The Forum on Life, Culture, & Society (FOLCS) invites you to attend the 13th Annual Awards Night for our International Short Film Competition on May 5, 2026. Held at the iconic Peter Norton Symphony Space, a landmark for arts and culture in New York City, the FOLCS Annual Awards Night is a celebration of storytelling that challenges, enlightens, and inspires. Join us for an unforgettable evening of powerful films, bold voices, and a shared appreciation for cinema’s impact on justice and social change — all in a venue that has hosted some of the world’s most thought-provoking performances. Reserve your free tickets at the awards night button below.

Event Highlights

Free Admission: Join us for a night of cinematic excellence at no cost. Engage with some of the world’s most pressing social justice and human rights themes, conveyed through the work of talented upcoming filmmakers.

Red Carpet & Photo Experience: Step onto the red carpet and capture the moment at our exclusive photo stand. Celebrate with friends, fellow film lovers, and filmmakers as you enjoy the cinematic atmosphere of the FOLCS Annual Awards Night!

Screening of Finalist Films: Be among the first to view a few of this year’s finalist short films. These films have been thoughtfully selected for their unique perspectives on pressing global issues. They showcase the rich and diverse fabric of human experience while asking powerful questions about justice, survival, and community.

Awards Presentation: Conclude the evening with our Awards Presentation, where we honor the most outstanding films of the festival. Celebrate the achievements of these visionary filmmakers as we announce the winners.

Online Screening Days (April 30th- May 9th): Join us for the FOLCS International Short Film Competition Online Screening Days, where this year’s powerful finalist films will be available to watch from anywhere. Experience bold, thought-provoking stories from emerging filmmakers exploring themes of law, justice, and human rights.