The 19th Annual Hamilton Film Festival will run from October 18th - 27th, 2024.
Film selections will be announced Early September.
Film selections will be announced Early September.
FESTIVAL PASS
All screenings and public events unless otherwise noted* Oct 18th - 27th, 2024
$99 + HST ($300+ value)
Free Shipping
For years we have not raised our pass prices, and we won't again this year.
Passes will start shipping in September. Make sure to include your shipping address when you check out.
$99 + HST ($300+ value)
Free Shipping
For years we have not raised our pass prices, and we won't again this year.
Passes will start shipping in September. Make sure to include your shipping address when you check out.
*Excludes the Red Carpet premiere of East End, on October 26th
Friday October 18th - Opening Night
LOCAL SHORTS!
Friday October 18th, 6:30pm, $12
Q&A after the movies
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Free parking on site.
Q&A after the movies
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Free parking on site.
Kick of the festival with an eclectic viewing of short films from Hamilton, and the surrounding area!
Blink and You’ll Miss It / Experimental / 1min / Jason Lamb
The Wait / 2min / Animation / Chelsea Irwin
Figaro, Figaro / 13min / Action / Chris Kabisoso
Over The Edge / 7min / Drama / Jenna Harder
The Stain / 5min / Comedy / Constance Hilton
Perseverance / 1min / Animation / Chelsea Irwin
Capsule / 13min / SciFi Comedy Drama / Dani Kind
EarthWorm / 16m / Experimental / Phillip Barker
Dick Move / 13m / Comedy / Scott Morris
Clementine / 14min / Comedy / Drama / Beth Evans
The Understudy / 13m / Drama / Peter Pasyk
T-Bone / 8min / Drama / Zachary Bennett
The Wait / 2min / Animation / Chelsea Irwin
Figaro, Figaro / 13min / Action / Chris Kabisoso
Over The Edge / 7min / Drama / Jenna Harder
The Stain / 5min / Comedy / Constance Hilton
Perseverance / 1min / Animation / Chelsea Irwin
Capsule / 13min / SciFi Comedy Drama / Dani Kind
EarthWorm / 16m / Experimental / Phillip Barker
Dick Move / 13m / Comedy / Scott Morris
Clementine / 14min / Comedy / Drama / Beth Evans
The Understudy / 13m / Drama / Peter Pasyk
T-Bone / 8min / Drama / Zachary Bennett
A THOUSAND CUTS
Mystery / Thriller / 90min
Written and Directed by Jake Horowitz (3-time HFF Alumni)
Friday October 18th, 9:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Free parking on site.
GATEKEEPERS
6min / Short / Jason & Ben Speir
Short film preceding the feature
After signing up for a literal elevator pitch, a screenwriter grapples with the conflicting advice from three very different producers.
Written and Directed by Jake Horowitz (3-time HFF Alumni)
Friday October 18th, 9:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Free parking on site.
GATEKEEPERS
6min / Short / Jason & Ben Speir
Short film preceding the feature
After signing up for a literal elevator pitch, a screenwriter grapples with the conflicting advice from three very different producers.
Synopsis
While investigating a notorious 30-year-old unsolved murder on a true crime special, the hosts find themselves dangerously intertwined with the case as their relationship begins to derail and mysteriously echo the brutal murders, all on live TV.
Cast:
Jonas Chernick (The End of Sex), David Hewlett (Stargate: Atlantis), Julian Richings (Beau is Afraid, Man of Steel), Storm Steenson (The Boys, Cup of Cheer)
While investigating a notorious 30-year-old unsolved murder on a true crime special, the hosts find themselves dangerously intertwined with the case as their relationship begins to derail and mysteriously echo the brutal murders, all on live TV.
Cast:
Jonas Chernick (The End of Sex), David Hewlett (Stargate: Atlantis), Julian Richings (Beau is Afraid, Man of Steel), Storm Steenson (The Boys, Cup of Cheer)
The ENTIRE 30+ person crew and producing team are all born and raised Hamiltonians, the film was made with the support of Hamilton Film Studios, and prep and post was done in Hamilton.
Saturday October 19th
Drama Shorts (107min)
Saturday October 19th, 6:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Free parking on site.
A popular choice annually, the drama shorts program is an excellent choice for your cinematic pallet.
Movies start at 6:30pm sharp
Q&A will happen after the program with attending filmmakers
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Free parking on site.
A popular choice annually, the drama shorts program is an excellent choice for your cinematic pallet.
Movies start at 6:30pm sharp
Q&A will happen after the program with attending filmmakers
Two Breaths / 19min / USA / Kateryna Kurganska
After a man-made disaster decimates an evergreen island, a stranded 11-year-old girl must find the tenacity to leave behind her home with the help of an unlikely friend.
Triage / 14m / Canada / David Rendall
For Gemma and James, a simple car ride to the vet escalates into a full-blown crisis, exposing hard truths beneath the surface of their relationship.
Desync / 12min / Canada / Minerva Marie Navasca
A young Filipina filmmaker attempts to overwrite a painful memory of her mother with a perfect narrative.
One Good Horse / 14m / Spain / Kolya-Alvaro Dam de nogales
To celebrate sixty years of union, an aging man decides to take his bed-ridden and semi-commotose wife on a physically and emotionally challenging trip to the summit where he first proposed.
Strangers / 14m / Canada / Leah Doz
After missing their bus on a cold winter night, a young girl confronts the limits of her mother's love.
The Other Stuff / Canada / 14m / Bernard Gray
After a breakthrough moment during couples therapy, Winston, a 30-year-old black man, must confront his uncle about their abusive relationship.
Dinner Party / 20min / Canada / Kevin Alves
In the bustling hours before a dinner party, three couples face a rollercoaster of emotions, navigating through personal struggles and the complexities of their relationships.
Thrills and Chills
A mix of short films showcasing the darker side of things including Dark Comedy, Dark Drama, Thriller & Horror.
Saturday October 19th, 9:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Free parking on site.
Movies start at 9:30pm sharp
Q&A will happen after the program with attending filmmakers
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Free parking on site.
Movies start at 9:30pm sharp
Q&A will happen after the program with attending filmmakers
Pocketman / 2m / USA / Ericka Clevenger
Careful what you put in your pocket.
Rodent / 8m / UK / Joe Fereday
In the not too distant future, a rat transports us through the last vestiges of humanity as it forages for food for its family.
Heap / 12m / Canada / Kyle Marchen
Caught in a lie, Isha is forced to live a double life after discovering a “utopian” society in the building next door to her dilapidated apartment.
Bunker / 7min / UK / Ian Killick
On the brink of nuclear destruction, a mother must make an impossible decision to protect her children.
Nosocomephilia / 15m / Canada / Michèle Kaye
A middle-aged woman in a state of ennui starts compulsively visiting doctors.
