Atlantic International Film Festival spotlights East Coast stories, global perspectives

Atlantic International Film Festival spotlights East Coast stories, global perspectives

113 films to screen from Sept. 16-23

The Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) marks its 46th edition with 113 feature and short films at Halifax's Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane from September 16-23.

AIFF 2026 celebrates the accomplishments of a flourishing Atlantic Canadian film industry, and the program reflects the diverse stories coming out of Atlantic Canada, alongside award-winning cinema from around the world.

Titles include the highly anticipated noir fever dream by Seth Smith, Permanent Damage; the world premiere of Smash & Grab: The Rebel Lens of Mike Jones, a portrait of one of Canada’s most inventive comedic families, directed by Justin Simms; and the Cannes’ Palme d’Or winner Fjord, directed by Cristian Mungiu.

AIFF TICKETS, SCHEDULES, EVENTS

We asked Martha Cooley, the festival's executive director, a few questions about this year's festival:Q: What's new at this year's festival?A: "With a 46-year-old festival it's hard to do anything that's fully new, but one thing that's new to us in recent years is we're holding AIFF and Linda Joy Awards outside this year in 'Gus' Garden' in partnership with Carbon Arc Cinemas and the Natural History Museum.

"The goal with the awards is to celebrate Atlantic Canadian filmmaking talent in a venue and format that feels laid back and lively and we're happy to deepen our partnership with Carbon Arc who does such an amazing job presenting screenings year-round in a community setting. The outdoor element is weather permitting of course!"

A: Is there one film that has that wow factor or creating a buzz already, even before the festival opens?Q: "Our Atlantic Gala is always a sell out and this year the film is garnering a lot of buzz with a large contingent of cast and crew coming over from P.E.I. for the screening of The Snake, by first time director Jenna MacMillan. Hot off the heels of their premiere at SXSW, where writer/lead performer Susan Kent was recognized with a Special Jury Award for Performance, the film will screen on Saturday, Sept. 19, followed by our Atlantic Gala Party at Stardust Bar + Kitchen. It should be a rowdy night!"

Q: What is the ONE stand-out thing (could be an event, panel, gala, or filmmaker) about this year's festival?A: "Our Opening Night Gala Screening on Sept. 16 is a remarkable film about a nationally significant event, the Swissair flight 111 tragedy from 1998 and its aftermath. In addition to being a beautiful, moving story about resilience and human connection, 111: Echoes from Halifax, was a co-production with Switzerland and a major production to be shot in Nova Scotia, employing numerous cast and crew. In addition to the screening, we will be holding a public panel about the making of the film, hosted by retired CBC journalist Norma Lee MacLeod, and featuring Swiss director Mauro Muller and key creators. The free panel will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m."

The CBC Reel East Coast Shorts Gala, taking place on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., will elevate festival alumni and exciting talents to watch from the Atlantic region. The program will boast the world premieres of Billy Gauthier: Carving the Future by Inuk visual artist and performer Jennie Williams (N.L.), the assured debut drama Margot by Marthe Bernard (N.L.), as well as the Atlantic Canadian Premiere of the visually astounding animation The Flames of Me, created with fire and soot by New Brunswick artist Daniel Léger.

Can't make it to the festival in person? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well. Check it out.