The Slamdance Film Festival has announced that Alexandre Rockwell’s film 'The Projectionist' will serve as the Opening Night selection for its 32nd edition. The festival will be held in Los Angeles from February 19-25, 2026, and will also offer a virtual component from February 24 to March 6 on the Slamdance Channel. This marks the second year that Slamdance will take place in Los Angeles, continuing its commitment to independent filmmakers. Peter Baxter, cofounder of Slamdance, expressed excitement about the festival's focus on independent storytelling. He emphasized the importance of providing a platform for new creative visions and the partnership with organizations like Utopia and the DGA. 'The Projectionist' tells the story of a reclusive projectionist haunted by a wrongful conviction and the loss of his wife. The film features a talented cast including Vondie Curtis-Hall, Karyn Parsons, and Kasi Lemmons. Rockwell described the film as a tribute to the power of cinema, emphasizing its role as a refuge. Alongside 'The Projectionist,' the festival will also showcase 'The Untitled Ruby Slippers Documentary,' directed by Seth Gordon, which has been in the making for two decades. Slamdance will host Market Monday on February 23, a day dedicated to panels and workshops that address various aspects of film production and distribution. The full festival schedule will be released at a later date. In addition to the exciting film lineup, Slamdance has partnered with Utopia to provide distribution opportunities for award-winning films. Utopia, known for its innovative approach to independent cinema, will offer theatrical distribution to the Grand Prize Winner of the festival. Sponsors for the festival include the Directors Guild of America and Panasonic LUMIX. The Indie Awards will take place on February 18, celebrating independent filmmaking and recognizing outstanding achievements in the field. Slamdance aims to support local artists, with a significant portion of submissions coming from the greater Los Angeles area. Passes for the festival are now available at an affordable price, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.