Northern Escape / 11m / Canada / Alexis Korotash & Lucy Sanci
A couple on a cottage getaway tries to work on their relationship but ends up getting more than they bargained for when they discover something sinister lurking beneath the surface.
The Shadow Path / 7m / Canada / Daniel Foreman
The Shadow Path is a gritty, supernatural thriller about struggling to escape the inner city and living out one’s dreams.
Dirty Bad Wrong / 15m / Canada / Erica Orofino
Desperate to keep her promise to host the best superhero party for her 6 year old, young mother Sid, a sex worker, takes extreme measures and books a last-minute client with a dark fetish.
God Damn Door / 7m / Russian Federation / Mikhail Morskov & Vitaly Dudka
A happy mother is preparing dinner and waiting for her son from a walk. Suddenly her ex-husband, from whom she has been hiding for so long, rings the doorbell.
Dungeon of Death / 18m / Canada / Brian Rowe
Torturer Raulin loves his job (maybe a little too much) but his latest victim challenges both his skills and his sanity.
Careful what you put in your pocket.
Rodent / 8m / UK / Joe Fereday
In the not too distant future, a rat transports us through the last vestiges of humanity as it forages for food for its family.
Heap / 12m / Canada / Kyle Marchen
Caught in a lie, Isha is forced to live a double life after discovering a “utopian” society in the building next door to her dilapidated apartment.
Bunker / 7min / UK / Ian Killick
On the brink of nuclear destruction, a mother must make an impossible decision to protect her children.
Nosocomephilia / 15m / Canada / Michèle Kaye
A middle-aged woman in a state of ennui starts compulsively visiting doctors.
Northern Escape / 11m / Canada / Alexis Korotash & Lucy Sanci
A couple on a cottage getaway tries to work on their relationship but ends up getting more than they bargained for when they discover something sinister lurking beneath the surface.
The Shadow Path / 7m / Canada / Daniel Foreman
The Shadow Path is a gritty, supernatural thriller about struggling to escape the inner city and living out one’s dreams.
Dirty Bad Wrong / 15m / Canada / Erica Orofino
Desperate to keep her promise to host the best superhero party for her 6 year old, young mother Sid, a sex worker, takes extreme measures and books a last-minute client with a dark fetish.
God Damn Door / 7m / Russian Federation / Mikhail Morskov & Vitaly Dudka
A happy mother is preparing dinner and waiting for her son from a walk. Suddenly her ex-husband, from whom she has been hiding for so long, rings the doorbell.
Dungeon of Death / 18m / Canada / Brian Rowe
Torturer Raulin loves his job (maybe a little too much) but his latest victim challenges both his skills and his sanity.
Sunday October 20th
Kids Can Film
Sunday October 20th, 1pm, $10
Family / Probably the most fun you will have!
Movies made by the kids during the Winter Break, March Break, and Summer Camp
(please note the Teen movies will be at 3pm)
Family / Probably the most fun you will have!
Movies made by the kids during the Winter Break, March Break, and Summer Camp
(please note the Teen movies will be at 3pm)
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Ontario
Free parking on site
Please note the movies will start at exactly 1pm.
Please be in your seats at least 5 minutes before the movie starts.
There will be time for photos in the lobby after the screening
Free parking on site
Please note the movies will start at exactly 1pm.
Please be in your seats at least 5 minutes before the movie starts.
There will be time for photos in the lobby after the screening
Theatre of Horrors - Winter Break
The Doll - March Break
A Bird Egg...I think? - July 2
Fish of Time - July 8
This Game is Whack, Bro Jack -
Tap Tap -
Ancaster's Got Talent...? - July 29
Calendar Killers - Aug 12
The Doll - March Break
A Bird Egg...I think? - July 2
Fish of Time - July 8
This Game is Whack, Bro Jack -
Tap Tap -
Ancaster's Got Talent...? - July 29
Calendar Killers - Aug 12
Magnetosphere
Family / 90min / Canada
Written and Directed by Nicola Rose
Actors Patrick McKenna and Zooey Schneider, are from Hamilton.
Written and Directed by Nicola Rose
Actors Patrick McKenna and Zooey Schneider, are from Hamilton.
Sunday October 20th, 7pm, $10
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
It's 1997. The Hale-Bopp comet is passing by Earth, and Maggie Campion is a kid with a secret. She's always known there’s something different about her: she can see sounds and hear colours, and her senses do all sorts of other unusual things besides. Shy and cautious, Maggie has always kept these things to herself.
But when she moves across the country with her family — goofy theatrical dad Russell, pragmatic mom Helen, and mischievous little sister Evie — Maggie’s world is shaken up. When she starts school and her dad mounts a ramshackle production of "The Pirates of Penzance" at the local theatre, everything changes. Maggie meets several important people: her first love, her first best friend, a teacher who recognizes Maggie’s differences, and the family’s loony handyman-exterminator, Gil, who nurses a formidable hidden talent. Together, these oddball folks will lead Maggie to the realization that her differences have a name — synesthesia. And that with or without it, she’s remarkable.
Cast: Colin Mochrie, Steven He, Patrick McKenna, Tara Strong, Debra McGrath, and Shayelin Martin.
But when she moves across the country with her family — goofy theatrical dad Russell, pragmatic mom Helen, and mischievous little sister Evie — Maggie’s world is shaken up. When she starts school and her dad mounts a ramshackle production of "The Pirates of Penzance" at the local theatre, everything changes. Maggie meets several important people: her first love, her first best friend, a teacher who recognizes Maggie’s differences, and the family’s loony handyman-exterminator, Gil, who nurses a formidable hidden talent. Together, these oddball folks will lead Maggie to the realization that her differences have a name — synesthesia. And that with or without it, she’s remarkable.
Cast: Colin Mochrie, Steven He, Patrick McKenna, Tara Strong, Debra McGrath, and Shayelin Martin.
Directors Statement
"Magnetosphere" is a comedy about a 13-year-old girl with a neurological condition called synesthesia. I believe it is the first-ever family film to place synesthesia at the center of a story. As a young child, I experienced synesthesia myself, which indirectly set me on the path to making this movie. In making "Magnetosphere," I wanted to highlight both synesthesia specifically, and, more generally, neurodivergent girls, who are underrepresented in media. I hope you enjoy the humour, warmth and heart of this film as much as I enjoyed directing it. - Nicola Rose
"Magnetosphere" is a comedy about a 13-year-old girl with a neurological condition called synesthesia. I believe it is the first-ever family film to place synesthesia at the center of a story. As a young child, I experienced synesthesia myself, which indirectly set me on the path to making this movie. In making "Magnetosphere," I wanted to highlight both synesthesia specifically, and, more generally, neurodivergent girls, who are underrepresented in media. I hope you enjoy the humour, warmth and heart of this film as much as I enjoyed directing it. - Nicola Rose
Look at Me
Drama / 86m / Canada / Taylor Olsen
Sunday October 20th, 9:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Sunday October 20th, 9:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
A fictional autobiography about an insecure, awkward and lonely bisexual actor who goes on an unwitting journey of self-love in the midst of an eating disorder relapse.
