Join the Edmonton Short Film Festival on September 30th, 2025, from 4–6 PM at Audreys Books for a special Truth & Reconciliation gathering. This meaningful event will celebrate Indigenous voices and storytelling through a showcase of short films by Indigenous creatives; host talks by local Indigenous authors and joining us will be Elder Terry Lusty to perform a smudging ceremony. Together, we reflect, learn, and celebrate a path toward reconciliation. Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided. This is a Free Event!
On August 22nd, the Edmonton Short Film Festival is hosting a Pop-Up screening featuring Pride films! Come to the Muttart Theatre in the Stanley A. Milner Library @ 7:00pm and join us for a night of celebration with our amazing Pride community!
The films featured in our program are:
Time for a Eulogy, Bitches directed by Andrew G. Cooper
It’s time for a show. A drag queen puts on her makeup in front of a mirror as she prepares herself for her next big performance. As she dons her mask, she revisits her past and how she got to where she is today.
Crow directed by Morgan Ermter
A student named Crow, with an innate fascination for crows, has to choose between her love of the birds and potential ridicule from peers.
Be Me directed by Sarah Harve
When acceptance within is found.
Another directed by Lesha Jay Vescio
Having moved to Canada in the 1930s following her mother’s death, a young Ukrainian girl’s grief is channelled through fear that the Baba Yaga, an urban legend, is on their new land and threatens her family’s safety.
This Is The Life directed by Daniel Martin
Daniel Martin & The Infamous take over Edmonton’s Black Pearl restaurant and have an Infamous pirate party!
The Nobody Prayer directed by Shaun T. Pulsifer
A young man calls out to the only one that understands him as he is torn between who he is and the faith he cherishes.
Say More directed by Cory Johnn
“Say More” is a mini-doc where you will experience the power of community, love, and resilience.
Attendance is free, so bring your friends and come support these talented artists! Pop by early to order food and beverages and help support our local businesses.
Some of the Directors will be in attendance and there will be a Q&A session at the end of the screening
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DILLY DIGGER AND THE MUSHROOM ADVENTURE
Directed by: Eva Colmers
Dilly is a curious little mole who loves to dig. Day in. Day out. Dig, dig, dig. But he is not so good at staying on task. Today, Dilly is supposed to find mushrooms for dinner but gets distracted by a funny butterfly, a fuzzy caterpillar and a friendly Giraffe. Will Dilly find the mushrooms and keep his promise?
Directed by: Clare Mullen
When a waiter discovers a man is proposing to his gal, he tries to help him out by magically producing the ring; disaster quickly ensues.
To All Who Are Concerned
Directed by: Paula E. Kirman
“To All Who Are Concerned” is a music video written, directed, produced, and performed by Paula E. Kirman. The song appears on her EP Losstenders.
From a Light Within: A Christmas Story
Directed by: Beth Wishart Mackenzie
A heartwarming story of brotherly love at the darkest time of year. Each year, despite his disability, Bill decorates his house with Christmas lights. Memories of days gone by inspire and guide his work. This year Bill decorates with special purpose: his brother is coming!
Love at First Light
Directed by: Michelle Huynh Tran
A moth falls in love.
Weight Of The Strings
Directed by: Stefania Brusi
Mya and Dylan feel like puppets in their own lives. Dylan struggles with his cerebral palsy and Mya suffers from an abusive boyfriend. Together they support each other and free themselves in a relationship told through the eyes of Mya’s little brother, Logan.
One With
Directed by: Janita Frantsi
Nature is where it all starts – breath, growth, change, and transition. One With explores the (inter)connection between us and Mother Nature. The film takes dance outdoors while simultaneously bringing a piece of nature to urban spaces and digital screens to serve as a reminder that environment is something we want to honour, respect, and preserve.
Rough Cut
Directed by: Taghreed Saadeh
“Rough Cut” a short documentary brings us to Gaza and to the 2010 military attacks of Israeli forces. This film shows the suffering of the people in Gaza. We see the effects of death on children, women and civilians, and express their need for help.
Local Heroes Film Festival with International Festival of Winter Cinema 2025
Please join us on Saturday February 15th from 7-8pm where the following films we be screened outside on a giant snow screen! THIS IS A FREE EVENT!
Camping (7:00) Directed by Sacha Kai Michaud, Alyssa Ashmore, Nicole Calfchild
Camping is a stop-motion short, that follows the story of Shawna, a young woman living in an urban encampment as she attempts to find housing. This was a community project, written by people with the lived experience of being unhoused.
One Minute to Prove Yourself (8:35) Directed by Christina Estillore
This is the story of two men and how the choices of one can affect the lives of both men. With one minute to prove themselves, who will come out on top?
