2026 Pass & Member Criteria
This year, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new way to fest with Washington West – festival passes! We have designed two categories of passes: General & Premium. Both designed to make your festival experience smoother, easier, and even more exciting!
Both types of passes will require an RSVP for film selections on our website. Passholders will have exclusive, early access to our program to make reservations 1 week before the general public. Simply log into our website, browse the program, and reserve your must-see screenings before everyone else. We hope this new festival perk helps you experience more films, more conversations, and more unforgettable moments throughout the weekend!
Important Passholder Information:
All screenings require advance RSVPs through our website — no exceptions. To guarantee seating, passholders must arrive at least 25 minutes prior to showtime.
Pass Information:
General Festival Pass – $100
- General Festival Pass ($100) INCLUDES:
- Unlimited Regular Priced Feature Films and Regular Shorts Programs, as well as the GMU, other university showcases, and any High School Student Showcases for one person.
- General Festival Pass EXCLUDES:
- ‘Spotlight’ Screenings – i.e. Opening Night, Closing Night, Anniversary Screenings, Spotlight Screening, and Short Film Friday
- Seating: To guarantee seating, passholders must RSVP for each screening by September 16, 2026 @ 11:59pm AND arrive at least 25 minutes prior to showtime.
Premium Festival Pass – $250
- Premium Festival Pass ($250) INCLUDES:
- All General Festival Pass benefits for one person
- Unlimited Higher-Priced Feature & Shorts Programs, AND ALL Spotlight Films – i.e. Opening Night Film + After Party, Closing Night Film, Short Film Friday, and entry to any additional post-film After Parties
- Priority line access for all films
- Premium Festival Pass EXCLUDES:
- Any off season invitations throughout the year to any non-festival week events.
- $1,000 Member level benefits.
- Seating: To guarantee seating, passholders must RSVP for each screening by September 16, 2026 @ 11:59pm AND arrive at least 25 minutes prior to showtime.
Philanthropic All-Access Member – $1,000
- Philanthropic All-Access Member Pass ($1,000) INCLUDES:
- All General & Premium Pass benefits
- Two (2) ‘Ultimate Access’ Passes – allows the member to bring a spouse, friend, or client to any festival experience
- No-Stress Seating: Guaranteed seating up until 15 minutes before showtime (while lower tiers are publicly held to the 25-minute cutoff, All-Access Members receive a concierge-style grace period)
- Premium Event Access: At least one private, intimate toast with the Festival President and headline filmmakers during the film festival week
- Exclusive Event Invitations: all-year invitations to any exclusive invite-only special guest events
- Seating: To guarantee seating, passholders must RSVP for each screening by September 16, 2026 @ 11:59pm AND arrive at least 15 minutes prior to showtime.