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.
2026
Festival
November 4 – 8, 2026
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Watch the 2026 Festival Promo
About the Annual FILM Festival
The Stratford Film Festival’s annual five-day celebration transforms downtown Stratford into a vibrant hub of independent cinema each November. Films are screened in the iconic Stratford City Hall Auditorium Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Stratford.
The festival celebrates innovative films and filmmakers from around the world, featuring a thoughtful selection of features, shorts, animation, and documentaries.
5 days. 5 nights. 40 Films.
Filmmaker Q&As + Panels + BEST OF FEST Awards
Food + Drink + Fun
Dive deeper into the world of film, expand your creative community, and feel the electricity that comes from great cinema.
As a proudly committed 50/50 gender parity festival, this immersive experience brings together filmmakers and film lovers in Stratford’s charming cultural setting for a celebration of independent cinema, complete with industry guests, panel discussions, and nightly parties.
Festival
Schedule
Program Film
Selection
Behind the Castle Doors: The Origin of The Hilarious House of Frightenstein
Documentary
65 Minutes
As a proudly committed 50/50 gender parity festival, this immersive experience brings together filmmakers and film lovers in Stratford’s charming cultural setting for a celebration of independent cinema, complete with industry guests, panel discussions, and nightly parties.
About the Film Selection Process
Our program selection reflects our commitment to discovering exceptional independent cinema. All entries are screened and selected by a team of dedicated filmmakers and experienced viewers with an eye to discovering extraordinary films, judged on a point system for craft, originality, and storytelling.
We curate a thoughtful lineup of features, shorts, animation, and documentaries that celebrates innovative filmmakers from around the world, around the country, and around the corner.
Film
Awards
Awards
Best Animated Short
Best of Fest Short
Best Canadian Short
Best Emerging Filmmaker
Audience Favourite
Best Dramatic Feature
Best Comedy Feature
Best Documentary
Best Foreign-language Feature
Best Canadian Feature
Festival Award
limited edition 12" x 12" giclée print on archival paper
marked with the year and SFF logo
This year’s award is a limited edition print by Tom Campbell.
Tom Campbellis a Stratford-based multidisciplinary artist whose paintings, sculptures, and drawings combine playfulness with expressive intensity. Trained in London, England, he has exhibited widely across Canada, with work held in private and public collections internationally.
The original currently hangs at the Bruce Hotel but is represented by the Agora Gallery in Stratford.
Festival
Accolades
I wanted to congratulate you on what you’ve been able to accomplish during this past year. How fast this vision has become a reality! Rob and I are absolutely thrilled that we can have a TIFF-like experience two blocks away from our house. So thank you so much! Your grit, determination, vision, industry connections, and obvious support will have a lasting impact on this wee town. Well Done!
Kimberly MacKenzie
Business Coach & Speaker
Megan and Bill came to Stratford four years ago with their passion, with their big hearts, and their desire to make something special happen in our town. And they have achieved this magnificently. And I personally want to say thank you, and I think we would all like to give you a warm and huge thank you.
Rosemary Dunsmore
Celebrated Canadian Actor & Director
I think the Stratford Film Festival was a great success, and you have proven its worth. It’s a great contribution to the cultural fabric of this city.
Deanna Horton
Former Canadian Diplomat, Scholar & Community Advocate
Congratulations on a fabulous Festival. I thoroughly enjoyed the eclectic mix of docs, dramas, and shorts. And the post-screening interviews were insightful and delightful.
Michele Boniface
Executive Director, Off The Wall Theatre Workshops
Bravo! A huge congrats to you, Bill, the SFF team, and sponsors on the inaugural festival. What a wonderful event you hosted this past weekend. Somehow, it feels like our sleepy little winter town is developing a whole new vibe. Looking forward to the monthly screenings and discovering what you have in store for us for 2026.
Shawna MacNeil
Co-owner, Ariel’s Boutique B&B
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