Everything you need to know before arriving
Howdy and welcome to the dynamic and international city of Houston, Texas and to the 59th Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival!
Thanks to you, our wonderfully creative filmmakers, we have assembled an exciting slate of bold, thought-provoking independent films from around the globe. This year’s program features 34 feature films and 89 short films, alongside a vibrant lineup of seminars, workshops, and wellness experiences designed to support and inspire storytellers.
Thank you for being part of WorldFest-Housto, your fiercely independent festival.
We hope your time here is not only professionally meaningful, but personally memorable. This festival exists because of you—your stories, your courage, and your creative spirit.
Welcome to Houston and to the WorldFest family.
WorldFest Village – Memorial City Mall
The WorldFest Village will serve as your central hub throughout the festival—home to check-in, filmmaker resources, gathering spaces, and nightly events.
- 322-351 Memorial City Mall Suite 534, Houston, TX 77024
Southwest Quadrant, West Entrance (under Cinemark signage) - Free parking available at the West Entrance
- Registration Hours: 10am - 6pm
Hotel Accommodations
The Westin Houston Memorial City (HQ hotel)
A 5-minute walk to Memorial City Mall via covered skywalk
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$239 per night
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Start Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
End Date: Monday, May 04, 2026
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Book your group rate for WorldFest59 by April 16
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City
Host hotel for the Remi Awards Dinner - 15 walk to Cinemark
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$275 /night
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Available From Saturday, May 2, 2026
Available To Sunday, May 3, 2026
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Hotel
15 - 20 minutes drive to Cinemark
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$109.00/ night with daytime shuttle service and free breakfast
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Rate available during the whole festival - book by April 20
Festival Club & Filmmaker Lounge
Each evening, join us at WorldFest Village for the VIP Festival Club & Lounge, a dedicated space for attending filmmakers to connect, unwind, and celebrate.
WorldFest Wellness
Throughout the festival, we’ve created opportunities to slow down, reconnect, and care for your nervous system through our wellness programming, an invitation to support the artist behind the work.
Remi Awards Dinner
Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring outstanding creative excellence in film. Included in your Platinum pass. Make sure to reserve your seat and purchase additional tickets by April 24. Seating is limited.
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City – Ballroom
Cocktails: 7:00 PM
Dinner & Awards Presentation: 8:00 PM
Attire: Black Tie Optional - Red Carpet Ready (we’ll have everything from ballgowns to blue jeans)
NASA Tour and “Day on the Bay”
Sunday, May 3
Celebrate the festival’s finale with a full-day excursion featuring coastal views, community, and Texas hospitality.
9:00 AM – Coach bus departs promptly from the Westin
Visit Space Center Houston / Rocket Park at NASA (photo stop)
Continue to the Houston Yacht Club for boating, live music & Texas BBQ
Notes:
Please wear appropriate boating shoes (non-marking soles)
Dress comfortably and bring a light jacket
Bring a swimsuit if you like swimming
Bus departs Yacht Club at 5:30 PM
Stop 1: Cinemark (Closing Night Film)
Stop 2: Westin Hotel
