Calling all Catholic influencers and aspiring filmmakers!
For the second year in a row, hundreds of Catholics artists, entertainers, and content creators will come to Napa Valley this summer.
They’ll gather at the Napa Institute’s Arts Festival from July 20-21, 2026. It’s a one-of-a-kind forum where faithful Catholics can collaborate and build community to take back the arts.
This year’s headliners include David Henrie, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Michael Iskander, Jonathan Roumie, Jaakko Ohtonen, Floriani, and more.
And the festival has a new event: A competition to create a short film. The grand prize is $100,000.
The Napa Institute Arts Festival is an idea whose time has come.
Happening immediately before the Napa Institute’s Summer Conference—where over 800 Catholic cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, philanthropists, and lay leaders come together—the festival celebrates the unique combination of faith and creativity.
The festival will feature talent from music, art, film, and more—from around America and the world. The festival is complimentary for those attending the Summer Conference, which runs from July 22-26, 2026.
The Short Film Contest You Don’t Want To Miss
The whole Arts Festival will inspire you. But the biggest draw is sure to be the short film contest.
Run by Renaissance Rising, the contest is designed to “discover and develop compelling original short film concepts (10–15 minutes in length) that align with themes of faith, beauty, truth, goodness, and human dignity.”
The winner will be selected by a panel of distinguished judges—after they complete a live pitch.
The winner will receive $100,000 to produce their film, and EWTN will give the film its world premiere at next year’s Napa Institute Arts Festival.
Key point: Not anyone can make the live pitch. You first have to be selected as a finalist. And for that to happen, you must submit your entry by 11:59 p.m. on June 15, 2026.
Actor David Henrie also invites Catholic filmmakers to enter the competition in the Instagram video below:
How To Enter The Short Film Competition
If you want a shot at that $100,000, check out the eligibility requirements. Be sure to follow them to the letter. Yes, teams are allowed!
Even if you don’t want to participate—or if you don’t get selected as a finalist—you should still dig into the Arts Festival. And there’s plenty of time to register to attend both the festival and the Napa Institute’s Summer Conference.
Who doesn’t want to spend a few summer days in Napa Valley? Especially when you can look forward to a Eucharistic Procession with hundreds of participants, phenomenal meals and even better wine, and multiple days of world-class liturgy, community, and formation. Plus you’ll hear from some of the most inspiring speakers in the Catholic Church!