Orlando to host 13th annual Urban Film Festival and Hattie Awards

By AI, Created 1:18 PM UTC, May 16, 2026, /AGP/ – The Orlando Urban Film Festival returns to International Drive May 27–29, 2026, with world premieres, youth showcases, celebrity guests and the Hattie Awards. The three-day event is designed to draw filmmakers, tourists and industry attention to Central Florida’s creative economy.

Why it matters: - The 13th annual Orlando Urban Film Festival is positioned as a tourism and arts draw for Orlando’s International Drive. - The event is designed to bring filmmakers, students, families, musicians and industry guests into local hotels, restaurants, attractions and entertainment venues. - The festival also gives emerging creators access to screenings, networking and potential distribution beyond the event.

What happened: - Orlando Urban Film Festival and Build International Film Festival will host a three-day event May 27–29, 2026, at Regal Cinemas Pointe Orlando. - The festival will feature world premieres, independent films, music videos, military and veteran films, live Q&As, networking mixers, red carpet photo opportunities, youth performances and international awards presentations. - Special guest Domingo Guyton of Atlanta is among the featured talent announced so far.

The details: - Festival screenings will include world premieres of Yesterday Today Forever, Letter of the Law, With The Homies, He-Motions and The Crown Shadow & The Search for Self. - The lineup also includes short films, documentaries, music videos and international selections. - The youth showcase, “So You Want Your Name In Lights,” is presented by Gwen and Will Covington. - The youth program will include live student performances, inspirational presentations, music video showcases and emerging talent from Central Florida. - A student performer will open the Hattie Awards with a live musical performance on Friday night. - The 2026 Hattie Awards will honor feature films, short films, documentaries, music videos, student films, veterans and military creators, directors, producers, writers and performers. - More than 20 awards will be presented. - Selected filmmakers may receive one-year distribution opportunities through Build Network TV. - Build Network TV distribution platforms include Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, WebTV, iOS and Android. - Festival guests are encouraged to stay at the Rosen Centre Hotel near the venue. - Media access will include red carpet arrivals, celebrity interviews, live performances, youth showcases, awards coverage, filmmaker interviews and photo opportunities. - Advance tickets are strongly encouraged because seating is expected to reach capacity. - The festival website is official festival website. - Eventbrite tickets are available through OUFF 2026 Eventbrite and the official site listed in the release.

Between the lines: - OUFF is using the festival to blend entertainment with economic development, with a clear emphasis on keeping visitors in the International Drive corridor. - The collaboration with BIFF appears aimed at widening the festival’s reach and giving creators a longer runway after the screenings end. - The youth showcase and awards-night performance signal that OUFF is trying to build a pipeline from student talent to professional recognition.

What’s next: - Additional filmmaker and entertainment guests are expected to be announced in the coming months. - Ticket demand may rise quickly because the release says seating is limited. - The festival will unfold across three days, with the Hattie Awards closing the event on May 29, 2026.

The bottom line: - OUFF is betting that a mix of premieres, youth programming and awards can make Orlando a bigger stop for independent film and creative tourism.