summer 2026
DON’T MISS 2026
Last year was incredible.
So we’re doing it again.
Filmmakers. Film lovers. Mentors. First-timers.
Now heading into its third year, the RUSH Youth Film Festival is levelling up and turning Niagara into a must-visit destination for young filmmakers from around the world. More films. More events. More chances to connect, learn, and celebrate what it means to make something from nothing.
RUSH is a multi-day takeover of the Niagara Region — packed with short film screenings, workshops, panels, live feedback sessions, special events, and moments that only happen when filmmakers and audiences share the same room. What started as a place to screen films has grown into a full-on creative experience built around community, curiosity, and bold new voices.
None of this happens alone. We’re incredibly grateful for the partners and supporters who help make RUSH possible. If you believe young people deserve space to take creative risks, tell their stories, and build a future in film — you belong here.
RUSH 2026 is coming. You don’t want to miss it.
“Truly a fantastic festival to get to know filmmakers of similar calibre and talent.”
— Éric Arsenault, It Takes Two
SHORT FILM SCREENINGS & awards COMPETITION
A cornerstone of the RUSH Youth Film Festival, the Short Film Screenings & Awards Competition showcases 30+ short films from emerging filmmakers around the world.
Films are screened in the FilmHouse at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in Downtown St. Catharine, and compete for a range of awards and prizes, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Performances, and more, giving young filmmakers meaningful recognition, exposure, and a true festival experience.
deadline to submit is
march 27
Beyond screenings, RUSH offers a growing lineup of live events designed to bring filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals together in meaningful, memorable ways.
special EVENTS
& networking opportunities
Films are screened in the FilmHouse at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in Downtown St. Catharines, and compete for a range of awards and prizes, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Performances, and more, giving young filmmakers meaningful recognition, exposure, and a true festival experience.
deadline to submit is march 27
new this year
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Selected scripts are brought to life by performers, giving writers immediate audience feedback and a rare opportunity to hear their work aloud.
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A dedicated space where filmmakers can step in front of the camera and talk about their work in a press junket–style environment.
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Conversations with filmmakers and industry professionals focused on craft, careers, and navigating the creative process.
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A red-carpet launch that kicks off the festival with screenings, special guests, and a celebratory atmosphere.
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A curated, informal gathering that connects filmmakers, judges, mentors, and partners in a relaxed, relationship-building setting.
Also new this year, the RUSH After Dark is a, celebration of horror, grindhouse, and genre films that live on the edge of mainstream cinema.
The festival invites audiences and filmmakers into a late-night world of fearless storytelling, and cinematic chaos, showcasing films from psychological thrillers, the surreal experimental and potential cult-classic B-movies.
deadline to submit is april 30
“Loved the location and the award ceremony. Great place to network with young film makers.”
- Brooklynn Prince, Happy Thanksgiving, The Florida Project
This year, we’re turning our 48HR Short Film Challenge into a 4-Day Filmmaking Sprint designed to push teams further while actually giving them the time to do their best work.
The Top 10 films will be selected to screen at the RUSH Youth Film Festival in July, where they’ll compete for awards, prizes, and major bragging rights.
Cash Prizes That Grow With the Community
From every team’s registration, $50 goes directly into a shared cash prize pool — meaning the more teams that sign up, the bigger the prize pool gets.
New Year.
New Pressures.
Expect bigger, stranger, and more challenging creative restrictions designed to spark originality and force bold choices.
Open, Inclusive,
& international
Open worldwide, with one important rule: At least one person on your creative team or main cast must be a youth under 40.
Watch last year’s awards show.