Taylor Olson (he/they) is a queer former athlete-turned filmmaker. The Canadian Screen Award & thirteen-time ACTRA Award nominee is based in Kjipuktuk/ Halifax, N.S. Taylor’s feature film directorial debut Bone Cage was released to critical acclaim; sweeping the awards at the FIN Atlantic International Film Festival and earning over 30 additional accolades at festivals around the globe. Bone Cage appeared in competition at Camerimage, competed in the Forward Future section of the Beijing International Film Festival, and toured numerous US festivals before being nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards for Adapted Screenplay & Supporting Actress. Next, Olson is set to premiere his sophomore feature film Look At Me at the Slamdance Film Festival and will be shooting his third feature film Unseen in the spring of 2024 alongside Crave and Vortex Media. For television, Olson has directed for two seasons of This Hour Has 22 Minutes on CBC, three seasons of the documentary series Disrupt for AMI, and screened their AR series Alone Together at festivals such as the Reykjavik International Film Festival and the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. As a creator, Olson released his first two short-form comedy series King & Pawn and 2GETHER 4EVER for Bell Fibe TV1. King & Pawn is currently shooting its third season in a 6 x 22 minute format for the Trailer Park Boys streaming service Swearnet. Olson likes to explore themes of masculinity, queerness, and the ways the two intersect. - HFF Alumni and award winner for Bone Cage
Monday October 21st
Tuesday October 22nd
DOUBLE FEATURE
Thriller / Horror
Voices Carry / Massacre at Femur Creek
Tuesday October 22nd, $15 gets you into both films
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster
Free parking on site
15min Intermission between the films
Q&A for both films take place after the last film
Tuesday October 22nd, $15 gets you into both films
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster
Free parking on site
15min Intermission between the films
Q&A for both films take place after the last film
VOICES CARRY - 7pm
Thriller / Horror / 81min
Henry arrives in a new city for his first wedding
photography gig. But when he checks into his BNB in hopes of a quiet stay, he gets much more than he bargained for. On his first night in the basement apartment, he is kept awake by disruptive sounds coming from the unit above. Each subsequent night, the noises become more unsettling and messages from his dodgy host become stranger and more alarming. Disgruntled and prepared to check out early, Henry uncovers his host’s secret and quickly realizes that checking out may not be as easy as he had thought.
Director Biography - Derek Lukosius
Derek Lukosius is an award-winning filmmaker from Hamilton Ontario. He graduated with a Bachelor of Film and Media Production in 2014. In 2016, Derek proudly won the prestigious Hamilton Arts Award for Emerging Media Artist.His films have screened at festivals all around the world from Puerto Rico, to Mexico to the UK to New York. His film, Camp Kenneth, proudly won an award with judge Bruce Clark, DOP of Canada’s Worst Driver, calling it “guerilla filmmaking at its best!”
Thriller / Horror / 81min
Henry arrives in a new city for his first wedding
photography gig. But when he checks into his BNB in hopes of a quiet stay, he gets much more than he bargained for. On his first night in the basement apartment, he is kept awake by disruptive sounds coming from the unit above. Each subsequent night, the noises become more unsettling and messages from his dodgy host become stranger and more alarming. Disgruntled and prepared to check out early, Henry uncovers his host’s secret and quickly realizes that checking out may not be as easy as he had thought.
Director Biography - Derek Lukosius
Derek Lukosius is an award-winning filmmaker from Hamilton Ontario. He graduated with a Bachelor of Film and Media Production in 2014. In 2016, Derek proudly won the prestigious Hamilton Arts Award for Emerging Media Artist.His films have screened at festivals all around the world from Puerto Rico, to Mexico to the UK to New York. His film, Camp Kenneth, proudly won an award with judge Bruce Clark, DOP of Canada’s Worst Driver, calling it “guerilla filmmaking at its best!”
MASSACRE AT FEMUR CREEK - 8:45pm
Horror / 82min
As his wedding day approaches, a nervous groom reluctantly joins his childhood friends at a wild bachelor party organized by his overbearing best friend. However, the festivities turn into a night of terror when a psychotic killer starts hunting them down, forcing the group to confront their deepest fears and fight for their lives in a desperate struggle for survival.
Cast / Crew / Locations in Hamilton
Director Biography - Kyle Hytonen
Kyle Hytonen cut his teeth on indie cinema in the frozen tundra of Thunder Bay. Since moving south to the warmer confines of Hamilton, Kyle, who may or may not be an illegitimate child of tough guy Brian Dennehy, has directed and produced several shorts and features in the horror genre. His film Massacre at Femur Creek toured several film festivals, where Kyle spent most of his time eating cured meats and hocking cheap t-shirts.
Horror / 82min
As his wedding day approaches, a nervous groom reluctantly joins his childhood friends at a wild bachelor party organized by his overbearing best friend. However, the festivities turn into a night of terror when a psychotic killer starts hunting them down, forcing the group to confront their deepest fears and fight for their lives in a desperate struggle for survival.
Cast / Crew / Locations in Hamilton
Director Biography - Kyle Hytonen
Kyle Hytonen cut his teeth on indie cinema in the frozen tundra of Thunder Bay. Since moving south to the warmer confines of Hamilton, Kyle, who may or may not be an illegitimate child of tough guy Brian Dennehy, has directed and produced several shorts and features in the horror genre. His film Massacre at Femur Creek toured several film festivals, where Kyle spent most of his time eating cured meats and hocking cheap t-shirts.
Wednesday October 23rd
Short Documentaries - Canadian Voices
Filmmakers from Canada share their stories in short format
Wednesday October 23rd, 6:30pm, $12, 107min
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster
Free parking on site
Q&A will take place after the films with attending filmmakers
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster
Free parking on site
Q&A will take place after the films with attending filmmakers
What Ales Us? / 22m / Cathy van Ingen
Two women reckon with a broken beer industry in Canada and start a movement to change it.
Michif Land-Based Knowledge / 3min / Robyn Adams
Weaving shots of historical and contemporary Métis beadwork with intricate flashes of prairie landscape, and native plants this film explores relationship to the land through a place-based tactile knowledge. Featuring beadwork from Lor Brand and Jennine Krauchi this knowledge is shared throughout the film.
DRM1000: Intro to Performance / 9m / Ahlam Hassan
Welcome to theatre school. Lessons include: how to speak, move and be human on-stage. Four Black-Canadian students appear blurred, out of focus and obscured, mirroring their experiences in Eurocentric theatre institutions. What does it mean to graduate from a drama school at the cost of your own voice?
