CA Upcoming

Edmonton Short Film Festival

Name: Edmonton Short Film Festival
Start: 2026-09-30
End: 2026-10-17
Location: Edmonton

The Edmonton Short Film Festival (ESFF) presents a free Truth and Reconciliation Film Screening and Author Reading event on September 30. The festival's main gala and screening weekend, which includes a red carpet event, commences on October 17 at Landmark Cinemas Edmonton City Centre.

Date: Sep 30 - Oct 17, 2026
Location: Edmonton
Status: Upcoming

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Event summary

Highlights

Truth and Reconciliation Film Screening and Author Reading event
Gala and screening weekend with a red carpet
Showcasing local Indigenous filmmakers and authors
Educational workshops including mobile device filmmaking

The Edmonton Short Film Festival (ESFF) organizes a free Truth and Reconciliation Film Screening and Author Reading on September 30, in partnership with Audreys Books. This gathering aims to raise awareness and celebrate Indigenous stories, artists, and voices, featuring a smudge ceremony, opening remarks by Elder Terry Lusty, presentations from Indigenous authors and filmmakers, a Q&A session, and closing words from Elder Dan Cardinal. Advance registration is required to attend this event.

The festival, founded approximately 15 years ago to provide a platform for short films, has expanded to include various educational opportunities throughout the year. These offerings include vertical filmmaking workshops, mobile device filmmaking classes, and the 48-hour Mobile Film Challenge, with most of these events being free to attend.

ESFF's overarching goal is to showcase indie filmmakers outside the traditional festival market, featuring diverse projects, and to elevate emerging artists by offering them a significant platform for their work and fostering their confidence and career development.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.