Ghosted (6:55) Directed by Sophie Gareau-Brennan and Matt Mihilewicz
In this sweet comedy, a sheet ghost gets ready for the best date of their life.
Float Away (3:24) Directed by Douglas Cook
“Float Away” pairs moving, personal lyrics with dark, atmospheric cinematography and stop-motion animation to express the feelings of isolation and hopelessness that come with mental health issues like anxiety, depression and addiction. The song and the visuals started out as separate projects, but work together to show how even the smallest steps can start the journey out of despair and into wholeness.
On My Mind (4:28) Directed by Samuel Ross
When Michael is invited to a party that his crush is attending, he must decide whether to go out or spend the evening in with his mother.
Empty Nest (9:54) Directed by Neil Schell
She is looking forward to this new empty nest. He has other uses for their nest egg. When worlds collide.
Congratulations (2:00) Directed by David Gigena-Kazimierczak
A soon-to-be graduate recalls her past through technological means.
Integration by Board Games (5:58) Directed by Emily Kiara
A man who immigrates from France to the USA to Canada struggles to find others who speak French. Through board games, he finds community amongst others and creates a French-speaking board game group.
What a Day! (5:31) Directed by Sebastian Cruz
Our protagonist navigates through a tumultuous day that tests her resolve, showing that sometimes, the darkest clouds roll in when you least expect them. But after all, it’s through the toughest days that we truly learn our strength.
Pleasant Solutions (4:51) Directed by Jarvis Grenier
Deep Freeze 2025
The Local Heroes Film Festival (managed by the Edmonton Short Film Festival), is pleased to present a special screening of short films featuring Alberta Indigenous filmmakers, creatives and Indigenous stories.The following selection of short films will be screened in the Big Yurt during the Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival 2025 on Saturday, January 18 from 6:30 – 8:45 pm at the Big Bear Yurt (92 Street & 118 Avenue). The film program will be looped twice. THIS IS A FREE EVENT!
The Politics Directed by Len Morisset
Lamenting her loss of community, a travelling Métis Woman encounters two unknown and bizarre personalities in a lonely bus station. (film length 12:08)
Wholistic Conversations on Liver Wellness: An Indigenous Perspective Directed by Kate P.R. Dunn
This film shares conversations on wellness featuring unique stories from various personal and professional experiences and seasons of life. These eye-opening conversations share the impact the Indigenous community is making on awareness for the importance of liver health rooted in traditional culture and ways of life. (film length 22:53)
Mary Mackagonne Directed by Sean Smith
Creator Sean Smith honours his Métis family history and the memory of his 5th great-grandmother, Mary Mackagonne, a Swampy Cree woman who goes entirely uncredited in Canadian history. The wife of Peter Fidler, a map-maker for the Hudson’s Bay Company, she lived the life of a trader, canoeing alongside him on his expeditions and contributing labour to the building and maintaining of forts while also caring for their fourteen children.
The story is based on entries from Fidler’s journals. He and Mary and their Metis family are nearly running out of supplies and have lost most of their crew to the rival Northwest Company while Mary is nearly 9 months pregnant. A hired bully from the rival Northwest Company begins a reign of intimidation on the family – forcing them to make a decision for the sake of their family’s safety. (film length 10:53)
Memories Directed by Adriel (Strenneth) Rosenfeld
Robin Cisek’s music video for her song, “Memories” takes inspiration from sci-fi media and futuristic techwear styles to illustrate the individualized and very personal struggle with that people have with their mental health. Robin takes on the role of 3 characters that represent different emotional aspects of herself in an aim to find a purpose or final destination for upsetting memories. (film length 3:59)
Braves Wear Braids Directed by Jamie Starlight, Bryce Starlight
Braves Wear Braids is an empowering short documentary focused on encouraging Indigenous youth not to cut their hair. Through personal stories we look at the challenges faced by many Indigenous families to continue the long-standing tradition of wearing long hair in order to keep the connection that ties them, not only to their culture and ancestors, but also to Creator. (film length 28:21)
Truth & Reconciliation Film & Author Event
The Edmonton Short Film Festival is honoured to be hosting a special event on September 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This event will take place from 4-6pm at Audreys Books (10702 Jasper Avenue). The event will start with a blessing, greetings and land acknowledgement.
We anticipate a heightened awareness among community members about the historical and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples. Through the powerful narratives presented in the films and authors, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, culture, and challenges experienced by Indigenous communities.