Mataperra / 21min / Rachel Trudeau
Yelda embarks on a quest that drives her to achieve much more than her climbing dreams. She aspires to make a mark in history by becoming the first Cuban to conquer three legendary ascents.
Terry's Little Village / 7min / Jack Kukolic
Terry Wilson is a 70-year-old lifelong resident of Meadowvale Village, Ontario's first heritage district. As development looms and begins to destroy Terry’s favourite place in the world, he recreates pieces of history in his backyard, crafting an oasis where it feels like nothing has changed. A beautiful tribute to his childhood, his mother, and his town, Terry passionately fights to preserve history in a world that’s too anxious for change.
Tecumseh / 15m / Cher Obediah
Tecumseh is a short documentary about a historical hero who had the future in mind.
Immersed in the Indigenous way he navigated a colonizer mindset to reimagine the landscape of Turtle Island. His leadership and efforts were cut short but the spirit of his vision lives on today, with hope for a peaceful path forward.
Uncle Bardo / 14m / Luke Mistruzzi
Through an innovative blend of documentary and experimental stop-motion animation, Uncle Bardo delves into the mind of an estranged family member who has undergone a near-death experience and awakens lost between two worlds.
Temple of Love: The Erroll Starr Story / 18m / Kyle Sawyer
The story of Canadian R&B icon Erroll Starr’s rise to fame and sudden departure from the spotlight in the 1980’s. Presented by the retrospective Vintage Black Canada.
Two women reckon with a broken beer industry in Canada and start a movement to change it.
Michif Land-Based Knowledge / 3min / Robyn Adams
Weaving shots of historical and contemporary Métis beadwork with intricate flashes of prairie landscape, and native plants this film explores relationship to the land through a place-based tactile knowledge. Featuring beadwork from Lor Brand and Jennine Krauchi this knowledge is shared throughout the film.
DRM1000: Intro to Performance / 9m / Ahlam Hassan
Welcome to theatre school. Lessons include: how to speak, move and be human on-stage. Four Black-Canadian students appear blurred, out of focus and obscured, mirroring their experiences in Eurocentric theatre institutions. What does it mean to graduate from a drama school at the cost of your own voice?
Mataperra / 21min / Rachel Trudeau
Yelda embarks on a quest that drives her to achieve much more than her climbing dreams. She aspires to make a mark in history by becoming the first Cuban to conquer three legendary ascents.
Terry's Little Village / 7min / Jack Kukolic
Terry Wilson is a 70-year-old lifelong resident of Meadowvale Village, Ontario's first heritage district. As development looms and begins to destroy Terry’s favourite place in the world, he recreates pieces of history in his backyard, crafting an oasis where it feels like nothing has changed. A beautiful tribute to his childhood, his mother, and his town, Terry passionately fights to preserve history in a world that’s too anxious for change.
Tecumseh / 15m / Cher Obediah
Tecumseh is a short documentary about a historical hero who had the future in mind.
Immersed in the Indigenous way he navigated a colonizer mindset to reimagine the landscape of Turtle Island. His leadership and efforts were cut short but the spirit of his vision lives on today, with hope for a peaceful path forward.
Uncle Bardo / 14m / Luke Mistruzzi
Through an innovative blend of documentary and experimental stop-motion animation, Uncle Bardo delves into the mind of an estranged family member who has undergone a near-death experience and awakens lost between two worlds.
Temple of Love: The Erroll Starr Story / 18m / Kyle Sawyer
The story of Canadian R&B icon Erroll Starr’s rise to fame and sudden departure from the spotlight in the 1980’s. Presented by the retrospective Vintage Black Canada.
Thursday October 24th
Friday October 25th
Beyond The Podium: Celebrating Canadian Women Champions
Documentary / 139m / Brenda Whitehall
Friday October 25th, 2pm, $12
Friday October 25th, 2pm, $12
A groundbreaking documentary highlighting the triumphs and tribulations of some of Canada’s most-inspiring and decorated women winter athletes, through the lens of a women-identifying and non-binary filmmaking team – tackling unconventional topics like postpartum depression, divorce, gender-based inequities, racism, safe sport, body image, and mental health challenges.
Testimonial:
Beyond the Podium showcases a stunning array of A-list female athletes who speak not only about their success in their sport but also about the challenges and triumphs in their lives, ranging from gender inequity, mental health, racism and body image. I have seldom heard such brave and honest stories which give such inspiration and strength. -
Claire Aguilar , Producer/Documentary Film Consultant
Testimonial:
Beyond the Podium showcases a stunning array of A-list female athletes who speak not only about their success in their sport but also about the challenges and triumphs in their lives, ranging from gender inequity, mental health, racism and body image. I have seldom heard such brave and honest stories which give such inspiration and strength. -
Claire Aguilar , Producer/Documentary Film Consultant
Brenda Whitehall is an award-winning, independent filmmaker based in Vancouver, Canada.
Her production company Whitehall Entertainment Incorporated has spearheaded several projects including short films, animations, music videos and documentaries.
BEYOND THE PODIUM: CELEBRATING CANADIAN WOMEN CHAMPIONS has been a 4.5-year labour of love with many challenges along the way, including the global pandemic, undergoing cancer treatments, and the unexpected death of my beloved mother. Having experienced the excitement of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, I wanted to commemorate the 10-year anniversary with a “where are they now?” web series, focusing on Canada’s women athletes who dominated those Olympic and Paralympic Games. We interviewed 15 athletes in 20 locations in three Canadian provinces, creating a casual, conversational atmosphere, and showcasing the visual beauty across the country through images by Canadian photographers. We also hired local filmmakers in the provinces where we filmed. I’m exceptionally grateful to the athletes for their candour and bravery. Our documentary tackles controversial topics, including abortion, gender-based inequities, racism, postpartum depression, divorce, infertility, body image and mental health challenges.
Athletes: Meghan Agosta (ice hockey), Cheryl Bernard (curling), Shelley-Ann Brown (bobsleigh brakewoman), Lindsay DeBou (para-alpine ski guide), Viviane Forest (para-alpine skiing, goalball, blind hockey), Ina Forrest (wheelchair curling), Jennifer Heil (freestyle moguls skiing), Kaillie Humphries (bobsleigh pilot), Heather Moyse (bobsleigh brakewoman), Christine Nesbitt (speed skating), Kaetlyn Osmond (figure skating), Maëlle Ricker (snowboard cross), Kelsey Serwa (ski cross), Helen Upperton (bobsleigh pilot) and Lauren Woolstencroft (para-alpine skiing).
Her production company Whitehall Entertainment Incorporated has spearheaded several projects including short films, animations, music videos and documentaries.
BEYOND THE PODIUM: CELEBRATING CANADIAN WOMEN CHAMPIONS has been a 4.5-year labour of love with many challenges along the way, including the global pandemic, undergoing cancer treatments, and the unexpected death of my beloved mother. Having experienced the excitement of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, I wanted to commemorate the 10-year anniversary with a “where are they now?” web series, focusing on Canada’s women athletes who dominated those Olympic and Paralympic Games. We interviewed 15 athletes in 20 locations in three Canadian provinces, creating a casual, conversational atmosphere, and showcasing the visual beauty across the country through images by Canadian photographers. We also hired local filmmakers in the provinces where we filmed. I’m exceptionally grateful to the athletes for their candour and bravery. Our documentary tackles controversial topics, including abortion, gender-based inequities, racism, postpartum depression, divorce, infertility, body image and mental health challenges.
Athletes: Meghan Agosta (ice hockey), Cheryl Bernard (curling), Shelley-Ann Brown (bobsleigh brakewoman), Lindsay DeBou (para-alpine ski guide), Viviane Forest (para-alpine skiing, goalball, blind hockey), Ina Forrest (wheelchair curling), Jennifer Heil (freestyle moguls skiing), Kaillie Humphries (bobsleigh pilot), Heather Moyse (bobsleigh brakewoman), Christine Nesbitt (speed skating), Kaetlyn Osmond (figure skating), Maëlle Ricker (snowboard cross), Kelsey Serwa (ski cross), Helen Upperton (bobsleigh pilot) and Lauren Woolstencroft (para-alpine skiing).
Comedy Shorts!
Friday October 25th, 6:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E.
Program TBA
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E.
Program TBA
Daughter of the Sun
Friday October 25th, 9:30pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E.
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E.
A 12-year-old girl struggles with life on the run as she travels across the country with her father who has Tourette Syndrome. Wanting nothing more than a normal family life, she befriends a community of outcasts in the remote countryside who want to harness a volatile supernatural power her father is hiding.
Ryan Ward hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba—Canada's violent crime capital, home to the windiest street corner in the country, where the only thing colder than the weather is the reception to the idea that there is actually a film industry here. But as Ryan proves, sometimes the most interesting stories come from the most unlikely of places.
Growing up in a frozen, cultural wasteland where he shoots the lion’s share of his films has imbued his work with a gritty realism and poetic search for any kind of meaning inspired by pastel Prairie sunsets, the urban decay of his home city, and outlier filmmakers like Joel Potrykus, Vincent Gallo, Gasper Noé, and his former University Prof, Guy Maddin.
Ryan’s debut feature, SON OF THE SUNSHINE (Slamdance), was nominated by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television for a Canadian Screen Award (CSA). The film received critical acclaim with Indiewire praising it as "a mature, immediately involving story” and the National Post calling it "a gem of filmmaking genius." It screened at over 50 festivals, winning 13 awards, and was distributed by Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Hulu, and MUBI. His new feature, DAUGHTER OF THE SUN, won an Audience Award for "Best Canadian Film" at Fantasia International Film Festival where it premiered. As an actor, Ryan originated the lead role of Ash in the Broadway cult hit, EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL that MTV called "the greatest musical phenomenon on the planet. With over 800 performances in the role, Ryan was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best Actor.
Ryan is shooting his newest feature, THE AQUANAUT AND THE SHIPWRECK, this spring.
Growing up in a frozen, cultural wasteland where he shoots the lion’s share of his films has imbued his work with a gritty realism and poetic search for any kind of meaning inspired by pastel Prairie sunsets, the urban decay of his home city, and outlier filmmakers like Joel Potrykus, Vincent Gallo, Gasper Noé, and his former University Prof, Guy Maddin.
Ryan’s debut feature, SON OF THE SUNSHINE (Slamdance), was nominated by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television for a Canadian Screen Award (CSA). The film received critical acclaim with Indiewire praising it as "a mature, immediately involving story” and the National Post calling it "a gem of filmmaking genius." It screened at over 50 festivals, winning 13 awards, and was distributed by Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Hulu, and MUBI. His new feature, DAUGHTER OF THE SUN, won an Audience Award for "Best Canadian Film" at Fantasia International Film Festival where it premiered. As an actor, Ryan originated the lead role of Ash in the Broadway cult hit, EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL that MTV called "the greatest musical phenomenon on the planet. With over 800 performances in the role, Ryan was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best Actor.
Ryan is shooting his newest feature, THE AQUANAUT AND THE SHIPWRECK, this spring.
Saturday October 26th
Adaptation
Saturday October 26th, 3pm, $12
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Fully accessible. Free parking on site.
Documentary / 112m / Jake Thomas
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Fully accessible. Free parking on site.
Documentary / 112m / Jake Thomas
Adaptation follows a group of wheelchair bound athletes as they converge in British Columbia, Canada for the BC Summer Race Series. The World’s first downhill mountain bike race series to include an adaptive mountain bike (aMTB) category. However Adaptation is not just a film about a race, it's a group of stories about the human race and ones ability to overcome adversity. Whether for the thrill of competition, or a need to push through the pain of daily life to simply get lost in a moment. The film seeks to inspire the uninspired, and educate the uneducated. To celebrate the gift of life, love, and friendship through all its complexities.
Jake Thomas was born in Hamilton Ontario Canada. He studied recorded music production in college and also graduated with a degree in film. Jake began producing action sport videos at an early age which lead to the incorporation of Riley Lake Productions Inc. in 1997. Over the years Jake has honed his skills as a producer, director, cinematographer, drone pilot and editor on countless projects for film and television. During the winter of 2017, Jake suffered a life altering spinal cord injury which left him without the use of his legs. While this sudden change in mobility altered his trajectory, it did not impact his creativity. It just brought him a little closer to the ground for a great dolly shot.
EAST END
Red Carpet Special Presentation - World Premiere
80% Sold Out
Saturday October 26th, 7:30pm, $15
87min/Drama / Canada / wr. dir. Nathan Fleet
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Red Carpet at 6pm, Cast and Crew Q&A after the feature.
Special prop table set up in the lobby
Screening out of competition
80% Sold Out
Saturday October 26th, 7:30pm, $15
87min/Drama / Canada / wr. dir. Nathan Fleet
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On
Red Carpet at 6pm, Cast and Crew Q&A after the feature.
