Toronto Shorts International Film Festival

Toronto Shorts International Film Festival Toronto Shorts International Film Festival
2026 SEPTEMBER 5 - 6
Innis Town Hall Theatre

www.TorontoShorts.com

Celebrating 11 years the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival is the largest short film festival in Canada.

​We have screened more short films in the past than any film festival in Canada. Thank you to all the filmmakers and past attendees who have contributed to our continued success. Toronto Shorts International Film Festival provides a showcase for the best short-form cinema and its creators in the world. We believe short films should have their own premier film festival in Toronto deserving similar recognition given to the feature film and its filmmakers. The heart of the festival will be our quality and scope of extraordinary film programming. In order to showcase the best short films and its filmmakers from around the world, we created the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival.

AND THE WINNERS ARE… 🏆🎬What an incredible edition of the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival! A massive congratul...
09/20/2026

AND THE WINNERS ARE… 🏆🎬

What an incredible edition of the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival! A massive congratulations to all of the visionary filmmakers who shared their stories, passion, and artistry with us on the big screen.

Please join us in celebrating this year’s festival award winners:

🏆Best of Festival
Man in the Arena ( Dir. Bob Giraldi)

🏆Best International
Man in the Arena ( Dir. Bob Giraldi)

🏆Best Drama
Every One Of Us (Dir. Farzan Farhangian)

🏆Best Comedy
Middling (Dir. Naomi Eidinger)

🏆Best Animation
Violet After The Storm (Dir. bekky O'Neil)

🏆Best Documentary
Abuela's Life Story (Dir. Sebastian Decter)

🏆Best Experimental
Fever (Dir. Paige Foskett)

🏆Best Sci-Fi/Horror
The Last Breath of Bartor Sorrow​ (Dir. Trent Scherer)

🏆Best Series
Voetry (Dir. Odessa Spence)

To our filmmakers, audience members, and supporters—thank you for making Toronto Shorts one of Canada's top celebrations of short-form cinema.

👉 https://www.torontoshorts.com

🎬 DAY 2! Program 8 closes out the festival at 9 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre: Our final block of the weekend.Swipe to e...
09/06/2026

🎬 DAY 2! Program 8 closes out the festival at 9 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre: Our final block of the weekend.

Swipe to explore the 7 short films that will send off the 14th Annual Toronto Shorts International Film Festival in style.

Thank you to every filmmaker, every audience member, and everyone who made these two days unforgettable. Let’s finish strong together!



Lady Of Sorrows
Director: LC Linda Czerniawski
Canada | Horror | 5 min

Struggling to find peace after the death of her child, a mother follows the distorted voice of what seems to be her daughter calling for her.

C.U.P.I.D.
Director: Ravi Rekhi
Canada | Drama | 10 min

When his heart condition gets him enrolled in a government matchmaking program, Kabir learns that the bureaucracy designed to cure his loneliness has no idea how love works.

I Heard A Buzz
Director: Mathew Ouzounis
Canada | Thriller | 7 min

A grieving woman spirals into a trance, tormented by buzzing flies and battling her unravelling mind as she fights for the edge of reality.

Punching Down
Director/Writer: Dave Bishop, CJ Bishop
Canada | Comedy | 30 min

Two brothers, CJ and Dave, decide to open a comedy club in Hamilton, Ontario. They run up against Chet Vandal, a comedy magician who owns a competing club.

Fever
Director: Paige Foskett
Canada | Dance | 5 min

Fever explores the feeling of spring pushed to its limits. Messy and brimming with life, bodies collide as desire takes over. Using movement as its primary source of storytelling, FEVER presents the process of becoming as something viscerally human. Blurring the line between control and release, what begins as a glimmer of renewal, quickly becomes something more urgent and consuming.

The Border at Tolstoi
Director/Writer: Bob Kotyk
Canada | Drama | 16 min

A border guard at the US-Canada crossing of Tolstoi, Manitoba falls victim to the effects of a strange weapon that separates her mind from her body.

Aftermath
Director/Writer: Carrara Stern
Canada | Thriller | 15 min

In the aftermath of a sexual assault, a high schooler turns to vandalizing a bathroom stall to express her f

🎬 DAY 2! Program 7 screens at 7 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre with just one program left after this!Swipe to explore the...
09/06/2026

🎬 DAY 2! Program 7 screens at 7 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre with just one program left after this!

Swipe to explore the 6 short films in this block, then stick around for our final program at 9 PM.

Were you with us on Day 1? Come back for Day 2 and connect with your fellow filmmakers.

See you inside!



Legerdemain
Director/Writer: Basil Gordovich
Canada | Animation | 3 min

A jealous illusionist summons his rival to a duel to see who is the better magician. The trick is, he brought a real gun.

Middling
Director/Writer: Naomi Eidinger
Canada | Comedy | 16 min

Through a series of vignettes, two class (and soul) mates unravel across time, space, and mediocre diner french fries.

A Deal in Liberty
Director/Writer: Palmer Wells
Canada | Comedy | 15 min

When Officer Fitz Fitzpatrick is tasked to conduct a covert drug deal, the representatives sent by the Manhattan-based criminal enterprise causes him to rethink everything he thought he knew about the assignment.

