The 2026 Conch Shell International Film Festival is taking place October 9, 10, & 11. The festival empowers Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora artists spotlighting television and film content created by and for people of diverse Caribbean decent. Fans of Caribbean culture, industry experts and creatives from around the globe come to screenings, panels, artists chats and networking during the three days of festival.

On October 9, 2026 at HB Theatre (124 Bank Street), a day of Industry Panels is scheduled. From 11am to 6pm, you can take in the following:

11am - Translation Memory & Migration: Who Gets Lost Between Cultures on Screen?

12:30pm - Got a Film Idea? Here's How to Build The Business Behind It

2:00pm - How Playwrights Break Into Film & Television

3:30pm - An Indie Filmmaker's Guide to Distribution, Audiences, and Revenue

5:00pm - Film & AI

6:30pm - Short Film. Bigger Screen: How a Festival Short Becomes a Feature

That evening at 8pm, the Opening Night Reception also at the theatre will be a passholder-only event.

Screenings will take place at the Regal Cinema 180-22 Queens Blvd in Forest Hills on October 10th and 11th. Artists will be present for Q&A time at some screenings. Filmmaker and Industry Networking, Red Carpet celebrations and Special events are planned as well.