THURS JULY 23 - SUNDAY JULY 26, 2026

The RUSH Youth Film Festival is a high-energy celebration of the next generation of filmmakers—an electrifying gathering where bold voices, fearless ideas, and fresh cinematic talent take center stage. Held at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and venues across downtown St. Catharines, RUSH brings together emerging filmmakers, industry mentors, and passionate audiences for an unforgettable experience of screenings, workshops, panels, and live events. At its core, RUSH exists to elevate and celebrate filmmakers—giving young storytellers a real stage, real audiences, and real opportunities to connect with the creative community and the film industry.

Set in the heart of the stunning Niagara Region, just minutes from the world-famous Niagara Falls and within easy reach of Toronto and Buffalo, RUSH is rapidly growing into one of the most exciting destination festivals for emerging filmmakers anywhere. Each year the festival expands with more films, more events, and more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and celebrate storytelling. Whether you're premiering your latest short, meeting future collaborators, or discovering the voices shaping the future of cinema, RUSH is where filmmakers come together to share their vision, build their careers, and be part of a global community of storytellers.