Special prop table set up in the lobby
Screening out of competition
No passes for this engagement
SYNOPSIS
Max (Nathan Fleet), a recovering alcoholic with a gambling addiction, has burned most of his bridges in the east end of the city where he lives. He has a sobering moment when he realizes that his estranged daughter (Regan Saker) is about to turn 16, and he wants back into her life. The road blocks he faces along the way are, his ex-wife(Christena Hampson), his criminal past, and his inner demons. Based on true stories from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Starring Nathan Fleet, Regan Saker, Christena Hampson
Written and Directed by Nathan Fleet
Produced by Jeremy Major and Rob Morash
Screening out of competition
#EastEndMovie
Max (Nathan Fleet), a recovering alcoholic with a gambling addiction, has burned most of his bridges in the east end of the city where he lives. He has a sobering moment when he realizes that his estranged daughter (Regan Saker) is about to turn 16, and he wants back into her life. The road blocks he faces along the way are, his ex-wife(Christena Hampson), his criminal past, and his inner demons. Based on true stories from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Starring Nathan Fleet, Regan Saker, Christena Hampson
Written and Directed by Nathan Fleet
Produced by Jeremy Major and Rob Morash
Screening out of competition
#EastEndMovie
East End was filmed entirely in Hamilton and at least 95% of the cast and crew were from Hamilton.
It is also set in Hamilton, primarily in the east end of the city.
Sunday October 27th
L.O.F.T. SHORTS
The Westdale, 7pm
Ladies of Film and Television presents a compilation of short films
Program TBA
Program TBA
19 years at the Hamilton Film Festival and we've hit the TOP 100 best reviewed festivals status a few times on FilmFreeway and are now a Canadian Screen Award Qualifying festival.
We have put a pause on the "themed" events for now so we are open to everything. We accept short, mid-length, feature, episodic / series, and screenplays.
An initiative we started during the pandemic will continue as will have NO MORE LATE FEES! ONE TIER, ALL YEAR, is GOLD! That means there will be NO inflated fees based on when you submit. Fees will be the same from open to close.
GOLD members on FilmFreeway will be able to take advantage of our additional Gold Member discounts.
Following us on social media is beneficial as throughout the year we post limited time / quantity discount codes that will offer a 19% discount off submission fees.
Those familiar with our dates know that we have been running in November since 2008, and in 2023 we moved the event into October, so that we can take full advantage of our new venue in the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, that we share with dozens of productions. The October dates will allow us to fully utilize the facility, which is also the home of our film school!
The 19th Annual Hamilton Film Festival continues to be one of Canada’s most important film festivals for Canadian and International films as it has an industry development component, and a market. It is also one that programs over 100 independent films which means there is plenty of room for your film. We are not part of any distribution circuit and our screens are dedicated to the indie filmmaker on the festival circuit.
Hosted in a city with a booming film scene, it has become a go-to destination to live and work for several people in the film and television industry with year-round opportunities to network, engage, pitch and participate. Distributors, festivals and industry professionals actively look to the Hamilton Film Festival for content, connections and top-notch engagement.
Included in your submission fee is the option to become a delegate at our networking and meet-up events, at no extra charge. So even if your film is not accepted, you can still participate and take advantage of the networking and industry development that HFF has to offer!
The Hamilton Film Festival has a school of media arts inside the new Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre where will will host classes, camps, workshops and panel discussions year round. We will also utilize this learning space during the festival!
HFF Guests have included Academy Award® winner Colin Chilvers, Kim Coates (Sons Of Anarchy) Juno Rinaldi (Working Moms), DB Sweeney (Fire In The Sky) Michael Pare (Eddie and the Cruisers), Tony Rosato (SCTV), Marc Blucas (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Catherine Dyer (Stranger Things) Robert Miano (Donny Brasco), Alex Elena (Drummer for Bruce Dickinson) Jason MacDonald (Vampire Diaries) Frank D’Angelo (Red Maple Leaf), Fred Fuchs (Godfather III Executive Producer, Milton's Secret) Art Hindle (Black Christmas), Doug McGrath (Goin’ Down the Road), Lynne Griffin (Curtains), Julian Richings (Superman: Man of Steel), TJ McGibbon (The Umbrella Academy), Craig Davidson (Author / Rust and Bone) Kirsten Bodenstedt (COO and Co-Owner of Peregrine Labs) Academy Award® winner Colin Doncaster, Bob Munro (The Expanse), Sean Sullivan (Wayne’s World, Back to the Future III) Lisa Langlois (Class of 1984), Danial Baldwin, Matthew Willson (Exec. Producer) and many, many more! Filmmakers and producers have attended from England, Italy, Germany, Austria, France, Cyprus, Australia, the USA, and all across Canada.
We have 14 prize categories, including, Feature, Short, Doc, Performance(2), Editing, Cinematography, Sound, Screenplay (x2), Music, Student, Production Design, Truly Independent local award, and the legendary Sparquie the Squirrel award!
The festival is as diverse as our alumni, who come from over 50 countries around the world. Filmmakers globally are looking to the Hamilton Film Festival as an accessible event with multiple chances to screen, network, win awards and gain post-festival promotion as our Alumni is our family and your movie never has a shelf life with us! You’d be surprised how much we remember about you and your film even from our earliest screenings!
We have screened many films from BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers, filmmakers with disabilities, and female filmmakers.
HAMILTON LADIES OF FILM & TELEVISION (L.O.F.T.)
The Hamilton Ladies of Film & Television (L.O.F.T.) is excited to partner with the Hamilton Film Festival for their 2022 season as they support our mandate to achieve gender parity within our city and the Canadian film industry. In 2021 They hosted their debut at the 16th Annual Hamilton Film Festival that included a screening of films made by female identifying filmmakers, and a panel discussion.
The Hamilton Ladies of Film & Television (L.O.F.T) is a Hamilton based collective founded and co-created by local artists Laura Ellis, Alysha Main, and Cher Obediah. The Hamilton L.O.F.T seeks to bring together womxn* working in all disciplines of filmmaking.
To create/support content that is predominantly female-driven with a focus on overcoming issues/barriers within the film industry affecting womxn and underrepresented minorities Assist in building the skills and confidence of womxn by working in cross-disciplinary and supportive teams while providing affordable training opportunities with mentors in the film community
Demonstrate that a local all-female identified production team is achievable
Showcase the achievements of womxn in Hamilton’s film industry
Partner with local organizations to provide mutual support and opportunities for womxn by sharing knowledge, tools, and holding networking events
*The Hamilton L.O.F.T. uses an all-emcompassing definition of “womxn/woman/female/lady” which includes but is not limited to cis, trans-identifying, non-binary, and other.
We are excited to officially launch in spring of 2021 and look forward to working with many of the talented womxn in Hamilton that we know, that we love, and those we have yet to meet.
YOUR CHANCES
We receive between 400 - 700 films, typically screening around 100-150 of them, so if your film is good…so are the odds. We aim to earn the "Hamilton" in our title so we do our best to make sure there is dedicated screen-time for locally made films! For this reason, films MUST be Hamilton premieres as they will also benefit from free-passes to the entire festival so they can take advantage of all the films, networking and industry development we bring in each year. To date we have screened 998 Canadian Films!
THE MARKET
We are proud to offer the Canadian Film Market which runs during the festival, and includes Industry Development events, quality networking, pitches and more! 50 countries have participated.
