july 23-26 2026
after dark FILM SCREENINGS
& awards COMPETITION
after dark FILM SCREENINGS
& awards COMPETITION
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.
the official deadline is now closed
please email us for a waiver code if you’d like to submit your film.
rush AFTER DARK vendor MARKET
Step into the shadows of RUSH After Dark, where horror fans, creators, and collectors collide.
This year, we’re expanding the madness with our first-ever Market Space; a late-night vendor zone built for the strange, the spooky, and the spectacularly weird.
Whether you sell horror art, retro VHS, handmade merch, collectibles, clothes, or creature masks, this is your chance to showcase your weird wares to festival goers who live for the macabre.
Connect with fans, meet filmmakers, and turn your table into part of the show.
Spaces are limited and in high demand — join us as the RUSH After Dark Vendor Market pulses with eerie energy all weekend long.
Festival Dates: July 23–26, 2026
Location: FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
WHAT WE DO!
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![Red background with film strip border and white text reading 'RUSH Youth Film Festival'.]()
RUSH YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL
RUSH is a multi-day takeover of the Niagara Region — packed with short film screenings, panels, live feedback sessions, special events, and moments that only happen when filmmakers and audiences share the same room.
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![Red background with black paint splatters and grunge texture, featuring white text that reads: "Jarico Films Presents RUSH After Dark Festival."]()
RUSH AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL
RUSH After Dark is a, celebration of horror, grindhouse, and genre films that live on the edge of mainstream cinema.
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![A promotional poster for the film challenge titled 'RUSH' by Jarico Films for Youth, featuring orange film strip borders and a dark background.]()
RUSH SHORT FILM CHALLENGES
Our Short Film Challenges are adrenaline-fueled competitions where teams of filmmakers race against the clock to create a short film from scratch under incredible time constraints.
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![A film strip with the title 'Short Film Boot Camp by Jarico Films' in bold yellow letters on a black background with yellow accents and speckles.]()
SHORT FILM BOOTCAMP
With mentors by their side, participants will learn the art of storytelling, film production, and post-production, resulting in a cinematic masterpiece that's showcased at a glittering red carpet gala attended by family, friends, and the public.
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![A movie clapperboard with the title 'Pitch Night' written in colorful neon-style text in the center, against a pink background with black specks.]()
pitch night
Pitch your projects to industry professionals for a chance to win a Development Assistance Package Each Pitch Night winner will advance to the year-end competition, where one filmmaker will have their film produced by Jarico Films for Youth.
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![A graphic design featuring a film strip background with the text 'Scene Study with Erica Sherwood' in bold letters.]()
Scene Study
Designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the world of acting. This class covers the basics such as script analysis, character development, working with a director etc.
