Vermont Film & Folklore Festival Nov 5th-8th 2026
A Celebration of Storytelling in All Its Forms
VFFF brings together film, oral tradition, and written word in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary experience rooted in community, culture, and creativity.
About the Festival
The Vermont Film and Folklore Festival serves Southern Vermont through an annual celebration of storytelling. Highlighting its role in shaping shared values while discovering and supporting exceptional voices in film and beyond.
Co-founded by Tim Rhys and Karol Martesko-Fenster, the festival unites cinema with traditional and contemporary storytelling to create a unique cultural experience that resonates across generations.
Starting this year, the festival will be held in Downtown Bennington, hosted by the Bennington Theater. Executive Director Kaiya Kirk said: “The Vermont Film & Folklore Festival is a perfect addition to Bennington Theater's programming and to the creative life of our community. We are committed to honoring the Festival's original vision by bringing outstanding films from around the world to southern Vermont while shining a spotlight on the extraordinary filmmakers creating work here at home. We can't wait to welcome audiences to Bennington for a Festival that celebrates storytelling, sparks conversation, and connects people through film.”
Our Mission
VFFF exists to celebrate, preserve, and elevate storytelling in all its forms.
Through film, writing, poetry, art, and spoken word, the festival:
Showcases emerging and established storytellers
Explores the connection between modern media and traditional folklore
Strengthens community through shared narratives
Highlights voices from Vermont and around the world
Submit Today
The Vermont Film & Folklore Festival is seeking dedicated volunteers to join the team!
If you are interested, please fill out the volunteer interest form below.
Become a sponsor!
The Vermont Film & Folklore Festival is currently looking for businesses to work with for advertising and sponsorship. Our goal is to mutually benefit our partners, promoting and uplifting local businesses by exposing them to a new audience.
Not interested in buying an ad or traditional sponsorship but still want to work together? Contact kaiyakirk@benningtontheater.org
Program Ad Space
Eighth Page: Small but mighty—budget-friendly visibility for local supporters.
Dimensions: 3.75 x 1.875 in
Rate: $150
Quarter Page: Great mid-sized options for concise messaging with strong visibility.
Dimensions: 3.75 x 3.75 in
Rate: $300
Half Page: Perfect for storytelling, menus, or standout visuals.
Dimensions: 7.5 x 3.75 in
Rate: $600
Full Page: Maximum visibility for maximum impact—ideal for major brand exposure.
Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 in
Inside Front or Back Cover – $1,500
Full Page – $1,200
Sponsorship levels
Founding Sponsor - $10,000
Everything included in Executive Producer
Recognition as Founding Sponsor in all Festival Promotional Materials and Events
Large Banner on Website
Exclusive Sponsorship of mixers for Festival VIPs
15 All Access Passes
Executive Producer - $5,000
Everything included in Producer
Full Page Ad in ProgramBanner on Website
Exclusive Sponsorship of up to 3 screenings, with opportunity to introduce the films
10 All Access Passes
Producer - $1,250
Everything included in A-Lister
½ Page Ad in Program
Marketing Assets in Venue
8 All Access Passes
A-Lister - $600
Everything included in Associate
¼ Page Ad in Program
Formal Thank You before each screening
4 All Access Passes
Associate - $250
Logo in Program and on Website
Logo on Street and Venue Banners
2 All Access Passes
