Call For Entries: Cookies & Comedy Film Festival Returns To Pittsburgh On Pi Day 2026

PITTSBURGH — The Cookies & Comedy Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 2026 edition, to be held March 14 at the Harris Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The one-day event highlights short-form comedy from around the world alongside Pittsburgh’s own voices. Film blocks are hosted by live stand-up comics, followed by filmmaker Q&As. The night ends with awards and a Pittsburgh cookie-table celebration.

Submissions are open through Dec. 31, 2025, with notifications on Jan. 14, 2026. Eligible works are comedy shorts (generally under 20 minutes) completed in 2023 or later. Entries are accepted via FilmFreeway. ( Use the discount code "MAXIT4COOKIES" at https://filmfreeway.com/CookiesFilmFest )

The festival’s inaugural year brought a packed house and more than 30 shorts to an intimate neighborhood cinema. For 2026, the festival levels up to the nearly 200-seat Harris Theater in the Cultural District, keeping the intimate feel while giving audiences and filmmakers more room to laugh together.

“Pittsburgh loves comedy,” said festival founder and director Scott Danzig. "and I want to give both filmmakers and fans here an unforgettable Pittsburgh experience.”

The festival welcomes local, national and international submissions, with programming that spans satire, sketch, character pieces, musical comedy and genre mashups. Sponsors and community partners are also encouraged to get involved!

For submission guidelines, schedules and updates, visit cookiesfilmfest.com. — Links Website: https://cookiesfilmfest.com Submit on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/CookiesFilmFest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CookiesAndComedy/ Venue: Harris Theater, 809 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA