Hamilton Film Festival
21st Annual Hamilton Film Festival
Design by Diana Sullada
We are now in the selection process. All films will be notified by September 21 at the latest
HFF Binge Watcher Pass
CA$169.50
The Binge Watcher pass gives you access to all the public screening and events that take place at the 21st Annual Hamilton Film Festival from October 16th to 25th. Venues all TBA (Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, The Westdale, Playhouse Cinema) Price includes tax ($150 + hst = 169.50) Free shipping OR pick-up at the merch table during the festival. Please note that we will NOT ship these until September 2026.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 16th
Opening Gala + Local Shorts!
Friday October 16th
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E.
Gala 6pm
Movies 8pm, sharp! (please be in your seats by 8pm)
The 21st annual Hamilton Film Festival is here!
At 6pm - Gala Walk the red carpet, take some photos, and mingle with the filmmakers at the opening gala of the 21st Annual Hamilton Film Festival! You can also pick up your passes and purchase tickets for all shows.
At 8pm - Local Shorts!, 90m of movies plus a Q&A after the program.
Various genres / Not Rated and some content may not be suitable for younger audiences. Please read the synopsis for each film.
LOCAL SHORTS!
Movies with a strong connection to the Hammer!
The Content Creator, 3min, Comedy, Richard O’Daiskey & Kim Madden, Hamilton - An ASMR content creator is just trying to make peaceful videos, but her clueless boyfriend keeps interrupting.
Dusk, 1m, Josh Kemp, Hamilton - When the trees go silent, run. When the trees speak to you, don't listen.
Ex-ercise, 6min, Lucy Sanci, Comedy, Hamilton - Two exes are tricked into the same mushroom-fueled "healing" session by their meddling friend and forced to work through their breakup inside a wildly escalating shared hallucination.
TwoFer, 5m, Comedy, Shelly J. Hong, Hamilton - When a depressed gambler and a hapless dentist encounter one another whilst running from the law, they must work together to devise their getaway.
Murder, She Toked, 10m, Mystery, Eric Michael McKenzie, Canada (Filmed in Hamilton) Murder, She Toked is a 10-minute mystery-comedy about best buds Hannah and Mel, who use an extrasensory stoner superpower to investigate the murder of a hip-hop mogul at his luxury weed lounge.
Swimmers, 13m, Drama, Ryan Nesbitt, Hamilton - Over his summer break, Marco signs up for a lifeguard training course, where he becomes entranced by his polar opposite, Xavier; a boy of mystery and unknown sexuality.
Tough Shit, 7m, Comedy, Kristin Booth, Canada (Cinematography by Hamilton’s Christoph Benfey) Motherhood is messy, unpredictable, and often downright absurd. That famous guide should never have been called What to Expect When You're Expecting—rather, Buckle Up Bitch Rough Waters Ahead.
Value Undetermined, 15m, Drama, Jess Blackwell, Hamilton - A routine evaluation takes a chilling turn when a people-pleasing sales agent realizes she's interviewing for more than just a job.
A Clockwriter, 7m, Horror, Jack Hourahine, Cambridge - A screenwriter’s character manifests time, with each typewritten letter advancing the clock one minute closer to an encircling deadline.
Finding Shelter, 15m, Drama, Mehrtash Mohit, Toronto (Filmed in Hamilton) - FINDING SHELTER follows Hanna, a 10-year old girl, who is about to be smuggled out of her war-torn country with her father on a boat.
Sugar, 8min, Olivia Ellis, Hamilton. A sidelined career criminal spirals into a fit of jealousy and rage when the new guy shows up.
This short film won the Pitch competition at last year's Hamilton Film Festival!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 17th
INDUSTRY DAY
Will take place in the Voortman Theatre in the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
10am - Networking and Mingle
Enjoy the meetups, the casual networking and the free snacks + coffee!
11am - Master Class with Screenwriter John May and hosted by Terrance Odette.
John May is an award-winning writer, producer and director whose work ranges from preschool to one-hour drama in both live action and cartoons. Over a three-decade career, credits include Sesame Street, The Magic School Bus, Odd Squad, Dino Dan, Life with Derek, Mighty Express, Ruby and the Well, and more, always with an eye toward stories with heart, humour and something to say. John is also a mentor and co-founder of a BIPOC Kids TV training initiative, helping emerging writers find their way into the peculiar business of making television.
