[Manteca, CA] — [March 4, 2026] — The Poeticas Film Festival returns this year with a
celebration of creative storytelling showcasing powerful short films, emerging filmmakers, and
original poetry from California’s Central Valley, and beyond.
Rooted in our mission, Poeticas Film Festival provides a platform for independent filmmakers
and creative writers to share authentic narratives that often go unheard in mainstream spaces.
The festival highlights original poetry from diverse voices transformed into microfilms (1-5
minutes) across genres including documentary, drama, comedy, experimental film, and
animated cinema.
This year’s festival will feature:
Free Festival
● Local writers and Writing activities with 209 Junk Journaling
● Live Music with Modesto’s Funstrummers
● A Maker’s Market featuring local artisans
● Interactive Photobooth
● Screening selections from last year’s festival in the public hall
Supporter Ticket ($10): Exclusive access to the premier screening of 2026 Poeticas Film
Festival in the theater
“Poeticas was created to give everyone a voice, a platform, and a place to expand your art into
new spaces,” says Tara Rico, Festival Director. “Film is one of the most powerful tools we have
to build empathy, preserve culture, and imagine new futures.”
In addition to screenings, Poeticas Film Festival is committed to community literacy through the
written, performing, and other creative arts.
The festival invites families, educators, artists, and community members to attend and support a
growing movement of grassroots filmmaking and cultural storytelling.
Event Details:
Location: Manteca Senior Center 267 Cherry Lane, Manteca CA
Date: Sunday April 12, 2026
Time: 11 AM - 3 PM
Tickets: PoeticasInstitute.org
For press inquiries, interviews, or sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Tara Rico
PoeticasInstitute@gmail.com
209-629-2054
IG: @PoeticasFilmFestival and @PoeticasInstitute
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