Signal Film Festival

🎥 Overview

Signal Film Festival at Silver Branch Brewing Company is dedicated to the power of short-form storytelling, showcasing films up to 5 minutes in length across 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 share their vision with 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 come together and tune into the spirit of cinema.

• A curated selection of short films (5 minutes or less)
• Opportunities to connect with filmmakers and fellow film lovers
• Craft beer from Silver Branch Brewing Company
• Food available from Silver Branch Brewing Company
• A welcoming, community-driven atmosphere

We are proud to host this year’s festival in partnership with the Brian Frankel Law Firm, DC Filmmakers Group,Wheaton Film Festival, and the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area. Through this collaboration, we aim to highlight the importance of storytelling while fostering community, awareness, and support. Ticket proceeds from this event support the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area in helping fund care, support, and research.

Silver Branch Lagerhaus & Biergarten
8401 Colesville Road #150
Silver Spring, MD

Filmmakers should submit through FilmFreeway.

https://filmfreeway.com/SignalFilmFestival
All accepted films are required to have at least one in-person representative attend the festival.

Join us for an evening of film, community, and conversation — and help us tune into the signal.

Info: Arrive, check in, grab a drink, and connect with fellow attendees before the screenings begin.

Info: A brief introduction to the festival, partners, and the evening’s program.

Info: Enjoy a curated selection of short films presented in four screening blocks, with brief intermissions between each.

Film Block 1: 5:15 PM – 5:40 PM

Intermission: 5:40 PM – 5:50 PM

Film Block 2: 5:50 PM – 6:15 PM

Intermission: 6:15 PM – 6:25 PM

Film Block 3: 6:25 PM – 6:50 PM

Intermission: 6:50 PM – 7:00 PM

Film Block 4: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Info: Vote for your favorite films, celebrate this year’s selections during the awards ceremony, and close out the evening with final remarks.

Info: Stay after the program to connect, unwind, and celebrate the evening with the film community.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Brett A. Robison