12:30pm - TBA
2pm - TBA
3:30pm - TBA
Saturday October 17th, 1pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E.
Unsung Heroes: The Quiet Magic of Alpacas
Documentary | 60m | Kelly Noseworthy | Produced and partially filmed in Hamilton
Q&A After the movie with Kelly Noseworthy and Diane Trembley-Griffin of RockChap Alpacas
Moderated by Annette Hamm
Discover the quiet magic of alpacas. Unsung Heroes: The Quiet Magic of Alpacas is a beautiful cinematic journey across farms in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, revealing the extraordinary connection between these gentle animals and the people who care for them. Come experience a heartwarming film about compassion, connection, sustainability, and the unexpected ways alpacas can transform our lives.omizing
COWS COME HOME
Drama / Comedy | 102m | Directed by Katie Uhlmann and written by Lindsey Middleton and Katie Uhlmann
Saturday October 17th, 3:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E.
Q&A After the movie
Tabby Acres moves back to her hometown to put her life back together with the help of her childhood best friend Cara Matheson. Cows Come Home explores small-town life, best-friend antics, and the unexpected drama of competitive cow-showing.
Katie Uhlmann is a longtime Alumni of the Hamilton Film Festival. Katie used to cover the film festival through her company Katie Chats. We are thrilled to have her back, this time as a filmmaker! We saw the premiere in Toronto and this is a delightful show that our farm community will love!
PHREAKER
Thriller | 98m | Adam Yorke | Canada
Filmed in Hamilton
Saturday October 17th, 7pm
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E
A blind, lonely 15-year-old joins the underworld of phone hackers called "phreakers", which earns him money, power, and a place on the FBI cyber squad's most wanted list. Inspired by true events.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 18th
HAMILTON SCHOOL OF MEDIA ARTS
These films were made through our weekend, and teen camp programs
Aging Out
A young boy is on the verge of being adopted while another teen is aging out of the system on her 18th birthday.
How To Become A Star
A young hopeful is hesitant to sign a contract with an acting agency that guarantees a role on a hit TV series
One Wish Eclipse
Nest Egg
ART HOUSE HAMILTON
A creative program designed to support recovery, connection, and self-expression for residents of Good Shepherd HOMES supportive housing program. Led by a Film Director Facilitator and supported by HOMES Community Mental Health Workers, participants will receive mentorship and hands-on training in storytelling, film-making and public engagement in a dynamic, inclusive, and low-barrier environment.
Modern Sasquatch
A Sasquatch's idyllic living situation is suddenly interrupted when a new building development starts construction next door. Sasquatch decides to leave his home and sets his sights on Hamilton, but life in the Hammer turns out to be just as problematic as the situation he left.
Research and Probe Employment
An enterprising alien from a distant planet boldly goes to Earth in hopes of finding a job. The alien does their best to adapt to human life, but securing successful employment seems to be light-years away...
Steps To Health
This short documentary showcases Good Shepherd's Steps To Health program. Participants and staff share their inspiring stories about this one-of-a-kind program that has helped transform local lives for 20+ years.
STUDENT and FIRST TIME FILMMAKERS
Off Track | 3m | Leo bienenstock
After jogging through an outdoor trail in the morning, young athlete Alex suddenly falls and hits his head hard on the ground. He awakens in an unfamiliar world with a mysterious line separating life and death. He soon finds himself back to reality in a hospital bed.
Pressed Flowers | 5m | Angelina Botumborey Lo
Alone in a field with a pressed flower from a love long gone, Dakota revisits the memories of a relationship that ended when the love they shared was no longer equal.
Stars on the Ceiling | 22m | Sofiia Brook | Humber Polytechnic
On the war's anniversary, a Ukrainian woman in Toronto must choose between her fiancé's family or supporting her war-displaced niece.
Pages | 4m | Kael Souto | First Time Filmmaker
At a quiet city bus stop, a forgotten book becomes the silent witness to the passing moments, choices, and connections of those who come and go.
How To Bury A Dog | 17m | Magdalena Barys | First Time Filmmaker
A woman and her ex-boyfriend travel to a lake house to bury their beloved dog. A story about two lonely people holding onto each other.
Buck and Burrow | 15m | Maya Oster | USC | Hamilton-Born
Buck and Burrow is a story about the dark side of ambition, the messiness of love, and the contrast of settling into what you have versus being pushed towards something better, all set in the flashy, neon-lit world of 1970s Nashville.
