#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM FEST 2026 PROGRAMMING LINEUP

 Canadian Film Fest (CFF), the indie-spirited festival dedicated to celebrating Canadian filmmakers, today announced its lineup for the milestone 20th anniversary edition. Now marking two decades of bringing Canadian stories to Canadian audiences, CFF will present 16 features and 40 shorts from filmmakers across the country continuing its mission to showcase homegrown voices on the big screen. This year’s festival unfolds under its latest campaign, “Eyeballs Up,” a rallying call for audiences to look up, lean in and recognize the bold creativity of Canadian film. CFF returns to Cineplex’s Scotiabank Theatre Toronto from March 24 – 29, 2026. Tickets go on sale March 10 and can be purchased at Canfilmfest.ca.

CFF will kick off with the Canadian Premiere of Scott Anthony Cavalheiro’s gritty crime thriller PLAN C starring Vivica A. Fox, preceded by the short film I AM PLEASED from CFF 2025 You-CAN-Pitch Competition winner Vanessa Magic. Additional feature film highlights include the World Premieres of Mike Doaga’s coming-of-age drama MIHNEA and Ryan Fyfe-Brown and Dale Bailey’s timely human rights documentary LOS RÍOS; the Canadian Premiere of Alex Caulfield’s intergenerational drama WHAT COMES NEXT starring Mena Suvari; the Toronto Premiere of Chad Faust’s action thriller BALLISTIC starring Lena Headey; and Joy Wilson’s charming fantasy THE BEARDED GIRL starring Jessica Paré as the Closing Night Film.

From British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, CFF will present a diverse slate of short films preceding each feature film in addition to four dedicated shorts programmes. Highlights include the World Premieres of Roann Enriquez’s WAYSIDE about a young man preparing for a marriage proposal when old feelings resurface, and Sasha Zvereva’s A TALE OF IRA ABBOTT about a fragile love story set in rural Nova Scotia, and Quan Luong’s moving documentary PORTRAITS profiling a Vietnamese sketch artist.

“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, it feels like an especially proud moment to champion Canadian film and the artists who define it,” said Ashleigh Rains, Festival Director and Head Programmer, Canadian Film Fest. “CFF has always been committed to spotlighting homegrown storytellers, and this year’s programme reflects the boldness, diversity and creative ambition that shape Canadian cinema today. We’re immensely proud of how our festival has grown into a nationally recognized showcase of independent cinema, fearless storytelling, and films that spark conversation. We look forward to continuing to elevate Canadian talent for decades to come.”

CFF is proud to partner with Heritage Canada, Telefilm, DGC Ontario, Super Channel, Toronto Film School, OYA Black Arts Coalition, Screen Arts Institute, Sesler, Writers Guild of Canada, IATSE Local 58, 2D House, Ogilvy, and other generous sponsors, and grateful for their ongoing support of the festival, Canadian film, and artists.

By The Numbers:

• 56 Total Films
• 16 Features
• 40 Shorts
• 25 (45%) BIPOC Filmmakers
• 28 (50%) Female/Non-Binary Filmmakers
• 29 (51%) Toronto Shorts

Click here for the complete festival lineup and schedule or visit Canfilmfest.ca.

About the Canadian Film Fest:
The Canadian Film Fest is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by exclusively showcasing Canadian films. The festival unites film-loving audiences with diverse selections of features and shorts from across the country. The CFF provides Canadian filmmakers with essential professional development and networking opportunities through its Industry Series and awards.