SciFi Schenectady Film Fest 26

SCI:FI SCHENECTADY FILMFEST

Celebrate cinema at the intersection of Science Fantasy and Science Fiction with award-winning features, a curated series of international and domestic shorts, acclaimed cult classics, science inspired films, expert panel presentations, talkbacks, and out-of-this-world parties!

For full details: SciFiSchenectadyFilmFest.com

FULL WEEKEND PASS - Access to all film festival screening events and parties all weekend for just $50.00! Tickets will sell at full price beginning September 1, 2026.

Schedule:

• FRI 9|18

• 5:30p - LAUNCH PARTY - Kick off the weekend event with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the featured screening, just outside the GE Theatre entrance.

• 7:00p - GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE — with panel discussion to follow. Directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Carribean, The Ring), this sci-fi comedy adventure starring Sam Rockwell as a time traveler is known for its high energy, absurdist, and darkly comedic tone, blending action with social commentary on AI technology dangers. (R-rated)

• SAT 9|19

• 12:00 - 2:30p - THE PRINCESS BRIDE — Directed by late, great Rob Reiner, this 1987 fantasy earned its own loyal audience on the strength of its narrative voice and its gently satirical, hyperbolic spin on swashbuckled adventure. Screenwriter William Goldman’s novel is reflected in the deadpan tone of its narrator and a winking acknowledgement of the clichés being sent up.

• 4:00p - SCI FI SHORTS - A curated series of provocative, attention-grabbing, award-winning international and domestic shorts. (Apx. Run time 90mins.)

• 6:00 - 7:00p - OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD FILM FEST PARTY - Festival ticket holders are invited to join the party! Cocktails, lite fare, giveaways in the Wright Family Atrium just outside the GE Theatre entrance.

• 7:30 - 10:00p - Feature Film with Talkback - REVEALED SOON!

• SUN 9|20

• 11:00a - FANTASY SHORTS - A curated series of provocative, attention-grabbing, award-winning international and domestic shorts. (Apx. Run time 90mins.)

• 2:00p - METROPOLIS - Silent film with live musical ensemble. Fritz Lang’s visionary sci-fi masterpiece is accompanied by an experimental and spontaneous live score by Order of the Illusive