OUR CITY
Guillermo Del Toro love’s our city and say’s he’s been watching it since the 90’s and would like to set up his own studio here. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada is a major destination for film and television productions. Shows like The Queen’s Gambit, The Umbrella Academy, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Shape of Water, Spotlight, Crimson Peak, Suicide Squad, The Hulk, and Robocop, are just a few films that have taken advantage of Hamilton’s many incredible locations. Producers love the additional tax credits, Directors love the “anywhere is here” look of the city, and people love seeing it on screen! You will also have the opportunity to meet with the people who run the film office, should you wish to film in our great city!.
Filmmakers around the world are choosing the Hamilton Film Festival as a required stop, and we want YOU to be a part of this growing scene that is expanding into a not-so-hidden gem! See you, and your film, in Hamilton this November!
We have put a pause on the "themed" events for now so we are open to everything. We accept short, mid-length, feature, episodic / series, and screenplays.
An initiative we started during the pandemic will continue as will have NO MORE LATE FEES! ONE TIER, ALL YEAR, is GOLD! That means there will be NO inflated fees based on when you submit. Fees will be the same from open to close.
GOLD members on FilmFreeway will be able to take advantage of our additional Gold Member discounts.
Following us on social media is beneficial as throughout the year we post limited time / quantity discount codes that will offer a 19% discount off submission fees.
Those familiar with our dates know that we have been running in November since 2008, and in 2023 we moved the event into October, so that we can take full advantage of our new venue in the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, that we share with dozens of productions. The October dates will allow us to fully utilize the facility, which is also the home of our film school!
The 19th Annual Hamilton Film Festival continues to be one of Canada’s most important film festivals for Canadian and International films as it has an industry development component, and a market. It is also one that programs over 100 independent films which means there is plenty of room for your film. We are not part of any distribution circuit and our screens are dedicated to the indie filmmaker on the festival circuit.
Hosted in a city with a booming film scene, it has become a go-to destination to live and work for several people in the film and television industry with year-round opportunities to network, engage, pitch and participate. Distributors, festivals and industry professionals actively look to the Hamilton Film Festival for content, connections and top-notch engagement.
Included in your submission fee is the option to become a delegate at our networking and meet-up events, at no extra charge. So even if your film is not accepted, you can still participate and take advantage of the networking and industry development that HFF has to offer!
The Hamilton Film Festival has a school of media arts inside the new Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre where will will host classes, camps, workshops and panel discussions year round. We will also utilize this learning space during the festival!
HFF Guests have included Academy Award® winner Colin Chilvers, Kim Coates (Sons Of Anarchy) Juno Rinaldi (Working Moms), DB Sweeney (Fire In The Sky) Michael Pare (Eddie and the Cruisers), Tony Rosato (SCTV), Marc Blucas (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Catherine Dyer (Stranger Things) Robert Miano (Donny Brasco), Alex Elena (Drummer for Bruce Dickinson) Jason MacDonald (Vampire Diaries) Frank D’Angelo (Red Maple Leaf), Fred Fuchs (Godfather III Executive Producer, Milton's Secret) Art Hindle (Black Christmas), Doug McGrath (Goin’ Down the Road), Lynne Griffin (Curtains), Julian Richings (Superman: Man of Steel), TJ McGibbon (The Umbrella Academy), Craig Davidson (Author / Rust and Bone) Kirsten Bodenstedt (COO and Co-Owner of Peregrine Labs) Academy Award® winner Colin Doncaster, Bob Munro (The Expanse), Sean Sullivan (Wayne’s World, Back to the Future III) Lisa Langlois (Class of 1984), Danial Baldwin, Matthew Willson (Exec. Producer) and many, many more! Filmmakers and producers have attended from England, Italy, Germany, Austria, France, Cyprus, Australia, the USA, and all across Canada.
We have 14 prize categories, including, Feature, Short, Doc, Performance(2), Editing, Cinematography, Sound, Screenplay (x2), Music, Student, Production Design, Truly Independent local award, and the legendary Sparquie the Squirrel award!
The festival is as diverse as our alumni, who come from over 50 countries around the world. Filmmakers globally are looking to the Hamilton Film Festival as an accessible event with multiple chances to screen, network, win awards and gain post-festival promotion as our Alumni is our family and your movie never has a shelf life with us! You’d be surprised how much we remember about you and your film even from our earliest screenings!
We have screened many films from BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers, filmmakers with disabilities, and female filmmakers.
HAMILTON LADIES OF FILM & TELEVISION (L.O.F.T.)
The Hamilton Ladies of Film & Television (L.O.F.T.) is excited to partner with the Hamilton Film Festival for their 2022 season as they support our mandate to achieve gender parity within our city and the Canadian film industry. In 2021 They hosted their debut at the 16th Annual Hamilton Film Festival that included a screening of films made by female identifying filmmakers, and a panel discussion.
The Hamilton Ladies of Film & Television (L.O.F.T) is a Hamilton based collective founded and co-created by local artists Laura Ellis, Alysha Main, and Cher Obediah. The Hamilton L.O.F.T seeks to bring together womxn* working in all disciplines of filmmaking.
To create/support content that is predominantly female-driven with a focus on overcoming issues/barriers within the film industry affecting womxn and underrepresented minorities Assist in building the skills and confidence of womxn by working in cross-disciplinary and supportive teams while providing affordable training opportunities with mentors in the film community
Demonstrate that a local all-female identified production team is achievable
Showcase the achievements of womxn in Hamilton’s film industry
Partner with local organizations to provide mutual support and opportunities for womxn by sharing knowledge, tools, and holding networking events
*The Hamilton L.O.F.T. uses an all-emcompassing definition of “womxn/woman/female/lady” which includes but is not limited to cis, trans-identifying, non-binary, and other.
We are excited to officially launch in spring of 2021 and look forward to working with many of the talented womxn in Hamilton that we know, that we love, and those we have yet to meet.
YOUR CHANCES
We receive between 400 - 700 films, typically screening around 100-150 of them, so if your film is good…so are the odds. We aim to earn the "Hamilton" in our title so we do our best to make sure there is dedicated screen-time for locally made films! For this reason, films MUST be Hamilton premieres as they will also benefit from free-passes to the entire festival so they can take advantage of all the films, networking and industry development we bring in each year. To date we have screened 998 Canadian Films!
THE MARKET
We are proud to offer the Canadian Film Market which runs during the festival, and includes Industry Development events, quality networking, pitches and more! 50 countries have participated.