The Murder That Never Happened
Sunday October 18th, 6:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E
Q&A after the film with special guests to be announced.
From award-winning director Catherine Legge, The Murder that Never Happened is a psychological thriller feature documentary and "untrue" crime story about an innocent man on death row (Jimmie Duncan) and the Canadian journalist investigating his outrageous 1998 capital murder conviction for the worst crime imaginable. Together, and in real time, this high stakes fight for freedom unfolds but the real discovery is the impact of injustice on three families as they find out the horror story that defined their lives, was all a lie.
Catherine Legge is an award-winning filmmaker and investigative journalist who seeks to make deep character stories that use innovative visual techniques to challenge traditional narratives. She worked as a journalist with CBC for many years on big justice stories, as Executive Producer of Original Video for GEM and under her banner Play Nice Productions she’s developing scripted comedy and drama series. Her other recent documentary projects include THE UNSOLVED MURDER OF BEVERLY LYNN SMITH, MET WHILE INCARCERATED, BIG TRUE CRIME, BIG NEWS, and HOW TO START A REVOLUTION.
Some scenes filmed in Hamilton. Catherine is an HFF Alumni Filmmaker (Met While Incarcerated)
MONDAY OCTOBER 19th
TUESDAY OCTOBER 20th
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21st
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22nd
A Possession in Lincoln County
Found Footage | 72m | Louie La Vella | Monica La Vella
Q&A After the movie
Thursday October 22nd
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
A man documents his wife's cancer-until a terminal diagnosis leads him to an ancient ritual to summon the Devil and make a deal. His footage spirals into a chilling record of kidnapping, demonic rituals, and the price of desperation.
Louie La Vella is a Canadian producer and director known for horror films such as Invited, The Woodmen, and producer/director of festival short films Science of a Seance and Mindful Meditation. CEO of streaming specialty channel FOUND TV (focusing on found footage films)
FRIDAY OCTOBER 23rd
SATURDAY OCTOBER 24th
12 Noon - The Westdale
SUNDAY OCTOBER 25th
Tickets for this event will be sold through Film Freeway
Voices From A Concrete Ceiling
Documentary | 86m | Rita Chiarelli
Sunday October 25th 1pm, $12
Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave North, Hamilton
Follow award-winning recording artist, Rita Chiarelli, into the typically restricted world of a women’s maximum-security prison in Topeka, Kansas. Through her compassionate lens, VOICES FROM A CONCRETE CEILING unfolds as more than just a music documentary—it becomes a powerful exploration about humanity, redemption, and the art of storytelling. Offering a raw and compassionate look into the lives of women entangled within cycles of poverty, violence, addiction, and systemic failure. These inmates discover their voices through writing poetry and lyrics; witness their extraordinary testimonies of motherhood, survival, grief, and resilience. From a 13-year-old inmate serving a life sentence, to a young mother incarcerated for defending herself against an abusive stalker—these powerful realities shatter preconceived notions about incarceration. Exposing the fragile boundary between freedom and confinement, while shedding light upon the profound impact of systemic injustices and in some cases, what it truly means to be a victim of circumstance. Set against the backdrop of a prison housed in a former trade school that once empowered marginalized communities, the documentary underscores the failures of social and justice systems. Yet, amidst the stark realities of overcrowded cells and lost privacy, the workshops become a beacon of hope. As trust grows between Rita and the inmates, the women reconnect with their own humanity and gain the courage to reveal their truths—not just to the audience, but to themselves. The culminating concert is electrifying, a cathartic expression of unfiltered emotion and creativity that offers the inmates a fleeting but profound sense of triumph over adversity. This is more than a performance, it is a declaration of existence, a moment of healing, and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. VOICES FROM A CONCRETE CEILING becomes a powerful call to listen to stories that have been silenced for decades, to understand their struggles, and rethink what it means to rehabilitate into society after years of isolation. Can grace be given to those on both sides of the fence?
Tickets for this event will be sold through Film Freeway
Hamilton LOFT Shorts (90m)
w/ Q&A after the program
The Westdale
1014 King St W, Hamilton
Fish Boy | 16m | Drama | Joanne Fishburn | Hamilton
FISH BOY is a story about Jacky, a busy mid-50’s professional who comes to form an unlikely bond with 12-year-old Jack after he knocks on her door one day asking to borrow a bowl for his - he caught it at the lake and wants to take it home as a pet. Jack starts to visit often. Their connection grows, but he suddenly stops coming around. Jacky who has kept the friendship secret from Jack’s parents is unable to find him, leaving her to grapple with the bittersweet loss of their unexpected bond.
