KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Film Office today announced the launch of Full Tilt Film Festival, a new signature event celebrating the art and business of sports storytelling. Blending the energy of a film festival with the substance of an industry summit, the festival will bring together athletes, filmmakers, studio executives, and sports franchises to explore how sports stories are being told on screen. The event is slated for August 28-29th of 2026.

From documentaries and scripted features to athlete-founded production companies and franchise-led media ventures, the Full Tilt Film Festival will explore every angle of this ever-expanding industry. The multi-day event will feature curated screenings, live conversations, and special events designed to appeal to both industry professionals and fans.

"Full Tilt Film Festival represents a powerful opportunity to showcase Kansas City's creative ecosystem to national and international industry leaders," said Mayor Quinton Lucas. "By bringing filmmakers, studios, and athletes into the city for meaningful engagement, this event positions Kansas City not just as a host, but as a collaborator."

"This festival feels authentic to who we are," said Rachel Kephart, Director of the Kansas City Film Office. "Kansas City has always been a sports town, but we're quickly becoming a creative capital too. What we're building with this festival recognizes that sports storytelling is now one of the most powerful and influential forces in film and media. We're creating a platform that celebrates that evolution and puts Kansas City at the center of the conversation."

The festival is backed regionally by the Missouri Department of Tourism and the Missouri Film Office, underscoring its significance not only as a cultural event, but as a platform to spotlight the region's creative and production capabilities.

Additional programming details, guest announcements, and ticket information will be released in the coming months.

For more information, visit fulltiltfilmfestival.com. Media kit here.

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About Full Tilt Film Festival

Full Tilt Film Festival is a Kansas City-based celebration of sports storytelling across film, television, and digital platforms. The festival convenes athletes, filmmakers, and industry leaders to explore how sports stories shape culture and move audiences.

About the Kansas City Film Office

The Kansas City Film Office supports and grows the region's film and media industry by attracting productions, supporting local creatives, and fostering long-term cultural and economic impact.