PFCAT (Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology) today announced the first programming highlights for its 14th annual festival, taking place August 18–23, 2026 at OMSI. Now in its fourth year in Portland, the festival has expanded to six days in response to record film submissions. This annual event will bring together animators, filmmakers, and audiences for screenings, presentations, and networking events celebrating visionary filmmaking and animation.
Festival programming will take place throughout OMSI, utilizing the Empirical Theater, Kendall Planetarium, Auditorium, and Theory spaces. The 2026 edition will feature more than 150 films from over 30 countries, with the full lineup and ticket sales scheduled to be announced on July 10. The festival’s programming includes both live-action and animated features, alongside a robust slate of short films from emerging and established filmmakers.
The festival’s animation program features more than 100 animated films, placing PFCAT among the largest animation-focused events in North America.
Among the first featured events announced is a keynote presentation by Matthew Inman, creator of The Oatmeal, followed by the Pacific Northwest festival premiere of My Dog: The Paradox. Portland-based animation studio Imaginary Planet collaborated on the short animated film based on the viral webcomic.
PFCAT’s headlining presentation is the Oregon premiere of the feature film Sender, directed by Russell Goldman. This thriller had its world premiere at SXSW 2026 and its cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Britt Marling, and Rhea Seehorn. Goldman will attend the festival for a special discussion with audiences.
The festival will further spotlight the animation and creative industries with a fireside chat featuring Brian A. Miller, the 11-time Emmy Award-winning producer and executive producer whose credits include Samurai Jack, Adventure Time, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
“PFCAT exists to support indie filmmakers and animators while encouraging collaboration annd discovery of new creative and cutting-edge works,” said Festival Director Marisa Cohen. “The expansion to six days reflects the growth of the festival and the wide range of work being created. We look forward to welcoming artists and audiences to Portland for six days of creativity and connection.”
On Saturday, August 22, from 11am to 2pm, PFCAT will host the PFCAT Creator Expo in OMSI’s Auditorium. Free to attend with advance registration, the Creator Expo will connect attendees with organizations, programs, and resources supporting creativity, specifically in filmmaking and animation. The event will feature hands-on activities and opportunities to engage with industry professionals. The Creator Expo is supported by the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and Oregon Community Foundation.
Festival partners and sponsors include OMSI, Portland Events and Film Office, Prosper Portland, Bot Joy, Hopscotch, Oregon Film Office, Worlds Beyond VR, and OXEN.
The full slate of programming, film selections, panels and special guests, and ticket information will be announced on July 10. For more information, visit www.pdxfestofcinema.com.