OUR CITY
Guillermo Del Toro love’s our city and say’s he’s been watching it since the 90’s and would like to set up his own studio here. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada is a major destination for film and television productions. Shows like The Queen’s Gambit, The Umbrella Academy, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Shape of Water, Spotlight, Crimson Peak, Suicide Squad, The Hulk, and Robocop, are just a few films that have taken advantage of Hamilton’s many incredible locations. Producers love the additional tax credits, Directors love the “anywhere is here” look of the city, and people love seeing it on screen! You will also have the opportunity to meet with the people who run the film office, should you wish to film in our great city!.
Filmmakers around the world are choosing the Hamilton Film Festival as a required stop, and we want YOU to be a part of this growing scene that is expanding into a not-so-hidden gem! See you, and your film, in Hamilton this November!
Awards & Prizes
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.
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.
Rules & TermsTERMS for 2024.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
It is recommended that you print this / view this and check off all the requirements one at a time, 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. We will accept and screen films from all genres.
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. 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.
FESTIVAL or MARKET
Either one, or both! The Film Festival is for public screenings and the Film Market is a private exchange of information and screeners to industry professionals. The Festival is juried, the Market is automatically accepted.
Hamilton Film Festival
Public screenings, Juried selections, ALL selected films get a special pass for films and events.
Canadian Film Market
Not public, not juried, automatically available for online screening access to industry professionals / distributors / agents, ALL entries will get a special pass for special events, screenings and will be included in a market guide for industry to access.
If submitting to the Canadian Film Market, your contact information will be added to the Market Guide, should an industry professional wish to access this. There may be private Market Only events that you will also gain access to.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
The Canadian Film Market and the Hamilton Film Festival make NO guarantees that your film will be acquired (MARKET) or selected (FESTIVAL).
By submitting, you agree that you have full rights to be able to submit your work, for viewing in either the CANADIAN FILM MARKET or the HAMILTON FILM FESTIVAL, and that you have obtained all necessary rights to be able to submit for exhibition and inclusion.
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 if needed.
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 Film Freeway.
EXHIBITION FORMATS
File formats such as DCP, a high resolution mpeg, mov, quicktime and your screener link may be sufficient in some cases.
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.
Delivery details will be listed in your acceptance letter and will include request for press access / screeners and links to excerpts for press.
PRESENTATION & NETWORKING
We are a truly independent film festival that does not receive 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 event. For those accepted, that service includes a theatrical screening in one of our amazing venues, up to $99 value access-pass to public screenings (many festivals only offer a ticket to your own screening program) 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, in the past 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, but offered at the sole discretion of Hamilton Film Festival LTD. Terms may change, without notice.
INFORMATION
While we will do everything we can to protect your information, what happens with it when another person, or company, has it in their possession (like a film guide, or screener access) it is impossible for us to manage and therefor, The Hamilton Film Festival LTD, and it's employees, and volunteers, can not be held liable for any damages that may occur. By submiting to the Hamilton Film Festival, you agree to these terms.
Thank you for reading and we look forward to seeing your work at the 18th Annual Hamilton Film Festival and the 7th Film Market.
F.A.Q.
Q) Why would I want to submit to both FESTIVAL and MARKET?
A)Having a selection in the festival tells buyers that your film has been filtered by a jury of
your peers.
Q) Why would I NOT want to be in the MARKET?
A) You may already have distribution, or pending distribution, and you may also have a strategy that includes film festivals.
Q) Why would I opt into the MARKET only, not the FESTIVAL?
A) You may not want your film displayed to the public, and may wish to keep your premiere status for another festival.
Your contact info and screener is for the Canadian Film Market participants only. Participants will be know as the year rolls out.
Q) Do you pay for travel, food, lodging?
A) The Hamilton Film Festival can not provide this. We do occasionally partner with the local hospitality industry and we may have access to discounts. This varies each year so please reach out if you plan to attend and we will decide on a case-by-case method.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
It is recommended that you print this / view this and check off all the requirements one at a time, 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. We will accept and screen films from all genres.
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. 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.
FESTIVAL or MARKET
Either one, or both! The Film Festival is for public screenings and the Film Market is a private exchange of information and screeners to industry professionals. The Festival is juried, the Market is automatically accepted.
Hamilton Film Festival
Public screenings, Juried selections, ALL selected films get a special pass for films and events.
Canadian Film Market
Not public, not juried, automatically available for online screening access to industry professionals / distributors / agents, ALL entries will get a special pass for special events, screenings and will be included in a market guide for industry to access.
If submitting to the Canadian Film Market, your contact information will be added to the Market Guide, should an industry professional wish to access this. There may be private Market Only events that you will also gain access to.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
The Canadian Film Market and the Hamilton Film Festival make NO guarantees that your film will be acquired (MARKET) or selected (FESTIVAL).
By submitting, you agree that you have full rights to be able to submit your work, for viewing in either the CANADIAN FILM MARKET or the HAMILTON FILM FESTIVAL, and that you have obtained all necessary rights to be able to submit for exhibition and inclusion.
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 if needed.
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 Film Freeway.
EXHIBITION FORMATS
File formats such as DCP, a high resolution mpeg, mov, quicktime and your screener link may be sufficient in some cases.
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.
Delivery details will be listed in your acceptance letter and will include request for press access / screeners and links to excerpts for press.
PRESENTATION & NETWORKING
We are a truly independent film festival that does not receive 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 event. For those accepted, that service includes a theatrical screening in one of our amazing venues, up to $99 value access-pass to public screenings (many festivals only offer a ticket to your own screening program) 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, in the past 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, but offered at the sole discretion of Hamilton Film Festival LTD. Terms may change, without notice.
INFORMATION
While we will do everything we can to protect your information, what happens with it when another person, or company, has it in their possession (like a film guide, or screener access) it is impossible for us to manage and therefor, The Hamilton Film Festival LTD, and it's employees, and volunteers, can not be held liable for any damages that may occur. By submiting to the Hamilton Film Festival, you agree to these terms.
Thank you for reading and we look forward to seeing your work at the 18th Annual Hamilton Film Festival and the 7th Film Market.
F.A.Q.
Q) Why would I want to submit to both FESTIVAL and MARKET?
A)Having a selection in the festival tells buyers that your film has been filtered by a jury of
your peers.
Q) Why would I NOT want to be in the MARKET?
A) You may already have distribution, or pending distribution, and you may also have a strategy that includes film festivals.
Q) Why would I opt into the MARKET only, not the FESTIVAL?
A) You may not want your film displayed to the public, and may wish to keep your premiere status for another festival.
Your contact info and screener is for the Canadian Film Market participants only. Participants will be know as the year rolls out.
Q) Do you pay for travel, food, lodging?
A) The Hamilton Film Festival can not provide this. We do occasionally partner with the local hospitality industry and we may have access to discounts. This varies each year so please reach out if you plan to attend and we will decide on a case-by-case method.
2024 SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Get in touch if you wish to sponsor the 19th Annual Hamilton Film Festival email
- 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
SPONSORS
PARTNERS
VENUES
