Las Vegas Film Festival unveils first 25 selections for 2027

The Las Vegas Film Festival has announced its first 25 official selections for the 2027 edition, set for Jan. 14-21 at Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort. The early lineup signals a global slate of indie features, documentaries, shorts and emerging media as the festival builds toward more than 350 films.

Why it matters: - The Las Vegas Film Festival is using its first 25 official selections to preview a larger 2027 program expected to top 350 films. - The festival is positioning Las Vegas as a hub for independent and international cinema, with added opportunities for filmmakers to reach audiences and distributors. - The announcement also gives filmmakers and attendees an early look at the festival’s scale before ticketing and full programming are released.

What happened: - The Las Vegas Film Festival announced its first 25 Official Selections for the 2027 event. - The festival is scheduled for Jan. 14-21, 2027, at Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. - The eight-day event is expected to include more than 350 films. - The first selections include independent features, documentaries, short films, music videos and emerging media from Las Vegas and around the world.

The details: - Festival Director Tom Ingram said the submissions showed "remarkable" depth of talent and originality. - Ingram said the first 25 selections reflect the festival’s creative vision and international scope. - The announced selections are: Kitty Clap Klub; Raccoon; KITKA; Le Pulizie; ELVIS, My Neighbor; NIXIE; Undone; Golden Mirror; ShowStopper; Don’t Assume; HUE; Trauma 4 Life; Émile Reynaud: His Work and Legacy; Save Me a Seat; Sleepyhead; Esperando; El!jah - settle4tonight; Obscure; Double Date; November Men; An Effective Policy; Per Our Last Conversation; French Toast; Off Script; and PANICO. - The festival said these first 25 selections represent independent filmmakers from Las Vegas and around the world. - More official selections will be announced in the coming weeks. - Ticket information and programming updates are also due in the coming weeks. - The festival provided official selection updates for the 2027 event.

Between the lines: - The early announcement suggests the festival is trying to build momentum well ahead of January and keep attention on the lineup as it expands. - Louie Comella, executive director, said the festival aims to create meaningful opportunities for independent filmmakers to connect with audiences, expand reach and bring work to a global stage. - Comella also said the festival’s commitment extends beyond the event itself and includes continued exhibition, distribution opportunities and a signature cultural event for Las Vegas.

What's next: - Additional official selections will be announced in the coming weeks. - The festival will release ticket details and programming updates next. - Filmmaker submissions for the 2027 Las Vegas Film Festival remain open until Dec. 15, 2027, through FilmFreeway and Festhome. - The festival says the 2027 edition will run at Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort and other venues throughout Las Vegas. - More information is available at Las Vegas Film Festival.

The bottom line: - The Las Vegas Film Festival is building a broad international slate early, with the first 25 selections setting up a larger 2027 program aimed at audiences, industry professionals and independent filmmakers.