The Savannah Film Festival 2026 transforms the Hostess City into a movie lover's playground from October 24 to 31. Film fans, industry insiders, and SCAD students fill the Historic District for 8 days of screenings, panels, and red-carpet moments. This guide explains what to see and why The Douglas makes the smartest home base.
What is the SCAD Savannah Film Festival?
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival, now in its 29th year, ranks as the largest university-run film festival in the world. You may also hear it called the SCAD Film Festival, and this Savannah, GA film festival welcomes more than 60,000 guests each fall.
The Savannah College of Art and Design presents the event, so student filmmakers share the spotlight with award-winning professionals. In 2025, the festival screened 26 Oscar-nominated films, which shows the caliber you can expect.
What to See at the Savannah Film Festival 2026
Expect gala premieres, competition films, documentaries, animated features, and shorts. Variety returns with its Artisans to Watch and Pixels and Pencils programs, while Scott Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter hosts the Docs to Watch series. Entertainment Weekly also hosts its Breaking Big panel, which recognizes Hollywood's next generation of talent. Between screenings, you can attend workshops, master classes, and coffee talks with visiting filmmakers.
Two historic theaters anchor the schedule. The Trustees Theater, which opened in 1946 and is located only a 7-minute walk from The Douglas, seats more than 1,100 guests. The Lucas Theatre for the Arts, which opened in 1921 on Reynolds Square and is also about a 7-minute walk from the hotel, seats about 1,200. The SCAD Museum of Art, a 13-minute walk from The Douglas, and the Gutstein Gallery, a 7-minute walk from the hotel, host additional events.
Get Your Tickets Early
You can buy passes for the SCAD Savannah Film Festival 2026 now. Individual tickets are also on sale online or at the SCAD Box Office on East Broughton Street. Passholders can collect their passes starting October 21 at Festival HQ inside Press café at Jen Library. Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime, because theater staff may not admit latecomers.
Why The Douglas Is the Best Place to Stay
The Douglas sits at 14 East Oglethorpe Avenue in the heart of the Historic District, so you skip the parking hassle entirely. The proximity of the Trustees Theater and Festival HQ as well as the Lucas Theatre means guests of The Douglas can easily access the festival without needing transportation. For those who don’t wish to walk, a rideshare covers either trip in minutes, and Uber and Lyft both operate in Savannah.
After the final credits roll, you return to an intimate boutique hotel inside a restored 1853 townhouse. Each of the 22 rooms has its own character, and evening turndown service makes late screenings feel effortless. Every morning, the hotel's chef prepares a complimentary gourmet breakfast and serves it à la carte.
At night, you can unwind at the private guest bar or reserve dinner at Lester's, the hotel's restaurant. The 24/7 concierge arranges reservations and tours, and the hotel provides bicycles for exploring Savannah's squares. The Douglas welcomes guests 21 and older, so the atmosphere stays calm after a long festival day.
Plan Your Festival Days Around The Douglas
Start each morning with breakfast at the hotel, then stroll to a daytime screening at Trustees Theater. Spend the afternoon on a bike ride around the squares, or catch a panel with visiting professionals. Return to The Douglas for a quiet drink before heading to an evening premiere at the Lucas Theatre. Every night ends with a short walk or rideshare back to your room.
The Savannah Film Festival runs only 8 days, and The Douglas offers just 22 rooms, so early booking matters. Secure your dates now and spend the week soaking up cinema, Southern charm, and quiet luxury.
Book your stay at The Douglas today and make the Savannah Film Festival 2026 unforgettable.