Reel Poetry International Film Festival 2026
REELpoetry is a hybrid international poetry film festival dedicated to short films and videos infused with poetry or with a strong poetic sensibility. Based in Houston, Texas, this festival is on the radar of curators, presenters and festival directors from Australia to Germany, Mexico to Ireland.
Their open call accepts film and video intertwined with poetry, and also work that’s poetic in nature – wordless, experimental, animated or documentary – under 6 minutes in length. We also provide a platform to network and grow in an open, supportive community.
Reel Poetry/HoustonTX Festival 2026 – Call for Entries
The Reel Poetry/HoustonTX Festival 2026 returns this September, bringing together poets, filmmakers, and artists from around the world. This hybrid international festival celebrates short films and videos infused with poetry or a strong poetic sensibility, offering screenings, premieres, talks, and networking opportunities both onsite in Houston and online.
About the Festival
- Location: Houston, Texas (hybrid format)
- Dates: September 18–25, 2026
- Focus: Short films and videos with poetry or poetic sensibility
- Community: Curators, presenters, and festival directors from across the globe
Open Call for Submissions
Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway – Reel Poetry 2026
Categories include:
- Poetry
- Poetic Sensibility
- Greater Houston
- Under 18
Rules:
- Films must be 6 minutes or less (including credits).
- Any language accepted, but English translation or captions required.
- Wordless, experimental, animated, or documentary works welcome.
- AI use must be acknowledged in credits.
- No simple recordings of poets reading aloud.
Deadlines:
- Earlybird: June 8, 2026
- Final: August 3, 2026
Awards & Recognition
- Four winners will receive the Reel Poetry Prize (trophy + laurels).
- Winning films will be screened live in Houston and online.
- Winners also receive a free one‑year community membership with networking benefits.
Why Participate?
- Global networking: Meet judges, curators, and festival directors at REELcafés (real‑time online networking sessions).
- Exposure: Films may be included in curated programs that travel nationally and internationally.
- Community: Access craft talks, collaborations, and newsletters connecting poets, filmmakers, and videographers.
Reel Poetry is more than a festival — it’s a global community of poets and filmmakers pushing the boundaries of language and image.
Submit your work today: FilmFreeway – Reel Poetry 2026 (filmfreeway.com in Bing) Learn more at ReelPoetry
