RAYD8 Film Festival wraps inaugural Marina del Rey weekend with awards and industry panels

The first RAYD8 Film Festival brought filmmakers, actors and entertainment professionals to Marina del Rey on Sept. 18-19 for screenings, panels and the inaugural awards. The event centered on helping independent creators build relationships, learn the business and move projects toward distribution.

Why it matters: - The inaugural RAYD8 Film Festival was designed to do more than hand out trophies. - The festival aimed to connect independent filmmakers with industry professionals, education and opportunities that can help projects move from concept to screen. - The event also gave emerging voices a platform alongside established entertainment figures.

What happened: - RAYD8 Film Festival held its first edition Sept. 18-19, 2026, in Marina del Rey, California. - The weekend opened with a mixer at Coco Beach Bar and Grill on Friday, Sept. 18. - Saturday’s main program took place at the Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey. - The festival featured screenings, panel discussions, filmmaker conversations, red carpet moments and the inaugural RAYD8 Awards.

The details: - Gregg Sharp, founder and CEO of RAYD8 Film Festival, said the goal was for filmmakers to leave with education, relationships and a better understanding of how to move their careers forward. - Sharp said the festival received strong work from participating filmmakers and emphasized the value of creators supporting one another. - The panelist lineup included Sensei Ron Thomas, Kat Kramer, Chris Mulkey, Kirkland Morris, Jasper Cole, Jamie Ohlsen, Trae Ireland, Sherrie Price Clark, Jonathan Mankuta, Danielle Napier, Amy Prenner, Vida Ghaffari, Joseph Williamson, Jerry Lee Davis and Nolan Rhys Elias. - Neil “The Media Giant” Haley served as emcee. - Panel topics included getting projects seen, creating opportunities, understanding filmmaking from different positions, taking projects from script to screen and building performances. - Kat Kramer received the 2026 Artivist Lifetime Achievement Award for her body of work and commitment to using entertainment and the arts for impact. - The festival recognized work across narrative film, documentary, television, animation, performance, writing, editing, music and emerging media. - RAYD8 TV describes its mission as “Where Entertainment Becomes Opportunity.” - The festival said its streaming platform is intended to help independent creators reach audiences beyond the festival circuit. - The festival encouraged viewers to download RAYD8 TV in the App Store to watch and support participating filmmakers and other independent storytellers. - The festival identified itself as an independent film festival and industry event focused on education, exposure, industry relationships and distribution opportunities. - The inaugural festival was held Sept. 18-19, 2026, in Marina del Rey. - Social links included RAYD8 on Instagram and RAYD8 on Facebook.

Between the lines: - The festival’s format suggests a broader strategy than a standard awards event. - By pairing screenings with panel access and networking, RAYD8 positioned itself as a career-building platform for independent creators. - The emphasis on distribution and streaming points to a push to extend film visibility beyond a one-weekend showcase.

What's next: - RAYD8 said it expects to keep growing its community of filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences. - The festival signaled plans to create additional pathways for independent stories to be discovered. - RAYD8 TV will continue promoting independent filmmakers through its streaming platform.