If you love movies, you may not often get the chance to meet the people who make them. If you have been looking for a spring event that blends world-class cinema with a small-town atmosphere, the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival deserves a spot on your calendar. This celebration of independent film returns from April 8 to April 15, 2026, for its 20th anniversary in Gilroy, California.
There are plenty of reasons to visit the Poppy Jasper Film Festival in 2026, and booking a hotel near the Poppy Jasper Festival keeps you close to the action. Here, Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn will share what makes this event so special.
1. You Can See Films That Never Hit Mainstream Theaters
One of the biggest benefits of attending the Poppy Jasper Film Festival is access to stories you will not find at your local multiplex. The festival showcases features, documentaries, shorts, animation, horror, comedy, and experimental work from creators around the globe.
The festival typically features hundreds of films from dozens of countries. As an attendee, you get to experience bold storytelling that mainstream distribution often overlooks.
2. You Can Connect Directly With Filmmakers
What makes the Poppy Jasper Film Festival worth visiting goes beyond the screen. After nearly every screening, filmmakers participate in live Q&A sessions where you can ask about their creative process and inspiration.
The festival also hosts mixers, a VIP lounge, and panel discussions with directors, writers, and producers. Reviewing the Poppy Jasper festival schedule can help you plan which events fit your interests. These face-to-face moments make the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival feel personal.
3. Special Events Add Excitement Beyond Screenings
The festival is more than just movies. Signature events throughout the week create experiences you would not find anywhere else.
A few highlights to look forward to include:
- Opening ceremony and youth showcase: Student films and performances at Gavilan College kick off the week.
- The Poppy Bash and Icon Awards: Enjoy live music and awards honoring industry legends at CAPOS Event Center in downtown Gilroy.
- Mexico y Tu Day: Spend a full day celebrating Mexican heritage with film blocks, panels, and awards in San Juan Bautista and Hollister.
- VIP winery tours: Guided visits to local vineyards are ideal for pass holders who want to pair film with fine wine.
4. The Festival Celebrates Diverse Voices and Inclusion
As a nonprofit, the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival is dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment through cinema. The programming highlights underrepresented voices, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ creators.
The festival runs eight educational programs for youth, high school and college students, veterans, and older adults. That commitment to lifting every voice is why film lovers should attend the Poppy Jasper Film Festival.
5. Gilroy Is the Perfect Home Base for the Festival
Gilroy sits at the heart of the festival’s five host cities, making it the most convenient place to stay. Between screenings, you can explore the historic downtown district, sample local restaurants on the Ale and Taco Trails, or visit Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park and the Gilroy Premium Outlets.
Make Your Poppy Jasper Festival Trip Easy With Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival is an award-winning celebration of independent cinema that brings hundreds of films and filmmakers to the South Santa Clara Valley every April. We make choosing the best hotel for your trip easy. At Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn, we offer comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor heated pool, and top-tier customer service.
Call (408) 848-5144 to book your stay at Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn, and enjoy this year’s Poppy Jasper International Film Festival.