RUSH YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL
MAY 8-11 2025
DOWNTOWN ST. CATHARINES
The RUSH Youth Film Festival is an annual four-day celebration of young filmmakers and emerging talent, taking place at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and throughout downtown St. Catharines.
Year two is here! More short films from young filmmakers around the world, all on the big screen at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s Film House in downtown St. Catharines.
This year, we’re also throwing in a 48 HOUR SHORT FILM CHALLENGE — a weekend-long creative sprint where teams write, shoot, and edit a short film in just two days.
Chaos? Probably. Fun? Definitely.
Film lineup drops soon, along with details on special workshops from the Niagara Artists Centre and film industry pros.
Oh, and tickets?
Just $5.
FESTIVAL
VENUES
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is a 95,000 square foot cultural complex comprised of four state-of-the-art performance venues that host a signature presentation of international and local performing artists.
One of Canada’s most unique Performing Arts Centre plays a vital role in the renaissance of downtown St. Catharines, serving as the catalyst in modernizing the area and reinforcing the brilliance of Niagara region’s diverse arts and culture cluster
The Film House can accommodate 199 people. A full cinematic experience, with surround sound in a licensed venue! Over 500 screenings per year; including new feature films, classic cinema, documentaries, family favourites and cult classics.
FirstOntario PAC has a team of entertainment professionals with a combined skillsetto accommodate all your needs during your stay andperformance.
FESTIVAL
SCHEDULE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON. ALL EVENTS AND SCREENINGS WILL BE PRICED AT $5/TICKET
EVERYONE IS WELCOME. IF THE COST IS A BARRIER TO ENTRY, PLEASE REACH OUT FOR ALTERNATIVES
The full film lineup will be announced after April 18th
SHORT FILMS FROM LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS
THURSDAY MAY 8 7PM
OPENING GALA & 48 HOUR FILM CHALLENGE LAUNCH PARTY
THURSDAY MAY 8 10PM
Join us at the RUSH Youth Film Festival Opening Gala at the FilmHouse at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in Downtown St. Catharines. Challenge Teams will receive a genre, a character, a prop, and a line of dialogue that must be incorporated into their film. This ensures all films are created within the 48-hour timeframe.
FRIDAY MAY 9 7PM
SHORT FILMS FROM LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS
The full film lineup will be announced after April 18th
SHORT FILMS FROM LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS
SATURDAY MAY 10 3PM
The full film lineup will be announced after April 18th
FEATURE PRESENTATION
SATURDAY MAY 10 7PM
The full film lineup will be announced after April 18th
SATURDAY MAY 10 11PM
48 HOUR FILM CHALLENGE SUBMISSION DEADLINE
SUNDAY MAY 11 7PM
SHORT FILMS FROM 48 HOUR FILM CHALLENGE & CLOSING NIGHT GALA
Join us for the screening of the 48 hour film challenge movies, film festival awards presentations and the closing night gala.
PARTNERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
Film Screening Partner (Multiple Available):
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Naming rights for a film screening and panel discussion event
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Logo placement in related promotional materials and at the venue
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On-Site Activations, booths or displays at the festival venue
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4 ALL ACCESS FESTIVAL PASSES
Award Sponsor (multiple available):
Sponsor an award, such as Best Director or Best Cinematography
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Logo placement in related promotional materials and at the venue
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On-Site Activations, booths or displays at the festival venue
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2 ALL ACCESS FESTIVAL PASSES
Other ways you can help
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In-Kind Donations, Perks & Discounts for our audience.
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Equipment Provider: Provide cameras, sound equipment, or editing software.
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Transportation Partner: Offer transportation for festival participants.
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Printing Services: Print festival materials, banners, and programs.
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Local Business Partner: Partner with local businesses to offer discounts and incentives for festival attendees.
OFFER
EXCLUSIVE
DISCOUNTS
All filmmakers who submit to the festival or participate in the 48-Hour Film Challenge receive exclusive access to industry perks—including rental discounts, workshop invites, and special partner offers designed to support and celebrate their creative work.
From gear rentals to coffee, consulting to studio time—your business could be part of empowering the next generation of storytellers. Let’s work together to support creativity in our community.
VOLUNTEER AT THE RUSH YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL
VOLUNTEER AT THE RUSH YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL
We’re looking for volunteers to help bring this year’s RUSH Youth Film Festival to life! Whether you’re passionate about film, love community events, or just want to be part of something fun and inspiring, we’d love to have you on the team.
Volunteer roles include:
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Event setup and takedown
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Welcoming guests and ticketing
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Assisting with workshops and screenings
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Supporting our 48-Hour Film Challenge teams
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General festival support and coordination
No experience necessary—just a good attitude and a willingness to help!
This is a great opportunity to meet creative people, learn about filmmaking, and support youth voices in film.
OUR PARTNERS
& COMMUNITY
SUPPORTERS
We are eternally grateful for our on-going partnerships. Join this amazing group of people who are committed to creating a world where young people can follow their passion and explore opportunities in the film industry.
WHAT YOU GET
FOR YOUR SUPPORT
BRAND VISIBILITY
Your logo featured on promotional materials, social media, and event signage.
ON-SITE RECOGNITION
Mentions in event speeches, printed programs, and festival communications.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Support local talent and help develop the next generation of filmmakers.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Connect with influential members of the film industry and regional businesses.
CUSTOMIZABLE PARTNERSHIP PACKAGES
