Our opening night film will be followed by a filmmaker Q&A with director Larry Weinstein, and a celebratory Opening Night Reception–all included with your ticket. Larry Weinstein is one of Canada’s most acclaimed documentary filmmakers, with over 40 award-winning films that explore the intersection of music and culture.
Stratford
Film
festival
New Films Every Month &
5-Day Festival November 4 – 8, 2026
Films From Across
The World,
And
Around
And Around
The Corner
The Stratford Film Festival is proud to be a partner of the TIFF Film Circuit, a national film outreach programme, engaging domestic grassroots networks and strong community partnerships to bring the best of Canadian and world cinema to communities across the country.
festival
films
Behind the Castle Doors: The Origin of The Hilarious House of Frightenstein
Documentary
65 Minutes
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Festival Highlights
The five-day festival transforms Stratford into a vibrant film hub with back-to-back screenings, exclusive industry events, and special premieres you won’t find anywhere else.
- Access to all screenings and events
- Opening and closing night receptions
- Exclusive opportunities to meet visiting filmmakers
Festival Features
2026 Festival Promo
Watch the 2026 Festival Promo
70 Years of Cinema in Stratford
In 2026, the Stratford Film Festival celebrates 70 years since Tom Patterson first brought the magic of cinema to Stratford. What began as a bold vision in 1956 has grown into a beloved tradition of film, storytelling, and community.
Join us for 5 days and 5 nights of cinema, featuring an exciting lineup of Canadian and international films — from across the world and around the corner.
Seven decades later, we honour the legacy of Tom Patterson while celebrating the filmmakers, stories, and audiences that continue to make cinema in Stratford special.
Monthly
films
Gift Movie
Magic
Give the gift of memorable movies all year long with a VIP “I Want It All” Pass or an SFF Annual Screening Pass—and why not treat yourself too? For a limited time, companion passes are available at 50% off.
New film discoveries
Live Q&As with filmmakers
Comfortable seating
Fresh popcorn and snacks
Festival
Accolades
Warm congratulations on the Stratford Film Festival launch last week. The opening was superb—Beethoven’s Ninth: Ode to Humanity, and the conversation that followed were inspired choices, and everyone I’ve spoken with has called the weekend a resounding success.
The craft and care you poured into this first edition were evident in every detail. You’ve added a vibrant new thread to Stratford’s cultural fabric.
Mark Rosenfeld
Founder Provocation Ideas Festival
One of my dreams, when coming into the role as Mayor, was to open up the Queen of the Square and have it used more often.
And Megan and Bill have been instrumental in making this dream come true.
This is the Resident and Visitor’s space, and frequently it has stayed empty. Now, we have activities here during the week – during the day – which was unheard of. So, I want to thank Megan and Bill for being part of the dream. On behalf of the City of Stratford, we are so glad you’re here.
Mayor Martin Ritsma
City of Stratford
The
Sponsors
Lead Sponsors
Presenting Film, Media & Community Sponsors
