The Neumann Inspires Film Festival
The 2026 Neumann Inspires Film Festival focuses on this year’s theme, America 250. Highlights include more than 20 short, creative films about American life and two episodes of a new Sam Katz documentary series, In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America. The free, two-day celebration of visual storytelling is set for Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18, in the Bruder Life Center. for an incredible experience filled with films, workshops, panel discussions, and more. Whether you're a filmmaker, student, or film enthusiast, there's something for everyone!
- Date:04/17/2026 11:00 AM - 04/10/2026 10:57 AM
- Location 1 North Neumann Drive, Aston Township, PA, USA (Map)
- More Info:Neumann University
Description
2026 Neumann Inspires Film Festival
What does America look like through a camera lens? That's the question at the heart of the 2026 Neumann Inspires Film Festival — and the answer is pretty remarkable.
Filmmakers from 36 countries submitted work this year, all organized around the America 250 theme. Turns out, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" resonates a lot further than our borders.
The free, two-day festival runs this Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, at Neumann University's Bruder Life Center — and it's packed.
Friday, April 17
5:00 PM Check in, light movie snacks, Raffle baskets and music
6 PM Screening of Colewell — starring Karen Allen — followed by Q & A with Director Tom Quinn
8:15 PM Opening Night Reception, Dining Hall
9 PM Showcase of student short films; NIFF After Hours-: Late Night Shorts, Multipurpose Hall
Saturday, April 18
10:00 AM Photography Exhibit & Podcast Listening Room , McNichol Gallery (On going throughout, the day)
10:00 AM Short Film Block 1-Meagher Theatre
11:00 AM Improv Workshop, Multipurpose Hall
Short Film Block 2: “Liberty," Meagher Theatre
12:00 PM Neumann Productions Info Session, Bruder Room 107
Short Film Block 3: “The Pursuit of Happiness,” Meagher Theatre
Feature Film: Normandy, Multipurpose Hall
Lunch is available for purchase in the dining hall
1:00 PM Workshop & Film Block 4: “The Home of the Brave”
Directing Actors Workshop, Multipurpose Hall
Short Film Block 4: “The Home of the Brave,” Meagher Theatre
2:00 PM Stage Combat Workshop, Multipurpose Hall
Short Film Block 5: “The Melting Pot,” Meagher Theatre
3:00 PM America 250 Panel Discussion: Preserving History with Film, featuring Sam Katz
4:00 PM Special Screening: Episodes 3 and 4 of Sam Katz’s In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America, Meagher Theatre
6:30 PM Knight Tracks comedy Presentation-Meagher Theatre with special appearance by NU Dance Team
7:30 PM Award Ceremony, Dinner, Raffle basket winners and special performance by NU Jazz Band
The full Neumann Inspires Film Festival schedule with a brief description of every film is available at www.neumann.edu/filmfest.