The Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) returns to downtown Kingston from February 25 to March 1. It brings more than 100 Canadian films along with concerts, comedy sets, workshops and industry activities. The festival is recognized as the largest in the world dedicated exclusively to Canadian film, and each year it brings visitors, filmmakers and residents together in the heart of the city.
Opening night
The festival begins on February 25 with a gala screening of Hubert Davis’ Youngblood at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. The evening continues at the Broom Factory where Julianna Riolino performs for festivalgoers looking to extend their night out. Together, these events help set a warm and energetic start to the week.
Films to look for
The schedule includes more than five dozen screenings throughout the week. Some of the featured titles include Wrong Husband (Uiksaringitara), At the Place of Ghosts (Sk+te’kmujue’katik), Ni‑Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising and Mile End Kicks. Screenings take place at downtown venues including The Screening Room, the Baby Grand Theatre, and the Isabel. Many of these events include Q&A sessions with directors, writers, and cast members, giving audiences a chance to hear more about each project.
More than 30 non‑film events are also part of the festival. Music fans can see performances by Arkells, Bif Naked, July Talk, Born Ruffians, Ancient Shapes and The Codas. Comedy sets throughout the week feature Shaun Majumder, Mark Forward, and K. Trevor Wilson.
Industry events and Creative Industries Day
Creative Industries Day returns on February 27 as a free program presented with Queen’s University. The event features panels on directing, screenwriting, comedy television, music and other areas of media creation. Representatives from Canadian media organizations participate throughout the program. The day concludes with an industry mixer that gives emerging and established creators an opportunity to connect.
Later that evening, visitors can attend Kingston Script to Screen. During this live pitch event, five creators present new film and television concepts to a panel of industry guests. The interactive format offers insight into how projects evolve before they reach production.
Supporting new voices
KCFF also showcases work developed through its year‑round programs. These include the 18MM youth program, the Doc Factory for emerging documentary makers, and the Slaight Music Video Program. This year’s schedule includes Team of the Century by Kingston filmmaker Annie Stewart, who previously participated in the 18MM program. These initiatives help emerging filmmakers build experience and connect with audiences.
Closing day
This year’s closing event brings one of the most talked‑about television series of the season to Kingston. Heated Rivalry has been selected as the final event of KCFF26, with a fan‑favourite episode screening on Sunday, March 1. The screening is followed by the panel Beyond the Cottage: Inside the Heated Rivalry Revolution. Presented in association with Crave, the panel features producer Lori Fischburg, cultural experts Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Angie Fazekas, and Kyle Rich, with Liz Duff moderating.
The festival concludes with an awards presentation recognizing outstanding achievements in Canadian film. Awards include the Playback Prize for Best Canadian Film and the Visual Menace Best First Feature Award. The ceremony brings the five days of screenings, performances, and conversations to a close with a celebration of the voices contributing to Canadian cinema.
Plan your visit
As the festival week approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning your visit. KCFF has something for everyone. Passes and tickets are on sale now, and many screenings sell out. Our recommendation: get your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
View the full KCFF26 programming and purchase your tickets.