After each film and excerpt from a local Indigenous author, there will be a discussion on the content presented. This dialogue is crucial for promoting understanding, empathy, and unity. By showcasing a diverse range of Indigenous films, this event contributes to the preservation of Indigenous cultures and traditions. The stories shared through film and text serve as a valuable medium for passing down cultural knowledge to younger generations and promoting a sense of pride and identity within the community. This event will raise awareness not only within the Indigenous community but also among broader audiences. Increased understanding can lead to advocacy for policies that support Indigenous rights and well-being.
By creating a space for dialogue and storytelling, the project aspires to leave a lasting positive impact on the community’s journey toward truth, reconciliation, and cultural resilience.
Featured Films:
Back To Ste. Madeleine Directed by Jack Belhumeur
Jack Belhumeur invites the viewers on a ride along as he travels with his father and son to the site of their ancestral community. Jack tells the dark history but paints a brighter narrative of a resilient and strong people with strong roots.
Kaashkitamaasho Directed by Chantelle Marie Anderson
A woman’s exploration of her Métis identity; the quieting of her inner voice saying she’s not ‘Indigenous enough’.
Mary Mackagonne Directed by Sean Smith
Creator Sean Smith honours the memory of his great-great-great-great-great grandmother, Mary Mackagonne, a Swampy Cree woman who goes entirely uncredited in Canadian history. The wife of Peter Fidler, a map-maker for the Hudson’s Bay Company, she lived the life of a trader, canoeing alongside him on his expeditions and contributing labour to the building and maintaining of forts while also caring for their fourteen children.
The story is based on entries from Fidler’s journals. He and Mary and their Metis family are nearly running out of supplies and have lost most of their crew to the rival Northwest Company while Mary is nearly 9 months pregnant. A hired bully from the rival Northwest Company begins a reign of intimidation on the family – forcing them to make a decision for the sake of their family’s safety.
The Boy & The Braid Directed by Alyssa Alook
Being Nehiyaw Indigenous, wearing your braid, in today’s society often leads to discrimination and bullying, impacting ones life and relationship with culture. Who would’ve thought the effects of the residential schools are still carrying on throughout today’s generation? Watch Nathan on his journey with his culture, as a boy to present day.
Featured Authors:
Marilyn Dumont
Metis poet, writer, and Professor Marilyn Dumont teaches for the faculties of Arts and Native Studies at the University of Alberta and is proud of Metis family lines from her Mother’s – Vaness / Dufresne families and her father’s – Boudreau/Dumont families.
She was awarded the 2018 Lifetime Membership from the League of Canadian Poets for her contributions to poetry in Canada. In 2019, she received the University of Alberta Distinguished Alumni Award and the Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Distinguished Artist Award, and in 2022 was Awarded the Alberta Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal for public service.
Her four collections of poetry have won provincial or national awards: A Really Good Brown Girl (1996); green girl dreams Mountains (2001); that tongued belonging (2007); The Pemmican Eaters (2015). A fifth collection surrounding Indigenous history of Edmonton, called South Side of a Kinless River will be published by Brick Books in 2024.
Conor Kerr
Conor is a Métis/Ukrainian writer living in Edmonton. He is the author of the poetry collections, An Explosion of Feathers and Old Gods which was shortlisted for the 2023 Governor General’s Award. His first novel Avenue of Champions won the 2022 RELIT Award, was longlisted for the Giller Prize and shortlisted for the Amazon/Walrus debut novel award. His second novel Prairie Edge, is currently on the longlist for the 2024 Giller Prize. Conor is an Assistant Professor in English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta.
Please join us for a special Free screening event on Thursday August 22 at 7:30pm at the Muttart Theatre in the Milner Library downtown. The following films will be presented followed by a Q&A with each attending film director.
Quinn: by Eva Colmers 30:00 (documentary)
QUINN is an intimate documentary about change, gender identity and living outside the box. Beautifully shot against the backdrop of nature and enriched by drawings and videos of young Quinn, the documentary offers a window into the joys and challenges of Quinn’s gender journey, over 4 seasons and 4 years. This deeply personal, yet surprisingly universal, positive story of change is invigorated by the powerful music of celebrated, non-binary musician Rae Spoon. “Nothing stays the same”, says Quinn, as they strive to find a place in a society obsessed with labels.
Nowhere Normal by Matt Kloster – 6:53 (comedy)
A young woman must find the heirlooms of her recently dead grandmother, before her intolerant, debt-ridden father does.
Love Socks by Reid Anderson -3:38 (comedy)
Confident, hilarious, and glamorous, The Real Human Girl is on top of the world, her relationship going strong with Sock, a foreign and sexy sock puppet, when her world suddenly falls apart upon the discovery that Sock has been seeing someone else- and a twink no less.
