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Mass Honors • Performing arts in cinema

Performing Arts in Cinema Awards (PACA)

Mass Honors - PACA is an international film festival recognizing distinguished performing arts in cinema. Designed for creators and audiences who believe that movement, music, and physical expression are just as vital to storytelling as dialogue and cinematography.

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Festival Dates

Aug 29-30, 2026

Embassy Theater

Program Highlights

  • Feature, music video and short film showcases
  • Special Michael screening
  • "Splinter," screening & Q&A w/director Rio Contrada

Mass Honors Performing Arts in Cinema Awards

The Embassy Theater
♿  Accessible Venue Doors open 30 minutes prior

Event Program

TimeS ARE subject to change

Day 1 — Opening & Screenings

SAT 8/29

Opening Day Reception

Welcome remarks, music, and festival overview.

Best Music Video Selections

Screening of selected music videos.

Best Choreography Selections

Screening of selected choreography.

Best Original Score

Screening of selected original score

Best Musical Performance

Screening of selected musical performances.

Featured Screening: Splinter

Starring Debbie Allen

Followed by Q&A with director Rio Contrada and producer Isaac Carlen.

Michael

Michael Jackson Biopic

Day 2 —Screenings & Awards

SUN 8/30

Film Camp Selections

Screening of local summer camp films.

Best Stunts Selections

Screening of selected stunts.

Best Solo Performance

Screening of selected performing arts shorts.

Best Ensemble Performance

Screening of selected ensemble performances.

Best Performing Arts Shorts

Screening of selected performing arts shorts.

Awards & Closing Night

Festival honors and closing celebration.

Best Performing Arts Film

Screening of Best Performing Arts film

About the festival

What to expect...

     Mass Honors recognizes excellence across a dynamic range of performance-driven disciplines.

     Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy curated screenings, live discussions with filmmakers and choreographers, as well as workshops exploring everything from motion capture to physical storytelling. The event culminates in an awards ceremony honoring the creators and performers whose work elevates cinema through extraordinary physical craft and expressive innovation.                                                                                              

     Mass Honors is more than a showcase, it’s a tribute to the power of the human body in motion and the artists who transform that motion into unforgettable film experiences.

Festival Credits

Director
Isaac Carlen
Producer
Smaranda Maria Albeck
Associate Producers
Matthew Sullivan, Robert Rosas