RAYD8 Film Festival Debuts September 19, 2026 in Marina del Rey

More Than a Film Festival- Creating Visibility, Connections and Distribution Opportunities for Independent Filmmakers

MARINA DEL REY, CA, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- MARINA DEL REY, CA - September 2026, RAYD8 Film Festival, a groundbreaking film and media event created to celebrate and elevate the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers, will debut Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Marina del Rey, CA.

More than another film festival, RAYD8 was created to provide independent filmmakers with opportunities that extend beyond the festival circuit. Through its connection to RAYD8 TV, the festival is focused not only on recognizing exceptional work, but also on creating pathways for distribution, industry exposure and meaningful connections that can help filmmakers bring their projects to wider audiences.

The September 19 Main Event will feature a full day of feature and short film screenings, industry panels, red carpet arrivals and the RAYD8 Awards Gala, bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, distributors, media professionals, brands and audiences.

The festival’s official panelist lineup includes Sensei Ron Thomas (Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid), Kat Kramer (The Diary of Anne Frank, The Miracle Worker, Little Fockers), Chris Mulkey (Captain Phillips, Boardwalk Empire, Castle Rock, Whiplash), Kirkland Morris (writer, BMF), Jasper Cole, Jamie Ohlsen, Trae Ireland, Sherrie Price Clark, Jonathan Mankuta, Danielle Napier, Amy Prenner, Vida Ghaffari, Joseph Williamson, Jerry Lee Davis and Nolan Rhys Elias, with Neil “The Media Giant” Haley serving as Emcee.

The celebration begins Friday, September 18, with an exclusive Opening Night Mixer at Coco Beach Bar and Grill, bringing filmmakers, creators, industry professionals and sponsors together for an evening of networking, film showcases and creative connection ahead of Saturday’s Main Event.

Built around the pillars Educate. Celebrate. Connect. Elevate., RAYD8 Film Festival is creating a platform where independent filmmakers aren't simply recognized for their work, they're given opportunities to move it forward.


EVENT DETAILS

RAYD8 FILM FESTIVAL- MAIN EVENT

Saturday, September 19, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn – Marina del Rey

Film Screenings • Industry Panels • Red Carpet • RAYD8 Awards Gala


OPENING NIGHT MIXER

Friday, September 18, 2026
Coco Beach Bar and Grill

Networking • Film Showcases • Creative Connection

Tickets are on sale now.
Purchase tickets and learn more at RAYD8TV.com

ABOUT RAYD8 FILM FESTIVAL

RAYD8 Film Festival is a groundbreaking film and media event created to celebrate and elevate the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. Through film screenings, awards, industry conversations and meaningful networking opportunities, the festival brings together emerging creatives and established entertainment professionals while championing new voices and outstanding storytelling.

More than a traditional film festival, RAYD8 is committed to creating real opportunities beyond the screen, including pathways to distribution through RAYD8 TV, giving independent filmmakers the potential to extend the life and reach of their work beyond the festival itself.

Melissa Camacho
G2F MEDIA GROUP LLC
MELISSA@G2FMEDIAGROUP.COM
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