Submit Your Film
Showcase
Your
Film
Share Your Story with the World
Submit your film to the Stratford Film Festival and join a celebration of innovative cinema in the heart of one of Canada’s hottest cultural hubs.
Join filmmakers from around the world in celebrating exceptional cinema at the Stratford Film Festival. Our filmmaker-friendly approach, iconic venue, and passionate audiences create the perfect environment to showcase your work.
5-Day Festival Information
Festival Dates
November 4 – 8, 2026
Venues
Stratford City Hall Auditorium
Categories We Accept
- Narrative Features – Original storytelling that captivates audiences
- Documentary Features – Real-world stories with impact and insight
- Narrative Shorts – Compelling stories told in under 40 minutes
- Documentary Shorts – Factual storytelling that resonates
- Animation – All forms of animated storytelling
- Comedy Shorts – Films that bring joy and laughter
- Environmental Films – Stories addressing our planet’s future
- Technology/Science/Science Fiction – Forward-thinking cinema
- International Films – Global perspectives and diverse voices
Cash award amounts announced closer to Festival *
* We reserve the right to adjust or amend award categories depending upon submissions. Other cash or in-kind awards may be added closer to the festival.
Submission Guidelines
We accept films that entertain and inspire moviegoers through compelling visual storytelling:
Categories We Accept
- Narrative Features – Original storytelling that captivates audiences
- Documentary Features – Real-world stories with impact and insight
- Narrative Shorts – Compelling stories told in under 40 minutes
- Documentary Shorts – Factual storytelling that resonates
- Animation – All forms of animated storytelling
- Comedy Shorts – Films that bring joy and laughter
- Environmental Films – Stories addressing our planet’s future
- Technology/Science/Science Fiction – Forward-thinking cinema
- International Films – Global perspectives and diverse voices
Selected Submissions Receive
- Professional festival screening in iconic venues
- Potential for cash awards and recognition
- Access to industry networking and panels
- Promotional support from our marketing team
- Connection with passionate film audiences
Important Dates
Submission Periods
Early Bird Deadline
- Date: To be announced
- Benefits: Lowest submission cost + extended consideration period
Regular Deadline
- Date: To be announced
- Benefits: Full consideration period
Late Deadline
- Date: To be announced
- Benefits: Final opportunity for submission
Final Deadline
- Date: To be announced
- Note: Limited review period
First-Time & Canadian Filmmaker Discounts
- First-Time Filmmaker: 25% off with proof of first-time director status
- Canadian Filmmakers: 15% discount on all submissions
Submit Through FilmFreeway
The Stratford Film Festival uses FilmFreeway, the industry standard platform trusted by over 12,000 festivals worldwide, including 235 Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying festivals.
Ready to Share Your Story?
The Stratford Film Festival uses FilmFreeway, the industry standard platform trusted by over 12,000 festivals worldwide, including 235 Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying festivals.
Selected Filmmaker Benefits
Festival Pass Inclusions
Two full access passes for all:
- Screenings
- Panel discussions
- Parties & special events
Plus – an excellent swag bag with items you’ll actually want to use.
Promotional Support
We will do all we can to help promote your work in local media, generate audience attendance for your screening, and make you feel welcome in the charming City of Stratford.
Promotional Activities
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Promotional Activities
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Promotional Activities
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Networking Events & Panels
Festival Events Include
- Filmmaker Q&As
- Panel discussions
- Nightly parties
- Special events
Press & Marketing Kit Templates
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Travel & Logistics Support
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Industry Partner Program
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Programming philosophy
Programming includes a thoughtful selection of features, shorts, animation, documentaries and more. All entries are screened/read and selected by a team of dedicated filmmakers and experienced viewers with an eye to discovering extraordinary films. Entries are judged on a point system for craft, originality, and storytelling.
SFF is proud to be a 50/50 filmmaker gender parity festival that is fully committed to equity, diversity, access, and inclusion.
Filmmaker
Reviews
The Stratford Film Festival was the highlight of our film festival tour in 2025. Megan and her team went above and beyond to ensure the film sold out twice, and the media promotions were so successful that it ended up being screened several more times in Stratford at other venues.
Colin Field | Director/Producer
We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of the Ontario Farmerettes (Canada)
As a producer and writer, I was deeply impressed by the Stratford Film Festival’s commitment to both craft and community. The team was communicative, organized, and genuinely invested in creating a meaningful experience for filmmakers.
Heidi Sander | Producer / Writer
How We Live On (Canada)
We can’t thank Megan, Bill, and their entire crew enough for making our Stratford premiere a sold-out success. Every single part of our experience with the Stratford Film Festival went above and beyond our expectations, and we are very grateful.
Tammy Heisel, Morgan Baker | Directors
Behind the Castle Doors: The Origins of the Hilarious House of Frightenstein (Canada)
Had an incredible time at the Stratford Film Festival — a fantastic, well-run experience with a lineup of genuinely excellent films. The festival struck that rare balance of professionalism with warmth, creating an environment where both filmmakers and audiences felt valued and engaged.
Marc Fortunata | Diretor/Writer
Saint Jude (Canada)
From the moment we were accepted, Executive Director Megan Smith-Harris and her entire team made our experience something we will always treasure. We felt welcomed, supported, and celebrated throughout the four-day festival.
Megan Follows | Director/Producer/Actor
Marie Dame | Screenwriter/Producer/Actor
Stealing the Sky (Canada)