Cut Knife Creek: by Beric Dean Manywounds, Alanna Bluebird-Onespot, Ben Pipestem, Ryan Von Hagen – 8:00 (animation)
The story revolves around seven Tsuut’ina men including a stunning man named Broken Knife who practiced medicine and was a great warrior. The Tsuut’ina men were traveling for a long time when they came upon three dark omens urging them to turn back. Despite attacks from ravens, endless walking in heavy smoke and fog, and undead bison rising and charging at them, they refused to turn back and were instead encouraged to keep going. Unaffected, they eventually find rest atop a hill (later to be named Cut Knife Hill). A Cree Warrior then rides up on the seven Tsuut’ina men and a massacre ensues. Broken Knife hurdles himself at multiple Cree men attacking them to allow for two Tsuut’ina men to escape while at the same time sacrificing himself. The Tsuut’ina men are not only saved by Broken Knife but also by a Cree woman who engage in a tense standoff – ultimately the both sides choose peace and let each other go on their ways.
Indigenous Screening 2024
The Local Heroes Film Festival (managed by the Edmonton Short Film Festival), is pleased to present a special screening of short films featuring Alberta Indigenous filmmakers.
The following short films will be screened at the Aviary on June 20 starting at 7PM.
Jack Belhumeur invites the viewers on a ride along as he travels with his father and son to the site of their ancestral community. Jack tells the dark history but paints a brighter narrative of a resilient and strong people with strong roots.
Cut Knife Creek by Director Beric Dean Manywounds, Alanna Bluebird-Onespot, Ben Pipestem, Ryan Von Hagen
McDavid by Director Conor McNally
A portrait of a sports fan’s twisted infatuation with a new “generational player”. Edmonton, Alberta serves as the backdrop of how urban identity and the genuine spirit of sports fandom is corrupted by global greed..
MONSTR by Director Tank Standing Bull
How do you go on living when everything is taken from you in the blink of an eye? A young artist confronts his inner demons while apprenticing with a northwest totem carver after the death of his beloved.
The Ancestral Tree by Director p.a. Duquette
The tragic loss of familial history, culture, and traditional community ties. Through symbolism, this is a story of harrowing fractures through time, all the while honouring the legacy of an Métis Elder.
The Politics by Director Len Morissette
Lamenting her loss of community, a travelling Métis Woman encounters two unknown and bizarre personality in a lonely bus station.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival 2024
The Local Heroes Film Festival (managed by the Edmonton Short Film Festival), is pleased to present a special screening of short films featuring Alberta Indigenous filmmakers, creatives and Indigenous stories.
The following short films will be screened in the Big Yurt during the Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival 2024 on Saturday January 20 from 6:30-9pm. These films will be repeated 3 times.
Kaashkitamaashoo directed by Chantelle Marie Anderson
A woman’s exploration of her Métis identity; the quieting of her inner voice saying she’s not ‘Indigenous enough’.
Mary Mackagonne directed by Sean Smith
Creator Sean Smith honours the memory of his great-great-great-great-great grandmother, Mary Mackagonne, a Swampy Cree woman who goes entirely uncredited in Canadian history. The wife of Peter Fidler, a map-maker for the Hudson’s Bay Company, she lived the life of a trader, canoeing alongside him on his expeditions and contributing labour to the building and maintaining of forts while also caring for their fourteen children.
The story is based on entries from Fidler’s journals. He and Mary and their Metis family are nearly running out of supplies and have lost most of their crew to the rival Northwest Company while Mary is nearly 9 months pregnant. A hired bully from the rival Northwest Company begins a reign of intimidation on the family – forcing them to make a decision for the sake of their family’s safety.
Memories directed by Adriel (Strenneth) Rosenfeldt
Robin’s mind is full of her memories and experiences and is home to a figure of her consciousness who makes decisions to keep Robin safe and happy. This figure is faced with watching painful memories and struggles to see any purpose with storing them. She must make the hard decision whether to destroy the memories and everything connected to them or to try to live with them in harmony. The final destination of these memories could have an effect on Robin’s identity, her future and perception of herself.
Raven Steals the Light directed by Daniel Foreman
Raven is the craftiest of all creatures. Be transported into a magical animated world where Raven is flying blindly in the endless night. He decides to steal all the light in the world from Sky Father, which is no easy task. The story is adapted from an ancient Haida (North Pacific Coast First Nations) myth.
Running Rabbit directed by Bret Robert Franics Kenworthy
A documentary telling Regan’s story about leaving home, venturing out and following his visions on becoming an MMA fighter. With his new found knowledge, he hopes to help inspire his people from Siksika.