Untitled 50 Year Old Guy
Director: Augustus Rivers
Canada | Drama | 18 min

Matt, a 48-year-old man still living with his mother in her retirement residence, numbs his loneliness with dating apps and memories of the ex he never got over. When Rashinka, a tennis instructor whose mother lives in the building, agrees to spend the day with him, Matt seizes the chance for connection, and their impulsive intimacy briefly promises escape from his stagnant life.

Every One Of Us
Director/Writer: Farzan Farhangian
Canada | Drama | 11 min

Amidst the bloody 2026 Iranian Revolution and a total nationwide internet blackout, a young woman in Toronto must navigate the agonizing silence of her boyfriend’s disappearance—only to find the answer in the heart of a protest

Man in the Arena
Director: Bob Giraldi
USA | Drama | 25 min

CARMELINA, an opinionated, rough-around-the-edges NYC cab driver, professing high quality taste in cuisine, develops an obsession with a certain food critic that she picks up one evening —and both will drive our plot, pardon the pun.

🎬 DAY 2! Program 6 screens at 5 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre, the second of four programs today.Swipe to explore the 8 ...
09/06/2026

🎬 DAY 2! Program 6 screens at 5 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre, the second of four programs today.

Swipe to explore the 8 short films in this block, and be sure to catch the other three programs happening today too!

Were you with us on Day 1? Come back for Day 2 and connect with your fellow filmmakers.



Abuela’s Life Story
Director/Writer: Sebastian Decter
Canada | Documentary | 10 min

A theatrical reenactment of the life of my grandmother Marlinda Freire, a Chilean refugee in Canada.

Before They Bloom
Director/Writer: Emad Jafari
Canada | Drama | 3 min

A painter and her lover share a quiet life in an apartment where her artwork begins to reflect their inner world. On her canvas, she paints two flowing rivers, representing herself and Keyhan, slowly moving toward each other as she envisions a shared future symbolized by a blooming cherry blossom tree.

The New Normal
Director: Shannyn Lee Kelly, Henkelina F Mick
Canada | Drama | 14 min

In a small town during the height of Covid, three acquaintances find themselves drawn closer together at a local fish and chips shop. Each carries their own weight of isolation-one struggling with loss, two with failing businesses and all grappling with deep loneliness.

Surprise!
Director/Writer: Gabe Golin
Canada | Comedy | 19 min

A surprise party takes a deadly turn when a group of friends comes face to face with a few unplanned surprises of their own.

Everything’s An Adventure
Director/Writer: Molly Westrup
Canada | Drama | 10 min

Jacqueline, a 20-something art museum gift shop employee, feels incredibly unsatisfied with her life. She doesn’t have her dream job, her dream house, financial stability etc. Emma, her fun, spontaneous, and charismatic roommate, is in a similar position.

Guys You’re Friends With
Director/Writer: Sofia Baron
Canada | Drama | 15 min

After a wild night of partying, an unassuming sleepover between two friends descends into chaos after mysterious calls from beyond the grave force a young woman to confront the hidden crimes of her close friend.

Perennial
Director/Writer: Eric Kingsbury
Canada | Drama | 11

🎬 DAY 2! Program 5 kicks off at 3 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre.Ten more short films to open the final day. Swipe to exp...
09/06/2026

🎬 DAY 2! Program 5 kicks off at 3 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre.

Ten more short films to open the final day. Swipe to explore the full lineup.

Missed Day 1? There’s still so much to see. Come be part of the closing day with us.



The Christmas Tree That Changed The World
Director: Veronica Popov
Canada | Animation | 3 min

Meet a young evergreen tree named Spruce and puppy friend Holly. Learn how they start a new North Pole Tradition by adding ornaments to Spruce’s branches after doing kind acts.

Man-eating Plant
Director/Writer: Alice Han
Canada | Drama | 12 min

Haunted by the loss of her father, Qiaoyi chooses to stay in a city she does not like—Toronto—in order to accompany her boyfriend and seek a sense of security. However, their once stable relationship gradually begins to fracture, until the appearance of a mysterious flower. The flower seems to have the power to control her boyfriend’s behavior, which rekindles Qiaoyi’s hope.

Go for Gold
Director/Writer: Niko Chu
Taiwan | Drama | 8 min

A Filipina housekeeper starts her first day working for an injured Filipino-Canadian Track Star. In her attempt to connect with him culturally, secrets from his past in the Philippines unravel.

Pond Kings – Battle of the Championship
Director: Shijin Wang
Canada | Animation | 1 min

Pond Kings – Battle of the Championship is a fast-paced animated short that parodies martial arts showdowns with humor and heart. In this unexpected face-off, Frog Lee—the undisputed champion of the pond—takes on Papaya the Fly, a tiny challenger with big surprises. Packed with playful energy and stylized action, the film celebrates the underdog spirit in the most unlikely of heroes.

