Ashland Independent Film Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Comeback

The Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) marked its 25th anniversary from April 23-26, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon, signaling a rebound from pandemic disruptions that forced cancellation of the 2023 edition. Screenings took place primarily at the Varsity Theatre, with additional venues at White Rabbit workspace and Big Dog Studio. The program featured 22 feature films (14 documentaries, 8 narratives), dozens of shorts, and curated sidebars. Notable guests included Cheryl Dunye (who received the Pride Award), Alex Cox, Sam Green, and the duo Soda Jerk. Special programming by former head programmer Richard Herskovitz spotlighted archivists and found-footage filmmakers such as Rick Prelinger (who received the Indie Institution Award), Craig Baldwin, and Stacey Steers. Highlights included the opening-night documentary 'The Big Cheese,' the political doc 'First They Came for My School' about Florida's New College takeover, and the narrative feature 'Other Houses' starring Katerina Stoykova. Alex Cox screened his adaptation of Gogol's 'Dead Souls.' The festival also presented awards: Best Narrative Feature to 'Trash Baby' by Jacy Mairs, and Best Feature Documentary to 'Adam's Apple.' Director of Programming Aura Johnson praised the festival's 'moxie and boldness.' Filmmaker Beth Harrington noted the 'intellectually sophisticated audiences.' The festival's survival and revitalization were underscored by a display of posters from all 25 editions, with 2023 notably absent.