Salem Film Fest

Since 2007, Salem Film Fest (SFF) has brought the world's best independent documentaries and their makers to the North Shore. Going into its 19th year, this celebration of documentary filmmaking presents a diverse collection of the year’s best work from all over the world.

The Fest will take place March 26–29 at three local venues: Cinema Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum and the National Park Service Visitor Center. Enjoy three days of in-person screenings at PEM, plus filmmaker Q&As, parties and other special events around town.

The official film lineup and schedule will be shared soon on the Salem Film Fest website.

Check out PEM’s exhibition Beyond the Broom: Salem Short Films, featuring documentaries from past years of the Fest, opening March 28.

This festival is made possible by volunteers from the Salem Community Arts Center, Inc. PEM is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Salem Film Fest 2026.