OCTOBER 17 | RED CARPET GALA

Celebrating Alberta Film

Step onto the red carpet for the Edmonton Short Film Festival’s 2026 Red Carpet Gala, our signature night celebrating Alberta film, filmmakers and the creative community.

This year’s Gala brings together short films made across the province, from emerging filmmakers to established voices. Expect stories that will make you laugh, cry and everything in between, all experienced where they belong: on the big screen.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of walking the red carpet, this is your chance. Dress up, get your photo taken, mingle with filmmakers and industry professionals, enjoy live entertainment and experience the excitement of a night dedicated to Alberta filmmaking.

SHORT FILMS: BIG IMPACT

Our 2026 programming theme is Short Films: Big Impact, and this year we’re throwing it back to the 80s with our Gala aesthetic.

The program showcases the range and creativity of Alberta filmmakers, from bold and experimental work to heartfelt stories that connect across cultures and generations.

At the end of the program, you get a say too. Vote for your favourite film for the Audience Choice Award, with a $250 cash prize going to the winning filmmaker.

2026 RED CARPET GALA OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

Meet the filmmakers and films taking the big screen at this year’s Red Carpet Gala:

Fort Macbeth – Web Series

Aviva Zimmerman

The Old White Van

Dan McDougall

Date And Time

Alexis Rapada

BolBol

Lili Yas Tayefi

Refuge

Nathan Horch

Double-Edged Dagger (Festival Cut)

Kailey Lambert

Bluebird

Jack Hornecker

The Countdown

Spencer Shortt

Never Come Home Again

Kaeley Wiebe

The Night Time Show

Tegan Dobrich

Midwest Superstardom – St.Arnaud

Colin Waugh

More Than Convenience

Rew Jones

Social Justice Warrior

Frederick Kroetsch

Cold Running Water

C.H. Baradoy

Eyes In The Woods: Pilot

Numera Films

Good Morning?

Abdullah Al-Nono

If I Knew (The Piano Version) Official Music Video

Elizabeth Butler

Water My Soul – Music Video

Justin Wiesinger

THE NIGHT DOESN’T END WITH THE CREDITS

After the screening, stick around for our Afterparty Networking Event, where filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and film lovers can connect over food and drinks.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, cinephile, industry professional or simply looking for a great night out, the Red Carpet Gala is your chance to celebrate the people and stories helping shape Alberta’s film community.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday, October 17, 2026
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Landmark Cinemas Edmonton City Centre
Parking: $5

Your ticket includes the film program, red carpet experience and live entertainment.