Top Dog Film Festival - SOLD OUT

Saturday, March 21, 2026
7:00 PM 9:45 PM 19:00 21:45

Rio Theatre for the Performing 1205 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA, 95062 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT
You can still support the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and join us for the Pre Show YAPPY HOUR at Sante Adairius Midtown Portal

Supporting Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

The beloved Top Dog Film Festival is back for another heartwarming season, with a brand-new line-up of short films that celebrate the extraordinary connection between dogs and humans. The Top Dog Film Festival features tales of adventure, resilience, and canine joy — reminding us why dogs truly are our best friends. This year’s curated collection brings together incredible real-life stories from around the world — from bloodhounds tracking poachers in Africa to ultra-running Vizslas in the Pacific Northwest, pampered hotel pups, and unlikely sporting heroes. Whether it’s laughter, tears, or feel good moments you’re after, the 2026 Top Dog Film Festival delivers it all, one wagging tail at a time.

Film Highlights from the 2026 Line-Up:

Eben (USA) – The world’s most adventurous French Bulldog teaches us how to live fully, love deeply, and chase seals with joy.
George (UK) – A puppy becomes a beacon of hope in the Cumbrian hills, helping his owner find his way back from illness and despair.
SuperNova: The 100 Mile Dog (USA) – A Hungarian Vizsla and her ultra-runner dad embark on an epic journey of instinct, trust, and endurance.
Lux (France) – Deep in Africa, a bloodhound’s nose becomes a powerful tool in the fight against rhino poaching.
Canine Concierge (Australia) – Produced by the Top Dog Film Festival, this globe-trotting short features three unforgettable hotel hounds redefining VIP treatment.
Hustle and Run (UK) – A scrappy whippet and her team of underdog Flyball athletes chase glory at Crufts in this joyful British sports tale.
Rippin’ Rosie - This is a story about the bond that is created between a dog and her human through surfing. Rosie is a 5 year old Yellow Labrador Retriever who has been in the ocean since she was a puppy. Her human Steve is a lifelong surfer and dog lover who had always dreamed about sharing his love for surfing with one of his canine companions. With Rosie, his dream came true. Their journey shows what can be achieved with love, training, opportunity and - most of all - connection. For Rosie and Steve, surfing together has created a magical bond. This is their story.