EDINBURG, Texas - The City of Edinburg hosts its award-winning South Texas International Film Festival (STXIFF) from September 10–12, 2026, at the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center.
This is its 12th year of operation.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa said the festival reinforces his city’s commitment to fostering local film development and showcasing regional talent. He noted that this year’s festival spotlights 31 independent works.
“We have so much talent throughout our community, in all traditional professions and skilled trades, which include film, photography, music, theatre, dance, and those fine arts not only create an amazing quality-of-life, but also generate revenue for our citizens. That is why Edinburg was designated a Film Friendly Texas certified community in September 2018 by the Texas Film Commission,” Ochoa noted.
Ochoa said attendees can experience 22 regional, state, and world premieres at STXIFF 2026 — ranging from gripping documentaries to compelling live-action features—alongside interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and intimate Q&A sessions with featured filmmakers.
* Opening Night: Celebrating RGV Talent (Thursday, Sept. 10)
The festival begins with a red carpet entry at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. screening of high-octane short films created for the STXIFF 48-Hour Film Race by local Rio Grande Valley filmmakers.
* Friday Showcase: (Friday, Sept. 11)
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for five distinct film blocks running from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., showcasing a diverse selection of voices and genres.
* Pitch Competition & Workshops: (Saturday, Sept. 12)
Saturday morning opens with "The Pitch," where aspiring screenwriters present original film ideas to a panel of industry professionals for a chance to win a cash prize. Screenings run continuously from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., highlighting films produced by Texas filmmakers.
* Headline Celebrity Panel: Legendary actor Edward James Olmos headlines this year's guest roster, joining beloved local talents Valente Rodriguez and Dannie McCallum on stage.
* Red Carpet Awards Gala: (Saturday, Sept. 12)
The festival concludes Saturday evening with red-carpet interviews at 6 p.m., followed by the official Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at 7:30 p.m., honoring the festival's top films and creators.
Admission options are designed to welcome everyone from casual moviegoers to die-hard film buffs:
Single Film Block: $5
Single Day Pass: $10
Full Festival Pass: $25 (Excludes Gala entry)
Awards Gala Ticket: $65 (Includes dinner & awards entry)
Mayor Ochoa said it was a stroke of good luck that Terrance Howard, an American actor and singer who has a Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for Academy Award and Golden Globe Award, was in Edinburg on Monday, July 27, just as the city was preparing for the 12th Annual South Texas International Film Festival.
“Mr. Howard’s presence drew widespread positive attention to our community as a renowned and welcoming place for businesses to grow and invest, and for people from all walks of life to call their hometown,” Ochoa said.
“Terrance Howard honored us with his recent visit to Edinburg, and in just a few short weeks, the South Texas International Film Festival will continue its tradition of bringing legendary figures and rising stars of film and television to Edinburg, including Edward James Olmos, an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer and activist, along with the Valley’s own stars, Valente Rodriguez and Dannie McCallum. These individuals bring great honor to themselves and to our city, and we thank them for it,” Ochoa said.
Ochoa pointed out that the Texas film and television industry generates billions of dollars in economic activity, supported heavily by the state’s robust incentive programs. State data and impact assessments show that incentivized productions yield roughly $4.50 to $4.69 in economic benefit for every $1 invested by the state.
Ochoa said that as a Film Friendly Texas certified community, Edinburg residents actively work with media professionals and provide local resources, permits, and location scouting guidance. He said the city offer opportunities and resources to professional filmmakers interested in producing their next project in the Four-Time All America City.
STXIFF operates as the signature event of the City of Edinburg's Cultural Arts Division and is made possible with support from the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library and the Edinburg Arts Foundation.
