RUSH Youth Film Festival (2)

Festival start: 08 May 2026      Festival end: 11 May 2026

The RUSH Youth Film Festival is back for another year of celebrating bold, innovative storytelling from the next generation of filmmakers! Taking place at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and across St. Catharines, the festival is a platform for young creatives to showcase their work in front of live audiences, industry professionals, and fellow filmmakers.

ALSO CHECK OUT: RUSH AFTER DARK https://festhome.com/festival/rush-youth-film-festival

Now Accepting Submissions
We’re looking for short films from filmmakers aged 35 and under in all genres—live-action, animation, documentary, and experimental. Whether your film is deeply personal, wildly inventive, or pushing cinematic boundaries, we want to see it!

Festival Highlights
Beyond screenings, RUSH 2026 will be packed with opportunities for learning, networking, and creative growth:

Workshops with Industry Mentors – Learn from professionals in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound design, and more.

Q&A Sessions with Filmmakers – Gain behind-the-scenes insight as directors, actors, and crew members break down their creative process.

Networking & Social Events – Connect with fellow filmmakers, industry insiders, and film lovers in a relaxed setting. Build relationships, find collaborators, and exchange ideas.

Panel Discussions – Explore industry trends, new technologies, and the evolving landscape of youth-driven storytelling.

Exclusive Festival Parties – Celebrate your work, unwind, and enjoy live music, entertainment, and awards presentations on closing night!

Don’t miss this chance to share your vision, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of an unforgettable festival experience. Submissions are now open!

We’re recognizing excellence in filmmaking across multiple categories:

Top Awards
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound Design/Editing
Best Screenplay
Best Original Score
Best Visual Effects

Performance Awards
Best Performance in a Lead Role
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Best Ensemble Cast

Genre Awards
Best Comedy
Best Documentary
Best Animated Film
Best Horror/Thriller
Best Drama

Open to youth creators and performers aged 40 and under.

(Films must be created by youth or feature youth performers.)

Each filmmaker may submit up to three (3) films.

All submissions are automatically considered for screening and award nominations.
(There are no separate category submissions this year.)

Films can be of any genre or style, including live action, animation, documentary, or experimental.

Maximum film length: 30 minutes, including credits.

Films must be the original work of the submitter and must not infringe on any copyrights or third-party rights.

Filmmakers retain all rights to their work, but grant RUSH the right to screen accepted films at the festival and use stills/clips for promotional purposes.

english subtitles are required for non-english films.

Selected films will be notified by email. (Make sure to provide accurate contact info during submission.)

RUSH reserves the right to disqualify any film that contains hate speech, explicit violence, or harmful content.