Check out the best Canadian film festivals of 2019
Canada’s film festivals continue to draw global attention, giving indie filmmakers a reliable path to wider audiences and offering fans a steady stream of new work. The circuit mixes established giants with smaller events that spotlight specific voices, and the 2026 calendar keeps that mix intact. Submissions remain open at many of these festivals, and tickets sell quickly once lineups drop.
Whether you are looking for a place to screen your first short or planning a trip to catch premieres, the festivals below cover the range of opportunities available this year.
Toronto Vanguard Film Festival
Feb 21st – December 1st A newcomer on the circuit, Toronto Vanguard launched last year. It aims to bridge the gap between live and online audiences providing a streaming component to its festival events. The actual events will be taking place in various Toronto venues from February onwards, starting at the hipster screening rooms District 28. If you’re looking to join a Toronto-based film community, check out their inclusive events. If you’re a filmmaker telling stories focused on diversity and underrepresented narratives, then you’ll definitely want to submit to this upstart festival.
Canada Independent Film Festival
February 16th From its humble beginnings in Montreal, the Canada Independent Film Festival has blossomed into an essential opportunity for independent filmmakers looking to establish themselves in the industry. The one-day format facilitates a carefully curated screening selection, making this event the clear choice for discerning film fanatics seeking out the next big thing in independent movies.
Canadian Film Festival
March 19th – 23rd Canadian Film Festival focuses on the independent film scene, showcasing only films produced domestically. The event attracts industry professionals from across North America for its extensive selection of screenings and genre diversity. Acknowledgement at the Canadian Film Festival is often something of a coronation, as films showcased in the lineup are routinely nominated for a Canadian Screen Award.
Calgary Underground Film Festival
April 22nd – 28th CUFF has been expanded to a full week for 2019, which should come as great news to fans of more adventurous work. With the stated goal of “defying convention”, Calgary Underground Film Festival shines a spotlight on ambitious offerings, from incisive documentaries to imaginative shorts. If you’re looking to see films rarely experienced in North American theaters, you have an appointment in Calgary in late April.
Hot Docs
April 25th – May 5th North America’s largest documentary-driven festival returns to Toronto for 2019, and this year’s lineup is expected to include about 200 documentaries and shorts from around the world. Hot Docs provides a rare platform for aspiring documentary filmmakers to put their their most engaging insights on display for a global audience.
Fantasia Montreal
July 11th – August 1st The three-week Fantasia Montreal event is one of the most highly anticipated film festivals of the year, and many of the industry’s most celebrated filmmakers can thank a July trip to Quebec for their earliest success. Is this the year for another breakout hit in the mold of 2009’s Inglourious Basterds? The best way to find out is in the audience that has gained a reputation as the nation’s most electric.
Toronto International Film Festival
September 5th – 15th Considered the definitive star-maker on Canada’s festival schedule, Toronto International Film Festival is a consistent stop on the road from independent film to international sensation. The first week of September will see all the brightest stars in the Canadian filmmaking landscape descend on its largest city, so if you’re a film addict looking for an excuse to take a trip to Toronto, take this tip from us.
Midnight Madness
September 7th – 17th Where TIFF has been a household name with North American film junkies for generations, its offshoot Midnight Madness has established itself as something of an underground sensation in recent years. Targeted at a crowd who doesn’t mind yelling at the screen during a chase scene or reciting Rocky Horror word for word, this festival has witnessed the debut of cult classics like Cabin Fever and Saw, making it a highly engaging experience for those who can do without the glitz and galas.
FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival
September 12th – 19th This eight-day extravaganza emanates from Halifax, Nova Scotia and features film, media, and music with true international flavor. The normally quiet city on the coast transforms into a mecca of creativity, bringing filmmakers and film lovers together for a packed program of unforgettable presentations, including galas, reception events, industry panels, and a variety of unique interactive experiences. Past winners include last year’s phenomenon Moonlight – a win at FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival is frequently an early indication of big things to come.
Ottawa International Animation Festival
September 27th – October 1st For fans of animation in North America, there is no greater exhibition of the medium’s growth than this film festival in the nation’s capital. The Ottawa International Animation Festival is the highest-profile animation film festival on the continent, giving center stage to the inventive works and unmatched vision of artists & filmmakers. Innovation is a huge part of the puzzle at this film festival, which has seen the debuts of groundbreaking works in a range of genres.
Whistler Film Festival
December 1st – December 5th Since its foundation in 2001, Whistler Film Festival has become renowned internationally as a launching pad for both independent filmmakers and the British Columbian town itself. Each year, the festival welcomes over 16,000 professionals and enthusiasts to town to discover uncharted territory in filmmaking. Along with the event’s reputation for bringing new stars to center stage, the Whistler Film Festival is also a proving ground for established filmmakers looking to experiment with bold new directions.
Toronto Black Film Festival
The Toronto Black Film Festival has grown into one of the stronger platforms for Black Canadian and international cinema. Its programming mixes narrative features, documentaries, and shorts that examine identity, history, and contemporary life. The 14th annual edition runs February 11–16, 2026, with screenings across multiple Toronto venues and an industry component aimed at emerging filmmakers. Submissions are accepted through the festival’s online portal, and early deadlines typically fall in late fall.
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
Vancouver International Film Festival maintains a steady presence on the West Coast with a program that balances Canadian premieres and international titles. The 45th edition takes place October 1–11, 2026. Industry sessions run alongside the public screenings, giving filmmakers access to buyers and programmers from across North America. Tickets go on sale in September, and industry accreditation opens earlier in the summer.
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival remains the leading venue for Indigenous film and media in Canada. The 2026 edition ran June 2-7 in Toronto with an online component that extended access to remote communities. Programming includes features, shorts, and installations that foreground Indigenous perspectives. Filmmakers working in these communities often cite the festival’s mentorship sessions and market meetings as key steps toward wider distribution.
Industry Trends: Canadian Film Production and Festivals
Foreign location and service production in Canada rose 9.5% to CAN$5.32 billion in 2025, according to recent industry reports. That growth supports festival programming by increasing the pool of completed films seeking exhibition. TIFF is launching an official market component in 2026 backed by $23M CAD in government investment, which should create additional pitching opportunities for Canadian producers. The combination of rising production spend and expanded market infrastructure suggests festivals will continue to serve as practical entry points for independent work.
Planning submissions and travel around these dates gives filmmakers a clear route through the year. Fans who follow the circuit can catch premieres before wider releases and meet the artists behind the work. The calendar stays busy, and the venues keep the conversation moving between cities.
