Edmonton Short Film Festival is returning to the city with a full weekend of some great movies from Alberta and across the globe.
Since 2012, the Edmonton Short Film Festival (ESFF) has been showcasing independent filmmakers outside of what may be considered typical for festival markets. This includes projects like trailers, music videos, web series, commercials, and, of course, short films. Each year, this festival works to promote the short film and local film community with a gala and screening weekend, showing off, according to the organization, the “best of the best.”
With feature films being shown and a red carpet event you can participate in yourself, ESFF is one of the highlight events coming to Edmonton this October. If you’re looking to watch some of these standout movies, we’ve got everything you need to know before hitting the theatre.
What to expect at the Edmonton Short Film Festival
The film festival takes place over two days: Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18.
On Saturday, you’ll get the chance to step onto the red carpet yourself. This signature night celebrates everything about Alberta film, filmmakers, and the creative community. You’ll get a look into some of the best short films, enjoy the live music before and after the program, vote for your favourite film, and so much more film-related fun.
Following the Saturday festivities, Sunday brings movies beyond the traditional short film. The afternoon is filled with some of the best Canadian and international independent films under 30 minutes, also known as Long Shorts.
The Vertical Filmmaking Special Event will also be held on Sunday. During this compelling presentation, Travis DesLaurier will be flying in to share his expertise in this unique way of storytelling.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are available online and at the door, varying in price depending on what you want to view.
The Vertical Filmmaking Special Event and Long Shorts tickets are both $15 in advance and $20 at the door (with Long Shorts tickets including admission to the Vertical Filmmaking Special Event as well). For those wanting to explore the red carpet gala, tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Still want to see the movies, but aren’t able to make it in person? No problem!
You’re able to get a $20 pass to watch all the films online from Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, Oct. 25 at midnight. However, the festival notes that some films may not be available due to online rights not granted by the filmmaker.
A $50 VIP pass will guarantee you entry to all events and includes access to the films online, giving you the full film fanatic experience.
For those movie lovers in your life, this is the ultimate event to check out this season. Grab some friends, get some popcorn, and let’s get these shorts started!
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, to Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Time: Doors at 6 p.m. on Saturday; Doors at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Landmark Cinemas 9 City Centre — 10200 102nd Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Tickets starting at $15
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Alyssa Gallardo
Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.
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