Signal Film Festival

on May 31, 2026 from 4pm to 8pm

Admission is free. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. So, plan to arrive accordingly. Event starts at 4pm, film screenings start at about 5pm. The film festival location is at Silver Branch at 8401 Colesville Road #150, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.

Signal Film Festival is dedicated to the power of short-form storytelling, this includes films up to 10 minutes in length. We celebrate narrative, documentary, animation and more. In an age of constant noise, we look for the "Signal", those unique cinematic voices that cut through the static to deliver compelling, impactful, and innovative stories. Based in a community with a deep appreciation for the arts, our mission is to provide a high-visibility platform for emerging and established filmmakers to broadcast their vision to a live audience. Whether it’s a gripping drama, an insightful documentary, an experimental vision, or a lighthearted comedy, we believe that the most powerful messages often come in the shortest packages. Signal Film Festival is more than just a screening; it is a connection point for creators and film lovers to tune into the spirit of cinema.

The Brian Frankel Law Firm, DC Filmmakers, and Wheaton Film Festival are proud to host this year's event in partnership with the Silver Branch Brewing Company in Silver Spring, Maryland to benefit the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter. Through this collaboration, we aim to highlight the importance of storytelling and to foster community, awareness, and support.

Donate to the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter.

What to Expect:

Screenings: Films will be showcased in a curated program designed to spark conversation. We prioritize technical excellence to ensure participating films are seen and heard exactly as intended.

A Culinary Experience: Filmmakers and attendees will enjoy a selection of hearty, Bavarian-style inspired food and Silver Branch’s own world-class craft beers, making for a multi-sensory evening of "cinema and suds." This is not a concession-stand festival.

Voices of Impact: In our commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association, we feature guest speakers who bridge the gap between storytelling and real-world advocacy. Attendees will experience firsthand how film can be a powerful tool for social change and community awareness.

Networking & Connection: With no "velvet ropes," the festival is designed for interaction. Whether it’s during the post-screening Q&As or over a pint afterward, everyone will have the opportunity to mingle with fellow creators, local art patrons, and representatives from our charity partners.

Awards Ceremony: The night concludes with an awards presentation celebrating the best films of the night.

This Year's Film Selections:

MINI FILMS
"BARE" - Filmmaker Aurora Jinai Matthews
"TV Guide" - Filmmaker Derrick Chesley
"Stickers on a Memory" - Filmmaker Kelly Kimbis
"Would You Still Love Me?" - Filmmaker Ramsey Telhami
"Masks" - Filmmaker Zulian Tjuatja
"The Backup" - Filmmaker Oops Hooligan

"Runway 51" - Filmmaker Mary Budnitz

SHORT FILMS

"Chosen at Five" - Filmmaker Arun Mukesh Boddu
"House Call" - Filmmakers Sarah Olscamp and Timothy Flaherty
"Fred's Not Fine" - Filmmaker Jason Berger
"Hidden In The Spotlight" - Filmmaker James Mae
"Gloria's Birthday" - Filmmaker Robin Noonan-Price
"Sky & Jay: A Love Story" - Filmmaker Khalil Gamble
"Foundations" - Filmmaker Jasmine Bhagroo and Lorenzo Miguel

"Pep Talk" - Filmmaker Richard Garriques III

"Flexing on Cancer" - Filmmaker Mimi Lam