Fish Boy
Director/Writer: JoAnne Fishburn
Canada | Drama | 16 min

FISH BOY is a story about Jacky, a busy mid-50’s professional who comes to form an unlikely bond with 12-year-old Jack after he knocks on her door one day asking to borrow a bowl for his fish- he caught it at the lake and wants to take it home as a pet. Jack starts to visit often. Their connection grows, but he suddenly stops coming around. Jacky who h

🎬 14 years of great stories, and we’re just getting started. Day 1 is live at Innis Town Hall Theatre!
09/05/2026

🎬 14 years of great stories, and we’re just getting started. Day 1 is live at Innis Town Hall Theatre!

🎬 IT’S HERE! The 2026 Toronto Shorts International Film Festival begins now at Innis Town Hall Theatre.Two days, incredi...
09/05/2026

🎬 IT’S HERE! The 2026 Toronto Shorts International Film Festival begins now at Innis Town Hall Theatre.

Two days, incredible short films from around the world. Grab your tickets from the link in our bio, take your seat, meet your fellow filmmakers, and let’s celebrate the art of the short film together.

See you inside!

🎬 DAY 1! Program 4 of 4 closes out the night at 9 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre. Make sure to check out Programs 1, 2, a...
09/05/2026

🎬 DAY 1! Program 4 of 4 closes out the night at 9 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre. Make sure to check out Programs 1, 2, and 3 too!

Ten short films: Our biggest block of Sep 5. A perfect way to wrap the opening day.

Joining us for Day 1? Don’t miss Day 2! We’ve got more great films coming your way!

See you there!



Please Hold
Director: Joseph Liu
Canada | Comedy | 6 min

Chandler McGowan’s ordinary day takes a wildly absurd turn while waiting in line at Pillar Trust Bank. Already overwhelmed by overdue bills and everyday stress, Chandler becomes even more frustrated when he receives an unsolicited call from Streamline Cable, aggressively offering an upgraded service package.

SOB
Director/Writer: Alexander Nonaka Galant
Canada | Drama | 9 min

A young man unloads his past to his therapist as he tries to decide if he’s going to his estranged mother’s funeral or not.

Reunited
Director/Writer: Katia Cafe-Febrissy
Canada | Drama | 6 min

A con artist’s last job, the one that will let her quit the business and reunite with her estranged son, goes catastrophically wrong when her wealthy pigeon turns out to be a ruthless queenpin who wants her money back.

Sexy Singles
Director/Writer: Tyra Josie Houghton
Canada | Comedy | 7 min

A satire take on modern dating

The Curse Of Danny Rizzo
Director: Ievy Stamatov
Canada | Comedy | 5 min

After a sudden break up, bitter witch Marigold rallies a coven to set a curse on her ex.

Haliburton
Director/Writer: Jake Hawkes-Sackman
Canada | Comedy | 7 min

A young couple breaks into a family cottage for a quiet getaway. When they’re interrupted by a pair of burglars, the girlfriend accidentally kills one, leaving the remaining three to dispose of the body or go to prison for their actions.

Room 206
Director/Writer: Phinehas Iaboni
Canada | Drama | 14 min

A haunted man spirals into a night of rage, paranoia, and ghostly visions. Ignoring the calls from an unknown number, he attempts to hide a co**se in his motel bathroom. As hallucinations blur with reality, a bullet hole reveals a disturbing visage one room over: a father forcing his son

🎬 TOMORROW: DAY 1! Program 3 of 4 hits the screen at 7 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre.Four short films to keep the evenin...
09/04/2026

🎬 TOMORROW: DAY 1! Program 3 of 4 hits the screen at 7 PM at Innis Town Hall Theatre.

Four short films to keep the evening rolling. Which one are you most excited for?

Made a film in this block? Tell us in the comments and meet your fellow filmmakers in person tomorrow.

See you there!



The Audition
Director/Writer: Anastazia Rae
Canada | Comedy | 9 min

A comedic short film about auditioning in the “all or nothing” world of community theatre.

Fire and Ice
Director: Matthew Reardon
Canada | Thriller | 8 min

After the world has turned into a post-apocalyptic wasteland, father and daughter Ethan and Chloe debate what is right and wrong when a stranger threatens their relationship.

Don’t Forget Me
Director/Writer: Sohaib Ghani
Canada | Drama | 27 min

Emery, a waitress stuck in a suffocating routine is suddenly drawn into an unexpected journey with a mysterious stranger, who may be the key to escaping her frustrations.

Best Friend
Director/Writer: Gita Galadauskaite
Canada | Drama | 26 min

Captivating family friendly drama inspired by true events:

At night, during a rainstorm, a Grandmother tells a story to her frightened granddaughter about a Preacher who happens to go to the wrong place to meet the wrong people and to top it off finds himself in a dangerous situation only a prayer can resolve! What happens next?

🎬 CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS! 🎬The clock is ticking! You have until MAY 8 to get your project in before late fees kick in. D...
05/06/2026

🎬 CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS! 🎬

The clock is ticking! You have until MAY 8 to get your project in before late fees kick in. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action.

👉 Submit here: https://filmfreeway.com/TorontoShorts

🔥 TORONTO'S BIGGEST SHORT FILM CELEBRATION!

Whether you’ve produced a high-budget masterpiece or a gritty lo-fi gem, we want to see it. All genres are welcome at the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival. 🎥✨

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