Hamilton Film Festival

09/14/2026

We’re bringing the hammer to Toronto during TIFF! See you at Hamilton House Monday 14th from 2pm-6pm at THE BALLROOM at 145 John Street near the Scotia Bank cinema

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hamilton-house-at-tiff-2026-tickets-1998448501264?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwZnRzaAUUM45jbGNrBPqD0HBkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExelJqWDFRZmJzUE5jT0V0THNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7E7M6k4b_7worVbN41ju7KvV-wveyja1AnGjZNdDrDWyVUUEtri7eTUtzzzQ_aem_Q5rZR7QbqrH5GXdG2YqhZg

Hamilton comes to TIFF, connecting our screen industry with the international filmmaking community gathering in Toronto.

09/04/2026

That’s a wrap on nine movies in 10 weeks! It’s not over yet. Save the date Saturday, October 18 in the afternoon for the world premiere of these movies! Tickets on sale soon.

08/25/2026

HFF Alumni Film Cast Aside The Clouds returns to Hamilton THIS Wednesday August 26th at 7pm The Westdale

Screening includes a Q&A. Film students, go to movies with Q&As!!!

https://www.thewestdale.ca/event/cast-aside-the-clouds/

A moving feature film about love, faith, courage and the power finding the truth for yourself. Set against the turbulent landscape of contemporary Iran, the film follows Layla Khosravi, a courageous young Bahá’í woman, and Dr. Sasan Naderi, a Muslim surgeon from a conservative family. After an attack on Layla’s father’s bookstore brings them together, their unexpected connection grows into a love that challenges inherited assumptions and crosses the boundaries society has placed between them. When Layla’s pursuit of education puts her freedom (and her life) at risk, both must decide what they are willing to stand for.

Directed by Hamilton local, Mary Darling, and filmed in Greece (with authentic footage captured on the streets of Tehran) Cast Aside the Clouds offers a deeply human portrait of a culture too often reduced to headlines. Its evocative soundscape and Persian-inspired score illuminate a story of persecution and perseverance while honouring those who resist erasure with dignity, compassion and hope.

More than a love story, the film invites us to question inherited beliefs, investigate truth for ourselves and recognize our shared humanity.

Special Q+A screening with writer-director Mary Darling and additional cast and crew!

08/25/2026

Join us this September at the HAMILTON HOUSE at TIFF!
The Hamilton Film Board has taken over The Ballroom on Sept 14th from 2-6pm and HFF is one of the sponsors! Get your free ticket today!

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hamilton-house-at-tiff-2026-tickets-1998448501264?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawT6g9BwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXpSalgxUWZic1BOY09FdExzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEexOzOpOG_-8KK1WzeNY7uyr1fsL3so2tQJxo2TXQ6w1slVFBLa4u3k1Lc880_aem_Q5rZR7QbqrH5GXdG2YqhZg

Hamilton comes to TIFF, connecting our screen industry with the international filmmaking community gathering in Toronto.

08/22/2026

Opening Night Films announced!
Tickets https://www.memorialarts.ca/films/hamilton-film-festival-opening-night

LOCAL SHORTS!
Friday October 16th

Movies with a strong connection to the Hammer!

The Content Creator, 3min, Comedy, Richard O’Daiskey & Kim Madden, Hamilton - An ASMR content creator is just trying to make peaceful videos, but her clueless boyfriend keeps interrupting.

Dusk, 1m, Josh Kemp, Hamilton - When the trees go silent, run. When the trees speak to you, don't listen.

Ex-ercise, 6min, Lucy Sanci, Comedy, Hamilton - Two exes are tricked into the same mushroom-fueled "healing" session by their meddling friend and forced to work through their breakup inside a wildly escalating shared hallucination.

TwoFer, 5m, Comedy, Shelly J. Hong, Hamilton - When a depressed gambler and a hapless dentist encounter one another whilst running from the law, they must work together to devise their getaway.

Murder, She Toked, 10m, Mystery, Eric Michael McKenzie, Canada (Filmed in Hamilton) Murder, She Toked is a 10-minute mystery-comedy about best buds Hannah and Mel, who use an extrasensory stoner superpower to investigate the murder of a hip-hop mogul at his luxury w**d lounge.

Swimmers, 13m, Drama, Ryan Nesbitt, Hamilton - Over his summer break, Marco signs up for a lifeguard training course, where he becomes entranced by his polar opposite, Xavier; a boy of mystery and unknown sexuality.

Tough S**t, 7m, Comedy, Kristin Booth, Canada (Cinematography by Hamilton’s Christoph Benfey) Motherhood is messy, unpredictable, and often downright absurd. That famous guide should never have been called What to Expect When You're Expecting—rather, Buckle Up Bitch Rough Waters Ahead.

Value Undetermined, 15m, Drama, Jess Blackwell, Hamilton - A routine evaluation takes a chilling turn when a people-pleasing sales agent realizes she's interviewing for more than just a job.

A Clockwriter, 7m, Horror, Jack Hourahine, Cambridge - A screenwriter’s character manifests time, with each typewritten letter advancing the clock one minute closer to an encircling deadline.

Finding Shelter, 15m, Drama, Mehrtash Mohit, Toronto (Filmed in Hamilton) - FINDING SHELTER follows Hanna, a 10-year old girl, who is about to be smuggled out of her war-torn country with her father on a boat.

Sugar, 8min, Olivia Ellis, Hamilton. - A sidelined career criminal spirals into a fit of jealousy and rage when the new guy shows up.

This short film won the Pitch competition at last year's Hamilton Film Festival!

08/20/2026

Filmmaking Lessons are back this fall on Tuesdays! Register today https://www.hamiltonfilmfestival.com/c/products/filmmaking-lessons

08/18/2026

Bringing a fun new class to the school this fall. Our Homeschooled kids will be making a Found Footage movie! Recommended for kids ages 8-12. 10am - 11:30am. Sign up for all 11 classes, or jump in at any week. https://www.hamiltonfilmfestival.com/c/products/homeschool-filmmaking-classes

08/17/2026

Announcements coming Friday! We will slowly reveal the schedule for the 21st Annual Hamilton Film Festival, starting with Opening Night, so if you haven't received a notification from us, it doesn't mean that your film isn't in.

You can buy your ALL ACCESS pass right now and use the code BINGE for a big discount!

08/15/2026

Students, go to movies with Q&As!! This one was also shot in Hamilton. Check out Canadian indie!

Hamilton Premiere! Sick Puppy Playhouse Cinema on Aug 18, 9:30 pm! Shot in Hamilton! Special one night only screening with writer-director Jay Reid and more. Includes poster giveaway! Tickets in bio.