My Big Fat Gay Wedding | 11m | Comedy | Lara Schmitz | Alberta
After an exhausting weekend as a bridesmaid, Alex and her partner unexpectedly decide to plan their own wedding!
Community Magic | 9m | Documentary | Marisa Cristina Cerasoli | Ontario
In the “Steel City” of Hamilton, Ontario, The Westdale Theatre stands at the cultural and geographic centre of one of Canada’s first planned communities. Built in 1935 as Hamilton’s first “talkies” cinema, this 90-year-old non-profit cinema has shaped life in the Westdale neighbourhood for generations.
Bloom | 6m | Animated | Cassandra Deschênes | Quebec
How do you find the will to keep going even after losing everything?
Something Spontaneous | 6m | Rom-Com | Anisha Kumar | Ontario
In this empowering women-led rom-com, a humiliating comedy of errors ensues when Darcy tries to spice up her love life during her anniversary dinner.
Mascott | 13m | Dark Comedy |Marilyne Lamontagne | Quebec
A struggling transgender actor lands a bear mascot role on a children’s TV show, but as fame, hyper-masculinity, and public expectations close in, the bear suit refuses to come off — forcing them to confront the cost of losing their true self.
Internet Friend | 15m | Thriller | Erica Orfino | Ontario
In the dial-up days of the '90s, lonely 12-year-old Cleo finds solace in her only friend—an anonymous internet pal named Kitty. But as their bond deepens, strange occurrences make Cleo question if Kitty is who she says she is.
The Intimacy Coordinator | 20m | Drama -Thriller | Louisa Connolly-Burnham | UK
Kate is an intimacy coordinator. She is also a sex addict.
THE END
2025 Festival
In The News
Read https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/cast-aside-the-clouds-1236411701/
Watch Now https://www.chch.com/morning-live/20th-annual-hamilton-film-festival-to-screen-over-100-movies/
Read Now https://hamiltoncitymagazine.ca/its-20-years-for-the-hamilton-film-festival/
With Darren Laidman, Tuesday October 21, between 3-3:30pm on 102.9 FM in Hamilton
Read Now https://thesil.ca/hamilton-film-festival-celebrates-20-years-of-storytelling/
Read Now https://www.dundastoday.com/local-news/ancaster-filmmaking-duo-brings-cast-aside-the-clouds-to-the-big-screen-11339431
20th Anniversary Poster
2025 AWARDS
Script prize sponsored by InkTip.
We host over 3000 film lovers in new, and historic movie theatres!
We are a Canadian Screen Award Qualifying Film Festival and are a recognized festival by the Directors Guild of Canada.
We have been a top 100 Film Freeway event many times.
We screen local, Canadian, and International films including shorts, features, and documentaries.
We continue to have NO LATE FEES, meaning our submission fee is the same from opening day, to final deadline.
We are filmmakers.
We are truly independent.
Pitch Package
Screenplay Awards
Top 3 submitted screenplays
FILM FESTIVAL
Each film accepted receives a pass to attend all films, panels, and events!
($15000 total value from approx. 150 passes at $99each)
FILM SUBMISSIONS
Truly Independent
Best Film (Feature)
Best Short
Best Documentary
Best Screenplay (for a submitted film)
Best Screenplay (script submission)
Best Performance in a feature
Best Performance in a short
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Music
Best Sound
Best Production Design
Best Special FX
Best Emerging Film
Sparquie the Squirrel*
*The most electrifying film in honour of a squirrel who knocked out the power during our gala in 2012. Sparquie did not make it but his legacy lives on.
SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS
Top 3 prize package includes four months of our InkTip Pro membership so your winners can promote themselves and their scripts to InkTip's large network of producers and reps.
As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for independent film.
Every InkTip producer has been vetted via resume and references and demonstrated the ability to get movies made. Companies who are InkTip members include ABC, Anonymous Content, APA, CBS Films, HBO Films, ICM, Paradigm, Paramount Pictures, Hallmark Channel, FX, Universal, WME, Echo Lake, Zero Gravity, Bad Robot, and 20th Century Fox.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
It is recommended that you print this / view this and check off all the requirements and make notes, before submitting and/or contact us with questions.
WHAT WE ACCEPT
All film lengths and genres will be considered. Selection is at the final discretion of the programming team. If you submit a WEB SERIES, please submit it as a complete file. So if you have 6 episodes that are 10 minutes each, submit it under the appropriate length category (short 1-15m, Mid 16-60, feature 61 plus. We will also accept single episodes such as a pilot episode.
PREMIERE STATUS
We require a Hamilton Ontario area premiere status. Films that have, or will, screen in the Hamilton area prior to this festival will not be selected. This includes private cast/crew screening in the area. Special circumstances may be considered. The festival is rapidly growing and your film will have greater publicity, and opportunities exclusive to HFF that you may miss out on. By considering our event as your first festival stop in the area, you are making a choice that will benefit your film, and connections. All selected films get special access passes, opening up your visit to any opportunities we bring. And we do bring them! (Toronto is not included as being in our area) If you have questions about this, contact us.
SCREENINGS
Films will screen theatrically, and a small handful of films we select will have the opportunity to be broadcast on local Cable14, during the festival and geo-blocked.
OBLIGATIONS
Once a film is programmed in the FESTIVAL it may NOT be removed. If you want to remove your film you MUST do it before the final deadline. After the final deadline, a film is considered entered and we will begin programming immediately, at our discretion. You will get a FilmFreeway notification from us with possibly no further contact as to your inclusion in the festival. Please check you junk filters. Once a film is programmed, you will receive a welcome email from FilmFreeway via the HAMILTON FILM FESTIVAL with all the information you need to attend and any further materials we request.
MARKETING
We require that ALL feature films have a trailer and poster image at the time of the Notification Date. If you do not, that could result in our not selecting your project. We can't market your film, if you can't.
HAMILTON FILM FESTIVAL SCREENER FORMATS
We view online screeners only. No physical copies.
We will also not accept links through our social media channels. Everything MUST go exclusively through FilmFreeway. Do not email or DM us asking to watch your film, or asking us if it fits. If you want us to see it you MUST submit it.
EXHIBITION FORMATS
For shorts, file formats such at a high resolution mpeg, mov, quicktime and your screener link may be sufficient in some cases. Features we require a DCP, or a DCP download link. For an additional fee, we can create a DCP for you if you do not have one.
DCP is the primary option for feature length movies.
If you do not supply us with an Exhibition copy by the deadline, we will screen the version we have. Please note: If you want us to use a VIMEO for exhibition, make sure your profile allows the DOWNLOAD option once you are selected.
Delivery details will be listed in your acceptance letter and will include request for press access / screeners and links to excerpts for press.
SCREENING FEES
We are NOT a film circuit festival. If you are submitting as a distributor for the purpose of charging a screening fee, this is not the event for you. This year, we are looking for films that have no meaningful distribution.
WAIVER CODES
We are ONLY offering alumni waiver codes this year. Alumni can reach out to us for the code. We cannot accept any other waiver requests this festival year (2025).
PRESENTATION & NETWORKING
We are a truly independent film festival that rarely receives any arts grants or arts loans. HFF operates similar to a Trade Show for exhibiting, networking, industry development and audience building. We are a service-based arts event. For those accepted, that service includes a theatrical screening in one of our amazing venues, up to $300 value access-pass to public screenings, promotion & visibility, post-fest alumni promotion, access to industry professionals, quality networking and engaging experiences. We also have prize opportunities, official laurels and some year-round opportunities that come our way! (For example, we have worked with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra to book HFF alumni filmmakers who create original films to be screened with a live orchestra) We are also in touch year-round with many organizations and opportunities, and we look directly our alumni, to make these connect. All of the above are not guaranteed, and offered at the sole discretion of Hamilton Film Festival LTD. Terms may change, without notice. We are a Canadian Screen Award qualifier and a qualifier for the Directors Guild of Canada.
TRAVEL
The Hamilton Film Festival can not provide travel or lodging funds. You are encouraged to seek travel funds within your countries arts organizations. We will provide support letters if needed.
2025 SPONSORS & PARTNERS
- 3000 Attendees, a captive audience!
- Logo on the website as early as you sign up!
- Complimentary ticket packages
- Reserved Seating in the Ancaster Memorial Art Centre during the festival
- Logo on a festival poster
- Sponsor a specific screening ie "Your Company" presents Drama Shorts
- Banner "step & repeat" logo
SPONSORS
PARTNERS
VENUES
