AIFF KIDS Youth Competition 2026 Winners
The 17th annual AIFF Kids Youth Competition showcased short films created by young people across the Atlantic Canadian provinces. On Sunday May 24, 2026, AIFF celebrated the 16 Finalist films in cinema, on the big screen. The free community event took place at Cineplex Park Lane Halifax.
The program featured documentary, drama, horror, and stop motion animation from across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The finalists all had incredible enthusiasm and creativity, and are clear examples of the budding talent coming out of Atlantic Canada. The future of storytelling is bright!
After careful consideration, the jury, consisting of Halifax-based writer/director/programmer Tori Fleming and Wolfville-based documentary filmmaker Rose Schoonhoven, selected the winners of the 2026 Youth Film Competition. Congratulations to:
Best Fiction Film Winner
SEE ME IN THE STARS
Directed by Finn Paster (Wolfville, NS)
The jury noted that “the film blew us away with its ambition and sensitivity to detail. We were particularly taken by its use of practical effects, its mature writing, and skillful performances.”
Honourable Mention
for Best Fiction Film
ZITS
Directed by Duncan MacMaster (Antigonish, NS)
The jury noted that the “film was well-paced, and we loved the clever use of drawings to animate an anxious time in a teen's life.”
Best Documentary Winner
PREPARING INNINEU: PARTRIDGE CLEANING IN SHESHATSHIU
Directed by Reighlyn Penashue
The jury noted that “the film displayed incredible technical skill. The film had well-balanced audio and great editing, but what we were most impressed by was the cinematography. The colours and attention to detail were completely mesmerizing. The film's excellent execution allowed us to lose ourselves in the fascinating practice of partridge cleaning.”
People’s Choice Award Winner
SUCKER!
Directed by Emma Garland (Saint John, New Brunswick)
People’s Choice Award Runner Up
THE WEIGHT OF TOMORROW
Directed by Danika Sirois Wallace and Alexi Arsenault (Boutouche, New Brunswick)
Congratulations to the filmmaker teams!
Each award-winning film receives a piece of film equipment, including lights, mics, and clapboards, that can be used to continue making movies.
Want to see the films again?! All finalist films can found at: YouTube.com/atlanticfilmfest
Thank you again for supporting young Atlantic creatives and AIFF Kids initiatives. We are so excited to see what the future holds for all of the Youth Competition participants.
See you next year!