Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology
August 18-23, 2026 | Tickets now on sale!
OMSI is the place to be for the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology! Enjoy a six-day celebration of independent film and animation featuring exclusive screenings, filmmaker Q&As, an interactive expo, and visionary experiences that explore the future of storytelling through immersive VR, dome screenings in the Kendall Planetarium, and emerging technologies.
You can view information about the festival including the trailers and information about individual films and shorts at pdxfestofcinema.com.
Festival Passes
Interested in attending more than one showing? Checkout the Festival Pass options! Choose between the Festival & Party Pass or the Festival Pass- Screenings Only option.
*Early Bird Pricing available until July 27 at 5 pm.
PFCAT Celebrations
PFCAT Opening Night Party
Thurs. August 18 | 9:15 pm – 11:15 pm at Wonderlove
Join us as we launch the festival with an evening of music, drinks, and sweeping views of the Portland skyline at Wonderlove! Connect with filmmakers, animators and fellow festivalgoers while celebrating the start of PFCAT. Help us kick off the weekend and get ready for the six-days of screenings, conversations, and special experiences ahead.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will be located at Wonderlove. This will not take place at OMSI.
PFCAT Big Night Party
Sat. August 22 | 9 pm – midnight at Jupiter Hotel
The Big Night Party is a fun way to kick off the final stretch of the festival. We’re heading to Jupiter Hotel. Gather with filmmakers, artists, and fellow festival-goers for an unforgettable evening featuring food, drinks, special guests, surprise experiences, and plenty of PFCAT magic.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will be located at Jupiter Hotel. This event will not take place at OMSI.
PFCAT Closing Night Party and Awards Ceremony
Sun. August 23 | 8 pm – 10:30 pm at OMSI
Join us for the PFCAT Award Ceremony and Closing Night Party at OMSI’s Theory Restaurant. The evening includes a red carpet with photography, food and drinks, informal networking, and a ceremony celebrating this year’s festival winners.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will be located at OMSI in Theory Restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers! Explore frequently asked questions. For more information please contact us at events@OMSI.edu or (503) 797-4000.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
These shorts and films do not necessarily have closed captions or audio descriptions. Volume amplification is available for all content in the Empirical Theater but not the other spaces.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for Empirical Theater guests only and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
– Fidelio RX volume amplification units
– Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the Empirical Theater seats not including arm and back rests:
– Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
– Two VIP chairs 21.5” wide and 19” deep
– Additional VIP chair available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
– The weight capacity for the VIP chairs are between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
– Noise reducing headphones
– Fidget toys
– Sunglasses
– Visual and auditory timer
– 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
– Sanitizing wipes
Our Empirical Café features:
– Made-to-order coffee drinks; Grab-and-go salads and sandwiches; Fresh pastries; Beer, Wine and Cider (available evenings only); Popcorn, candy, and a selection of classic movie theater treats.
Food and drink is welcome in the theater, but not allowed in the Planetarium.
Our Theory Restaurant features: (open limited hours)
– Wood-fired pizzas, Grab-and-go salads and sandwiches; Fresh pastries; Beer, Wine and Cider.
All films and events will begin promptly with no movie previews. Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Yes, re-entry will be allowed into all spaces.
OMSI parking will cost $5 + fees for 2 hours or $8 + fees for all day parking. For guests arriving after 5:00pm, we will apply a flat fee of $2 for the evening.