SLO has one of the best film festivals in country, new ranking says
San Luis Obispo once again has one of the best film festivals in the United States, according to a new list released by USA Today.
The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival was named one of the Best Film Festivals in the country as part of USA Today 10BEST’s Readers’ Choice Awards, according to a news release.
This is the second year in the row the local film festival has made the list. Winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards are chosen entirely by public vote.
“Whether its focus is on an underrepresented group, specific genres or mediums, or just a celebration of film in all its many forms, each of these winning film festivals — nominated by our panel of experts and voted as the best by readers — is truly special,” USA Today 10BEST said of its ranking.
Where did SLO film festival rank on USA Today list?
The San Luis Obispo Film Festival came in at No. 9 on the list, behind others like the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis, the Chicago International Film Festival, and the Three Rivers Film Festival in Pittsburgh.
In its entry, USA Today highlighted the SLO International Film Festival’s location on the “picturesque Central Coast” as part of its “unique blend of cinematic excellence and scenic charm.”
“Known for its dedication to diversity and inclusivity, the festival features narrative features, documentaries, shorts and student films, highlighting both emerging and established filmmakers from around the globe,” the ranking said. “Attendees can enjoy Q&A sessions, panel discussions and engaging special events such as brunch fundraisers and wine tastings paired with screenings.”
The full list of winners is available at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-film-festival.
When is this year’s festival?
This year’s festival is set to run from April 23-38, bringing six days of “creative, diverse and impactful works from around the world in a wide variety of venues, from the city’s classic art deco Fremont Theater to the SLO Film Center-Palm Theatre,” the release said.
The Fremont Theater’s iconic sign was damaged in a February storm and the venue has been closed pending repairs. It’s unclear whether the work will be completed in time for the film festival or what the contingency plans will be.
A full lineup of this year’s selected films will be available on March 20.
Tickets and passes can be purchased at slofilmfest2026.eventive.org.
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