectations. The long lines attest to the success of the 25th anniversary event. AIFF photo

“Our attendance this year was phenomenal, with 44 sold-out screenings,” said Managing Director Nicole Gullixson. “Sales remained steady and consistent in the weeks leading up to the festival, which was incredible to witness.”

That consistency differed from previous years, she said, when ticket sales tended to spike early, and again during the festival itself. Instead, “that momentum carried through the event, with strong day-of sales and a resurgence of rush ticketing.”

Gullixson added that community feedback underscored the shift.

“We heard repeatedly from the community that this year’s festival felt reminiscent of pre-pandemic AIFF in both scale and energy, which was deeply meaningful for all of us.”

Exceeding expectations

Programming Director Aura Johnson said the 25th anniversary edition met — and exceeded — internal measures of success.

“Success can be measured in a lot of ways,” she said. “I consider this year wildly successful based on the feedback we’ve been receiving from both visiting filmmakers and attendees. The atmosphere was extremely positive and connective. There seemed to be an effervescent energy in the air.”

She added that attendees emphasized the value of in-person interaction.

“Many people let me know how much they loved connecting with fellow artists and filmgoers, the meaningful conversations that they had, and experienced lots of inspiration and delight with the stories. I don’t know what could be better than that.”

That sense of connection was evident throughout the festival, Gullixson said, from long lines outside venues to active post-screening discussions.

“From smiling faces to lines stretching down the block, the level of engagement was remarkable,” she said. “The audience participation during filmmaker Q&As and talkbacks were thoughtful and deeply engaged, which made each event feel dynamic and alive.”

Industry recognition

Filmmakers took notice as well.

“We heard from many filmmakers that Ashland was one of the most receptive and interactive audiences they experienced on their festival circuit,” Gullixson said.

The anniversary festival featured a mix of screenings, special guests and events that highlighted both established and emerging voices in independent film.

The award winners

Among the top honors, filmmaker Sam Green received the Rogue Award. Filmmaker Cheryl Dunye was recognized with the Pride Award. Rick Prelinger and Craig Baldwin were named Indie Institution awardees. Jury awards included best feature documentary for “Adam’s Apple,” best feature narrative for “Trash Baby,” and top prizes in short documentary and narrative categories.

Hamming it up for the camera are Colin Bishopp and filmmaker Cheryl Dunye, who won the festival’s pride award. AIFF photo

Prelinger, reflecting on the experience, described the festival as “fresh and fun” and praised its accessibility and community atmosphere, noting “there were few boundaries between presenters, makers and audiences.”

Johnson pointed to several standout moments that captured the spirit of the festival, including immersive screenings and lively opening-night festivities.

“Director Sara Joe Wolansky showed up dressed in cheese-themed clothing for her opening-night film “The Big Cheese,” delighting our audience,” she said, adding that the screening was followed by a well-attended celebration featuring local food and music.

Interactive and experimental programming also drew strong responses, including Sam Green’s “32 Sounds,” which Johnson said created “a lovely group experience, sparking deep thought, insight and humor.”

“Trash Baby” cast and crew take photos in front of their poster in a film festival special moment. The film took the award for best narrative feature. AIFF photo

New venues, wider reach

The festival continued to expand its footprint with screenings at venues such as Big Dog Studios and White Rabbit, while filmmaker appearances and Q&As — including one with director Alex Cox — added to the event’s appeal.

A particularly notable moment came during the hometown screening of “Trash Baby,” directed by Ashland native Jacy Mairs.

“Jacy Mairs, director of ‘Trash Baby,’ had her hometown premiere at the Varsity, ending her festival run, and brought along the stars of her film,” Johnson said. “ And then Jacy went on to win the juried award for best narrative feature, a thrilling accolade for an Ashland native with a debut feature film.”

Organizers said this year’s programming struck a deliberate balance between experimental work and more accessible films — a mix that resonated with audiences.

“So far the feedback has been incredibly enthusiastic, with many audience members expressing that they were surprised to find themselves connecting with even the more experimental works that we included,” Johnson said.

Behind the scenes, Gullixson said, the festival ran smoothly, with only minor challenges.

“As with any live event, small challenges did come up,” she said. “The team approached each moment with care, which allowed us to move forward without disruption.”

Rebuilding with momentum

Financially, the festival remains in a rebuilding phase, but organizers said this year marked a turning point.

“Something has shifted,” Gullixson said. “There is a momentum that feels real and inspiring as we begin planning what comes next.”

She emphasized the role of community support in sustaining the nonprofit event.

“To feel that support, and to see it reflected in participation and engagement has been both encouraging and grounding as we look ahead.”

Looking forward, Johnson said, organizers will review feedback from audiences and staff while continuing to expand interactive elements.

“We’ll be eagerly looking forward to our audience and staff surveys to hear from everyone about how we can continue to evolve and make it an even better fest,” she said. “Creatively, we will continue to play with ideas around how to create interactive experiences and a sense of community exploration.”

Organizers say the 25th anniversary edition stands as a milestone — not only for the festival’s longevity, but for signaling a renewed future.

“What has stood out most is the level of support from the community,” Gullixson said. “Our hope is that the feeling of this year’s festival will inspire people to continue supporting this work.”

Freelance writer Jim Flint is a retired newspaper publisher and editor. Email him at jimflint.ashland@yahoo.com.