Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Friday, Sept. 12, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

From dailies to final deliverables, attendees will gain an insider’s view into what really happens after picture lock.

Free and open to all.

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Friday, Sept. 12, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Join Solveig Ræstad (President, Nordic Film Commissions), Julie Blondin (Directrice Nationale, Relations d’affaires & Coproductions – National Director, Business affairs & Coproductions

Telefilm) and Laura Churchill (Chief Executive Officer & Film Commissioner at PictureNL) for an insightful conversation exploring international co-production opportunities between Canada and the Nordic region. Get practical advice on navigating partnerships, funding structures, and cultural collaboration.

Free and open to all.

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Friday, Sept. 12, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

This dynamic panel brings together: Melanie Hadley (VP, Industry, Partnership & Growth, Indigenous Screen Office), Silja Somby (Writer, Director, International Sámi Film Institute), Lisa-Marie Kristensen (Producer, Forest People), and Kati Eriksen (Producer, Home River Media) for a conversation on storytelling, sovereignty, and screen representation. Moderated by Stephanie Joline. 

Free and open to all

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Friday, Sept. 12, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Five exciting film and TV projects will be pitched to a jury of industry experts. With $20,000 worth of prizes from Sunbelt Rentals and PurpleDog Post Production on the line, it’s a high-stakes showcase of standout talent. 

Free and open to all.

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Friday, Sept. 12, 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Explore how cutting-edge virtual production is transforming storytelling. From set design to post, this panel dives into the creative and technical possibilities shaping the future of filmmaking. Guests: Brian Nitzkin (VP of Business Affairs, Orbital Studios), Randall Okita (Lockpicker Productions), and Laura Coover (Director of Marketing, Orbital Studios). Moderated by Natalie Davey (VP, Ceres Productions).

Free and open to all

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Saturday, Sept. 13, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Meet the leaders of regional film festivals! Featuring: Jenn Brown (St John’s Women’s Film Festival), Tori Fleming (Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival), Jenna MacMillan (Charlottetown Film Festival) and Walter Forsyth (Lunenburg Doc Fest). Moderated by Katie Bignell from Festival Formula.

Free and open to all

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Saturday, Sept. 13, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Learn how to access funding and support for short-form digital series through the Independent Production Fund. This session will cover eligibility, application tips, and success stories. Hosted by Jon Taylor (IPF)

Free and open to all

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Saturday, Sept 13, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Join Stephen Dunn (Closet Monster, 2015) and Amy Trefry (Vermilion, 2025) as they discuss their creative processes and Queer stories on screen with AIFF Programmer and Writer: Kevin Chabot. 

Free and open to all

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Saturday, Sept 13, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wildhood writer & director bretten hannam discusses the art of filmmaking and their new film Sk+te'kmujue'katik (At the Place of Ghosts). With John R. Sylliboy. 

Free and open to all

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Sunday, Sept. 14, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Cape Breton icons Justine Williamson and Greg Vardy host the crew behind Little Lorraine including: Director, Andy Hines, Auden Thornton and Adam Baldwin. 

Free and open to all

Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Sunday, Sept 14, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

From programming to production to rollout, discover how the National Film Board of Canada brings impact documentaries to the right audiences. Liz Cowie (Producer) and Jamie Hammond (Senior Marketing Advisor) share case studies and real-world strategies from recent campaigns—offering practical insights for filmmakers, producers and changemakers.

Free and open to all.

Cineplex Park Lane, Cinema 3 - Sunday, Sept. 14, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Get ready to rewind! This high-energy table read brings actors: Anthony L Jackson, Martina Kelades, Gil Anderson, and Reid Price on stage to breathe life into nostalgic scenes. Proudly sponsored by ACTRA Maritimes. 

Free and open to all.

Carbon Arc Cinema, 1747 Summer St. - Sunday, Sept. 14, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Check out bold new voices at Carbon Arc Cinema as participants from this year’s AIFF Filmmaker Lab debut their Q & A skills as they screen their ‘works in progress’.

Free and open to all

Wednesday, September 10, 3:00 - 5:00 PM | 5475 Spring Garden Rd, Suite 201

If you work or are interested in the film industry, we’d love to meet you. Light refreshments will be served.

Free and open to all

Wednesday, September 10, 5:00 - 7:00 PM | Lord Nelson Hotel, Georgian & Admiral Rooms

Kick off the festival at this lively gathering of delegates, VIPs, filmmakers, sponsors, and special guests. 

Available to Passholders, Invited Guests

Wednesday, September 10, 9:00 PM - LATE | Stardust Bar + Kitchen, 1688 Barrington St.

The first night of the Festival means it’s time to celebrate and mingle with filmmakers, industry folks and audience members!

$15 - Get Tickets

Free for Passholders and Opening Night Screening ticket holders 19+

Thursday, September 11, 10:00 - 11:00 AM | NFB Office, 5475 Spring Garden Road

Join us at a National Film Board next generation meet-up for directors 30 and under. Learn about a new, upcoming initiative and other opportunities to collaborate with us!

Please RSVP to b.tierney@nfb.ca

Thursday, September 11, 4:00 - 6:00 PM | 902 Post, 5475 Spring Garden Road

Join us for WIFT-AT’s annual Mussel bar reception. Raise a glass, indulge in delicious mussels and enjoy networking during AIFF!

WIFT-AT Members and Passholders only

Friday, September 12 – Sunday, September 14 | Cineplex Cinemas Parklane, Cinema 3

Join us for 3 days of free public industry events featuring panels, talks, and special sessions open to all. Highlights include filmmaker dialogues, production insights, artist conversations, awards, and screenings.

Programming Schedule

Free and open to all

Friday, September 12 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | AFCOOP Office, 1800 Argyle Street, Suite 303

AFCOOP staff and members welcome you to an Open House, where you can learn more about their year-round programs and workshops.

Free and open to all

Saturday, September 13, 9:00 PM - LATE | The Garden, 1446 Queen St.

Find out why the Maritimes have a reputation for legendary hospitality at the Atlantic Gala Party!

Open to Passholders and Atlantic Gala Ticket Holders

Sunday, September 14, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Celebrate the outstanding talent showcased throughout the festival. This special event honours and celebrates the Atlantic filmmakers, performances, and projects that moved audiences and captured juries’ attention.

Monday, September 15, 7:00 - 11:00 PM | 902 Post, 5475 Spring Garden Road

Join members of DOC Atlantic for this long-standing and beloved evening of oysters and community

DOC Members, Passholders and film community