Apr 8, 2026 - News

5 movies to see at the 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival

Troy Smith

Two men at night outdoors; one stands holding a green bottle in black clothing, the other sits with an acoustic guitar and looks up at him, as if singing, with soft garden lights in the distance. — Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd star in "Power Ballad." Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate

The 50th edition of the Cleveland International Film Festival will feature 326 films over 10 days, ranging from documentaries and short films to thrilling features.

The intrigue: We've already spotlighted a few standouts at this year's fest.

Here are five more.

🚔 "Carolina Caroline"

Samara Weaving ("Ready or Not") stars in this romantic crime thriller about a small-town Texas woman who joins a traveling con man on a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style crime spree.

🏳️‍🌈 "Song Silenced: Coming Out in Christian Music"

This documentary gets its world premiere at CIFF and focuses on Christian artists who came out as LGBTQ+, including Cleveland jazz and gospel artist Billy Newton-Davis.

🤘 "Don't Forget Me"

The biography of rock 'n' roll pioneer Eddie Cochran will have a special screening at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday.

😧 "Imposters"

Jessica Rothe ("Happy Death Day") stars in this horror movie about a couple who fight to get their kidnapped baby back, only to suspect the child they've recovered may not be their son.

🎸 "Power Ballad"

The festival's closing-night film stars Paul Rudd as an over-the-hill wedding singer who befriends a former boy-band star played by Nick Jonas.

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5 movies to see at the 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival

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