3 Short Films to Catch at the 2026 Woodstock Film Festival
IN THE WAKE TV endorses these films as vital living archives that document Black life, community resilience, and self-determination.
Stories centered on memory, self-determination, and community leadership take center stage at this year’s Woodstock Film Festival.
Free Joan Little
- Directed by: Yoruba Richen
- Produced by: Christalyn Hampton and Bonnie Bertram
- Program: Shorts Program: A People’s Archive (35 mins)
This documentary revisiting the landmark 1975 case of Joan Little—the first woman in U.S. history acquitted for using deadly force to resist sexual assault—combines rare archival footage and contemporary interviews with voiceover from Oscar-nominated actress Danielle Brooks. The film offers a grounded, powerful look at a pivotal moment in the civil rights and prison reform movements.
Still not convinced? Check out this great Democracy Now! interview with KAREN BETHEA-SHIELDS and AMY GOOD.
- In-Person Screening: Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET
- Location: Woodstock Community Center
The Boys and the Bees
- Directed by: Arielle Knight
- Produced by: Sean Weiner
- Program: Shorts Program: Time After Time (19 mins)
Filmed with a patient, verité lens, The Boys and the Bees follows a Black family on a small farm in rural Georgia. The story centers on parents Eliza and Nehemiah Ray as they raise their young sons through the daily rhythms of beekeeping, land stewardship, and building a sustainable legacy together. We loved it at Sundance and we will see it a million more times if possible.
- In-Person Screening: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 2:30 PM ET
- Location: Woodstock Community Center
One Last Order
- Directed by: Lauren DeFilippo and Sam Soko
- Produced by: Lauren DeFilippo, Sam Soko, and Amanda Pollak
- Program: Shorts Program: Feeding the World (20 mins)
After 37 years working at a Florida drive-thru, Sighle expects a quiet final shift. Instead, when the owner announces that all earnings for the day will go directly to her, the local community gathers to give her an unforgettable farewell. This movie is new to us, but we just can't get enough and hope to have continued coverage in the future as we keep our eye on the works of Sam Soko.
- In-Person Screening: Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 4:20 PM ET
- Location: Woodstock Community Center
How to Find & Attend These Screenings
- In-Person Tickets & Passes: Individual screening tickets and festival passes can be purchased directly through the official Woodstock Film Festival website. Local residents in Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, and Orange counties can access discounted ticket options through the Hudson Valley Locals program at checkout.
- Festival App: Download the official Woodstock Film Festival app (available on iOS and Android) to view updated schedule changes, map venue directions, and manage digital tickets.
- Box Office Location: If you prefer in-person ticket purchases or standby inquiries, visit the festival box office at 13 Rock City Road, Woodstock, NY, or contact the box office directly at (845) 810-0131.
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