September 11–13, 2026 at the Sumter Little Theatre — presented with the Moonless International Film Festival and the Romans VIII Film Festival.
The first festival under the Swan Lake name opened on the evening of September 11th with the Hometown Showdown — two Sumter filmmakers head to head — and the presentation of the inaugural Swan Lake Sentinel Award. Saturday ran features, shorts, music videos, student films, and panels from morning to night; Sunday closed with the International Short Film Showcase and Suppress Us — the feature from Greer, SC that took both Best Feature Film and Best South Carolina Feature Film.
Trophies and framed certificates went to winners across film, music video, screenplay, and stage play. Thank you to the Sumter Little Theatre, our sponsors, and every filmmaker who made the drive.
The inaugural Swan Lake Sentinel Award, presented on opening night, September 11, by S.C. Speaker of the House Murrell Smith. A retired U.S. Army Major and founder of MAWilliams Films — soldier and storyteller.
The 2026 Visionary Award recipients — recognized for vision, craft, and creative flight in independent film.
Winner of the opening-night Hometown Showdown. Directed by Mark A. Williams (MAWilliams Films, Sumter, SC) — also the 2026 Best South Carolina Short Film.
Red carpet, full house, and the Swan Awards — September 11–13, 2026. Tap any photo to view it full size.
None of this happens without them. Want your name here in 2027? Sponsor the festival →
Presenting sponsor of the 2026 festival.
Presenting sponsor of the 2026 festival and sponsor of the inaugural Swan Lake Sentinel Award.
Presenting sponsor of the 2026 festival.
Our home — a working community theatre with 85+ years of history, and a beneficiary of festival proceeds.
Sister festivals sharing the stage, the weekend, and the awards night.
The 2027 Swan Lake Film Festival is tentatively set for Sept 10–12, 2027. Submissions are open on FilmFreeway — genre blocks, a Sunday-evening awards ceremony, and a real red carpet.