#FIRSTLOOK: CHARLOTTETOWN FILM FESTIVAL REBRANDS TO ANCHOR FEST

On the heels of a record-breaking 11th edition of the Charlottetown Film Festival (ChFF), ChFF Executive Director Jenna MacMillan announces the expansion of the festival and rebrand to Anchor Fest for the 2026 edition. With an aim to expand its content offerings, Anchor Fest will focus not only on film but also highlight a mosaic of programming in television, comedy, music, podcasts, and more. Taking inspiration from SXSW, Anchor Fest will be a celebration and bringing together emerging and established artists to meet with industry professionals from across Canada, while showcasing innovative and cutting-edge content and stories. The first annual Anchor Fest will be October 14 – 18th, 2026.

“The last two years of ChFF have shown us that audiences in Atlantic Canada are hungry for innovative, cutting-edge, and comedic content,” says former director of ChFF and Executive Director of the new Anchor Fest. “We’ve been inspired by festivals from all over the world, from Galway to SXSW, to bring fresh, new ideas to our audiences. We hope that Anchor can expand its scope, and expand its audiences.”

Anchor Fest will bring together an eclectic mix of creators and content including the best of Canadian and select international features with a bold and comedic lens, more world premieres, and innovative and interactive screenings; industry spotlights on Canadian creators and filmmakers; musical acts across genres that bridge the gap between screen arts and music, and industry spotlights on the latest trends in East Coast Music; Stand-up comedy showcases, panels on comedy in Canada, and even live podcast and comedy show tapings in from of the Anchor audience.

“We are looking forward to building a new type of environment for industry professionals and creatives,” says Bill Lundy, Director of Industry Programming of Anchor Fest. “We are excited by the challenge of breaking down barriers and creating a festival that is not only holistic in its programming, but welcoming and relaxed for its attendees. We aim to be the SXSW of the North, but instead of BBQ, we serve seafood.”

Anchor Fest will be run by the newly founded non-profit organization, the Anchor Motion Picture Alliance, which will also serve at the P.E.I. Producers Association.

Follow the ChFF accounts, soon to be revamped as ANCHOR Fest:
Website: http://www.charlottetownfilmfest.com
Instagram @charlottetownfilmfest
Facebook: @CTownFF