The 5th annual International Wild Bunch Film Festival
The 5th annual Wild Bunch Film Festival is set to take place next month in Willcox, Arizona. The festival dates will take place on October 2 – 4. The Wild Bunch Film Festival is an international film festival which describes itself as “a competitive event for emerging filmmakers, screenwriters, authors and more!”
Their event page also states, “We hope to inspire and encourage them to pursue courageous and bold artistic visions in the western genre. This festival is known for embracing western and western sub-genres.”
While many festivals this year have opted for digital and online events the Wild Bunch Film Festival has made the decision to go forward with an in-person event, assuring attendees that the Willcox Theater will be adhering to CDC guidelines & implementing safety measures.
Here are some of the exciting events, meet & greets, and screenings attendees can look forward to participating in.
Festival Evolution and Relocation
What began as a modest gathering in Willcox has expanded into the largest western genre festival in the United States. The 11th annual edition moves to Galaxy Theatres in Tucson for October 21-25, 2026, giving the event bigger screens, more seating, and easier access for out-of-town visitors who already navigate awards-season circuits.
2026 Submission Guidelines and Deadlines
Filmmakers eyeing a slot should note the regular deadline of June 14, 2026, and the late deadline of September 11, 2026. Categories cover features, shorts, screenplays, and more, with the same emphasis on western and western-adjacent stories that has defined the event since its earliest days.
Movie Set Tours and Additional Programming
Recent lineups add exclusive access that the original Willcox schedule never offered. A free private movie-set tour on Friday, October 24, 2026, lets badge holders walk through locations that rarely open to the public, while sponsored tours fill out the daytime schedule between screenings.
Award Categories and 2025 Winners
The competitive slate includes Best Western Feature, Best Short, Best Director, and additional craft awards. The 2025 ceremony produced a rare tie in the top feature category, a reminder that juries still reward bold storytelling over star power.
Rex Allen Days Connection
The festival’s roots remain tied to Willcox through the annual Rex Allen Days celebration. The 75th edition runs October 1-4, 2026, and keeps the rodeo, parade, and western activities that originally drew Duke Wimberly and other guests to the region.
Sheree J. Wilson
Actress Sheree J. Wilson continues to appear as a recurring guest. She produced the feature Easy Rider: The Ride Back and remains listed among special guests on the festival site. Fans can expect signings in the lobby, though exact 2026 times will be posted closer to the event.
Duke Wimberly
Duke Wimberly keeps his association with the Rex Allen Days rodeo, which still runs every October in Willcox. His earlier nomination for the Jerry Vance Award for Best Stunt on Hung Up remains part of his festival bio.
Indie western screenings
Contemporary indie western titles fill the Sunday slate at Galaxy Theatres. The 40th-anniversary Urban Cowboy screening was a 2020 highlight; current programming shifts focus to newer features and shorts that keep the genre alive for fresh audiences.
Award show
Bobbi Jeen Olson, Jim Olson, and Rowdy Olson continue to host the ceremony. The 2025 edition moved into the DFX theater at Galaxy Theatres, a larger room that accommodates growing attendance without losing the intimate western vibe.
After-party
Recent after-parties have shifted to venues such as Saguaro Corners. The gathering still follows the award show and features live music, keeping the tradition of late-night conversation among filmmakers and fans intact.
More information
Tickets remain affordable, with passes listed through FilmFreeway and on the official site thewildbunchfilmfestival.com. Social channels on Instagram and Facebook provide the fastest updates on guest announcements and schedule tweaks. The event is a jam packed weekend filled with western genre fun that allows attendees to get to know many wonderful and talented western filmmakers. If you’d like to keep up-to-date with the festival be sure to follow them on their social media pages. You can find the Wild Bunch Film Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
