FILM FESTIVAL — For the first time, the city will be hosting the Steubenville International Film Festival, set to take place Nov. 13-14, 2026 at the Sycamore Youth Center. The festival host will be Bobbyjon Bauman, Sycamore’s executive director, and Kate Slattery Stapleton will be the festival’s director. Submissions are being accepted through Sept. 20. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The city of Steubenville is rolling out the red carpet for filmmakers from throughout the world as it launches the first Steubenville International Film Festival. Submissions are being accepted for the inaugural event, scheduled to take place Nov. 13-14, 2026, at the Sycamore Youth Center, located at 301 N. Fourth St.

The festival is open to a wide range of genres and categories, including narrative and documentary features, as well as shorts and a special youth category for young filmmakers under the age of 18. Organizers say the festival aims to celebrate storytelling and artistry “in a city that has long been known for its strong community roots and revival spirit.”

“Steubenville is a land of stories,” reads the festival’s mission statement. “Film is an art form that brings stories to life and sparks conversation, contemplation and change.”

The festival will offer five submission categories, including: Narrative feature, 40 minutes or longer; a narrative short, 40 minutes or less; a documentary feature, 40 minutes or longer; a documentary short, 40 minutes or less; and a youth short, ages 18 and under, 10 minutes or less. In addition to screenings, SIFF plans to host filmmaker meet-and-greets, question-and-answer sessions and networking opportunities.

A dedicated filmmakers’ lounge will provide food, refreshments, arcade games and pool tables in which to foster creative connections among participants, according to officials.

Steubenville, historically known for its industrial heritage, is undergoing a cultural resurgence, organizers stated, saying it is their hope the festival will help position the Ohio River valley as a regional hub for the arts.

“This valley has been a place of bloodshed and beauty,” the festival description continues. “This is a land of stories, and we are seeking yours.”

Festival host Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore center, said the event fits perfectly with the city’s growing reputation as a place of creativity, collaboration and community renewal.

Submissions began on Wednesday and will run as follows: An early bird deadline is set for Jan. 1, the regular deadline is set for April 20, the late deadline is on July 20 and the extended deadline concludes on Sept. 20.

Filmmakers can find submission guidelines and entry forms online at filmfreeway.com/SteubenvilleInternationalFilmFestival.

The Steubenville International Film Festival is open to emerging and experienced filmmakers who want to share bold, authentic and thought-provoking stories with audiences in the Ohio Valley and beyond. The director of the film festival is Kate Slattery Stapleton.