THURSDAY JULY 23RD
Big stories don’t need big runtimes. Explore the world through the lens of international filmmaking. From breathtaking dramas to boundary-pushing animation, experience the best global short-form cinema right here.
to save the music, she has to face the noise.
Jamey is a sarcastic misfit. Her band fell apart a year ago. Now, she has a desperate plan to get them back together and win battle of the bands. But she has to fix the friendships she broke first. It’s a story about mending the past and stepping into the light.
Presented on the Rooftop Terrace at the Niagara Artist’s Centre
CONTENT WARNING: Some of the The films in this screening, contain graphic violence, strong language, and sexually explicit content intended for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
Immediately after the world premiere of What We Had Was Noise, we’re heading back to the Speakeasy Cinema at Wandering Spirits for the B-Roll Social. It’s a casual hangout where you can grab a drink, meet the cast and crew, and chat with other filmmakers and attendees without the formal premiere pressure.
FRIDAY JULY 24TH
The indie film industry has long romanticized the "tortured artist" and the 18-hour-day hustle.
Big stories don’t need big runtimes. Explore the world through the lens of international filmmaking. From breathtaking dramas to boundary-pushing animation, experience the best global short-form cinema right here.
A washed-up screenwriter, desperately clinging to his fading youth, is forced to confront the realities of fatherhood when his estranged, pregnant teenaged daughter unexpectedly appears on his doorstep, seeking his help and support through the adoption process.
CONTENT WARNING: Some of the The films in this screening, contain graphic violence, strong language, and sexually explicit content intended for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
To celebrate the Niagara homecoming premiere of A Farewell To Youth, we’re hosting Fade To: The Wrap Party back at the speakeasy. This is a relaxed, wrap-party-style gathering meant for local filmmakers, regional crew, and creatives to connect, talk shop, and wind down after the screening.
SATURDAY JULY 25TH
As indie filmmakers, we have the unique power to throw out the old Hollywood rulebook and build a completely new culture from scratch.
Big stories don’t need big runtimes. Explore the world through the lens of international filmmaking. From breathtaking dramas to boundary-pushing animation, experience the best global short-form cinema right here.
Big stories don’t need big runtimes. Explore the world through the lens of international filmmaking. From breathtaking dramas to boundary-pushing animation, experience the best global short-form cinema right here.
These films will be presented with JESUS COP please use the link below to purchase a ticket for the jesus cop screening if you are coming to see these films.
CONTENT WARNING: Some of the The films in this screening, contain graphic violence, strong language, and sexually explicit content intended for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
CONTENT WARNING: Some of the The films in this screening, contain graphic violence, strong language, and sexually explicit content intended for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
Our Saturday After Dark screenings wrap up with Noir & Nightcaps in the speakeasy. This is a late-night social geared toward genre filmmakers, writers, and fans of late-night cinema to hang out, grab a drink, and connect on future projects.
SUNDAY JULY 26TH
The future of independent film shouldn't depend on faceless algorithms or distant gatekeepers; it should rely on the networks we build right here in the room.
Featuring performances by local favourites David Green, Allie Moore and Jordan Trafford the afternoon kicks off with standup comedy from some of Niagara's best comics. Between the laughs, we’ll be dimming the lights to screen some fantastic, crowd-pleasing comedic short films.
Big stories don’t need big runtimes. Explore the world through the lens of international filmmaking. From breathtaking dramas to boundary-pushing animation, experience the best global short-form cinema right here.
Big stories don’t need big runtimes. Explore the world through the lens of international filmmaking. From breathtaking dramas to boundary-pushing animation, experience the best global short-form cinema right here.
The clock was ticking. The cameras were rolling. Back in May, we challenged creators to make the ultimate short film under a brutal deadline. Now, it’s time to see what they built. Stream the official challenge screening and experience high-stakes filmmaking at its finest.
Dee wanders through the place that he calls home, taking in his surroundings and contemplating life. Consumed by an ambient sadness, Dee bears witness to many strange sights, culminating in a chance encounter with another soul that is just as lost and lonesome as he is.
Celebrate the end of RUSH with an epic Closing Night Gala. The night kicks off with our official awards presentation recognizing standout films, performances, and creative achievements from across the festival. Then we turn down the lights and turn up the music for a post-awards after party. Come hang, dance, and toast to a weekend of incredible storytelling.
