A Celebration of Epic Storytelling at AMC Theaters The Grove to Feature a Red Carpet Event, Bagpipe Processional, Exclusive ‘Braveheart’ Screening, and Memorabilia Silent Auction
The DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) today officially announced the distinguished lineup for its highly anticipated 8th Edition Opening Night celebration, taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the iconic AMC Theaters at The Grove in Los Angeles. Anchoring this year’s flagship event is the presentation of DaVinci’s prestigious Visionary Award® to legendary writer, director, and producer Randall Wallace, whose cinematic masterpieces have defined a generation and shaped the landscape of epic storytelling.
The Visionary Award®, previously bestowed upon beloved industry icon Michael J. Fox in 2024 for his extraordinary achievements both on and off camera, honors exceptional creative architects of cinema whose enduring bodies of work inspire and transform global audiences. This year, DIFF turns its spotlight toward the profound power of the written word and cinematic scope by recognizing Mr. Wallace, the creative force behind some of the most culturally significant films of our time.
The evening will commence with a high-profile, media-covered Red Carpet arrivals event, gathering filmmakers, talent, and industry executives. Guests will then be ushered into the theater by a live traditional bagpipe processional, setting a stately tone before the evening’s main presentation: a retrospective screening of the legendary, multi-Academy Award®-winning epic Braveheart, experienced alongside the writer himself. Following the film, attendees will be treated to a one-on-one filmmaker Q&A and an inspiring keynote address in which Mr. Wallace will chart the rigorous craft behind creating timeless, long-form historical narratives.
The highlight of the presentation will be the formal conferral of the Visionary Award® to Mr. Wallace, celebrating his unparalleled status as a master craftsman of modern classics.
“Randall Wallace is a true architect of cinema, whose work serves as a powerful inspiration for the film community,” said Chadwick Pelletier, Founder and Executive Director of DIFF. “His epic storytelling has truly stood the test of time, forever defining the art of cinema. It is a profound privilege for DIFF to honor his extraordinary legacy as we kick off our eighth edition.”
Following closing remarks from Mr. Pelletier, the celebration will transition into the exclusive Opening Night Reception. The reception will feature a silent auction of premium memorabilia, showcasing a hand-signed Braveheart poster, an original screenplay, and a rare, ‘Flatsigned’ combined novel-screenplay autographed by Randall Wallace.
“We launch our visions into the dark, hoping they find a home in the hearts of others. To be recognized with DaVinci’s Visionary Award is a beautiful affirmation of that chase,” Wallace commented.
The DaVinci International Film Festival’s 8th Edition runs from September 25–26, 2026. Given the exclusive nature of this tribute, seating at AMC Theaters The Grove is strictly limited. Film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and patrons of the arts are encouraged to secure early bird tickets immediately to guarantee access to this historic, one-of-a-kind evening. In alignment with the festival’s commitment to purposeful storytelling, a portion of all ticket sales from the evening will go directly to Hollywood Habitats for Humanity, Mr. Wallace’s charitable organization.
To purchase early bird tickets or to learn more, please visit: https://davincifilmfestival.com/opening-night
Photos courtesy of DIFF.
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About the DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF)
Produced by the DaVinci Film Society Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) is a premier, boutique awards platform hosted annually at AMC Theatres at The Grove in Los Angeles. Honoring the “Architects of Cinema,” DIFF celebrates independent creatives from around the world across core categories including Narrative, Documentary, Animation, and Screenwriting with its prestigious Leo Awards. The festival also presents its esteemed Visionary Award®, honoring individuals who have profoundly shaped the industry landscape both on and off camera, first awarded to Michael J. Fox in 2024. Expanding its global footprint, the festival hosts an annual marquee Masquerade event at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to launch its inaugural DaVinci Labs residency in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2027. Committed to impactful storytelling, DIFF also spotlights social justice narratives through its “UP” program and nurtures next-generation student talent with their Jr. Leo’s. Discover more and Experience the DIFF at davincifilm.org.
