With 113 films in this year’s AIFF program, where do you start? Film writer and AIFF programmer Carsten Knox shares 10 films that stood out to him, plus a few bonus picks worth adding to your list. From local stories to international festival favourites, consider this some inspiration for building your AIFF 2026 watchlist.

The Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) has announced its full 2026 program, featuring 113 films from Atlantic Canada, across Canada, and around the world for its 46th edition, taking place September 16 to 23 at Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane in Halifax. This year’s lineup includes five World Premieres, alongside Canadian and North American premieres, with highlights including Jenna MacMillan’s THE SNAKE, Glen Gould’s directorial debut JEFFREY’S TURN, 111 ECHOES FROM HALIFAX, SMASH & GRAB: THE REBEL LENS OF MIKE JONES, and Cannes Palme d’Or winner FJORD. Beyond screenings, AIFF 2026 will feature Gala presentations, special events, panels, industry programming, the AIFF Filmmaker Lab, and AIFF Online. AIFF Insider early ticket access begins August 13 at 11 a.m. AST, with tickets available to the general public August 14 at 11 a.m. AST.

AIFF Partners returns for its 29th edition with Arctic Lens: A Circumpolar Spotlight, bringing together leading producers, financiers, broadcasters, and industry executives from around the world to explore Indigenous storytelling, Arctic collaboration, and the future of international co productions.