George Lindsey Film Festival Reveals 2026 Schedule, Showcases Student, Alabama, International Films

The George Lindsey / University of North Alabama Film Festival posted its 2026 schedule and programming blocks and will present screenings and events March 5–7, 2026 at the University of North Alabama in Florence. The published lineup highlights student, Alabama, and international blocks, signaling a mix of UNA student work alongside local and global entries.

Founded in 1998 by entertainer George Lindsey, the festival enters its 29th year in 2026 and styles itself as a long-running university-affiliated event. "The George Lindsey UNA Film Festival is Alabama’s longest-running film festival, hosted annually by the University of North Alabama in Florence, at the heart of the culturally rich Shoals region," the festival profile notes, linking the event to the Shoals' musical legacy and icons such as W.C. Handy, Sam Phillips, and Helen Keller and to the region's documentary profile in Muscle Shoals.

The festival profile describes programming as a hub for cross-generational exchange. "Through screenings, panels, and networking events, the festival fosters meaningful exchange between global storytellers and the next generation of filmmakers," the festival states, and the 2026 posting reflects that mix by grouping screenings into distinct student, Alabama, and international blocks alongside other events and panels.

Competition remains central to GLUNAFF's mission. The festival is listed as both a Film Festival and a Screenwriting Contest and promotes competitive awards, including the Clyde "Sappo" Black Award for best Alabama-made film with a $2,000 prize. "GLUNAFF honors outstanding work across categories, including the Clyde 'Sappo' Black Award for best Alabama-made film ($2000)," the festival materials state, underscoring the emphasis on Alabama production alongside international entries.

The festival's roster of past guests underlines industry reach: Oscar winners Billy Bob Thornton and Ernest Borgnine, actors Michael Rooker and Stephen Root, screenwriters Will Fetters and Bob Gale, and music supervisors Thomas Golubić and Andrea von Foerster have appeared at past editions. Those names illustrate the festival’s capacity to bring established professionals into the Shoals for panels and screenings.

Operational and submission policies accompany the schedule posting. "Waiver Codes Only" governs fee waivers, and the festival warns that "The George Lindsey UNA Film Festival is permitted to retain copies of each film selected as part of our festival library and for media educational use." Organizers note that "The earliest arriving promotional materials stand a more reasonable chance of receiving press screenings or highlight within promotions for the festival. This is due simply to our access to these items and does not reflect preference by the festival or judges." The profile also cautions that "Submission of materials for consideration does not guarantee inclusion in festival screenings" and that "The festival reserves the right to disqualify from competition any entry in which categorical qualifications of contributors have been misrepresented. If the eligibility of an entry is questioned the festival is authorized to make determinations."

The posted schedule confirms the festival’s educational and competitive focus but does not list individual film titles or screening times in the public notice; with March 5–7 now on the calendar, the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival positions its 29th edition to connect UNA students, Alabama filmmakers, and international storytellers in Florence's culturally rich Shoals.