
Local Heroes with National Metis Week 2023
Join us for an amazing selection of films by Alberta Indigenous filmmakers in recognition of National Metis Week. This screening, sponsored by the Downtown Business Association, takes place on Thursday Nov. 16 from 7-8:30pm at the Muttart Theatre in the Downtown Public Library. This event is free.
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.
Braves Wear Braids- Directed by Jamie 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. Through education, understanding, and allyship this important piece of culture can continue to be passed down to future generations.
Kaashkitamaashoo -Directed by Dawn Nagazina
A woman’s exploration of her Métis identity; the quieting of her inner voice saying she’s not ‘Indigenous enough’.
Marilyn- Directed by Daniel Martin & Barett Klesko
When three Hollywood Elite ruin a local Beauty Pageant, a mysterious newcomer wows them and steals the show. But is winning it all really what they want?
Hop Along Hang On- Directed by Cobra Collins
How do you take back a story you didn’t know was yours? How do you move forward while embracing and understanding your past? Follow Rose the rabbit as she seeks her way back home. A poetic story of reclamation, recovery and reconciliation by spoken word artist Cobra Collins.
The Girl Who Talks to the Moon- Directed by Neil Grahn
The Girl Who Talks to the Moon is a Canadian web-series . It follows the adventures of an inquisitive girl named Harmony who lives on the magical island of Haida Gwaii. Every night before she falls asleep, the moon gives Harmony a fun task, like learning how to make a kite. In her dreams Harmony completes the task with the help of friendly animals. Along the way she learns about the ancient Haida language through song and play. The show is a combination of stopmotion animation, live action and hand puppets.

Join us in the afternoon at the Kaleido Family Arts Festival on September 16th for some short films that the whole family can enjoy. The films range from animations, music videos, and comedy shorts. There will be something for every member of the family!
“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.
“Gerry Mouse” Directed by Tom Robinson
A child mouse facing homelessness and shelter life for the first time steps up to the challenges from friends and foe.
“Marionette Man” Directed by Christina Ridenour
Be careful what you say, you never know who’s listening…
“Early Birds” Directed by Cole Stevenson
A small penguin tries to find a friend to play with.
“Old Dragon Man” Directed By Douglas Cook
“Old Dragon Man” is a heartfelt short film that follows the introspective journey of an elderly artist as he paints a majestic dragon. As he brings the creature to life on his canvas, he is overcome with nostalgia, reflecting on the hardships and sacrifices he endured in pursuit of his artistic passion.
“Marilyn” Directed by Daniel Martin
When three Hollywood Elite ruin a local Beauty Pageant, a mysterious newcomer wows them and steals the show. But is winning it all really what they want?
“Squeaks and Cheeks” Directed by Rebecca Campbell
Cheeks, a fun-loving bunny in a wheelchair, and Squeaks a problem-solving piggy with a plan, are two young detectives who solve silly mysteries for their friends in this engaging stop-motion animated series.

Local Heroes at Indigenous Month 2023
The Local Heroes Film Festival, managed by the Edmonton Short Film Festival, is proud to represent and host our Indigenous screening event Thursday, June 29, from 8:30 to 10:00 PM, where a collection of Indigenous short films will be presented outdoors. Join us at the Dreamspeakers Centre (11051 97 St NW) in hearing the diverse and touching stories that the films entail!
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.
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
The film is about 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.
Obscheenies directed by Barry Bilinksy
A new roster of camp counsellors arrive at a lake side resort for the summer, but they quickly learn that the stories are true: there is more in the woods than you know
The Hadlee Projects directed by Brandon Wilson
Hadlee begins living with her weekend dad Michael, permanently. With their worlds converging, Hadlee, a loveable and quick witted opportunist tries to navigate life with dad but things don’t go as planned when she takes matters into her own hands.
Local Heroes at International Festival of Winter Cinema 2023
Join us on February 17th at the Silver Skate Festival in conjunction with the International Festival of Winter Cinema. Canada’s only ice screen in majestic Hawrelak park screens the best of Alberta short film.
Dilly Diggers (9:50) by Director Eva Colmers, Alberta, Canada
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?
Early Birds (3:23) by Director Cole Stevenson, Alberta, Canada
A small penguin tries to find a friend to play with.
Hearth of the Lion (6:38) by Director Vicki Van Chau, Alberta, Canada
Hearth of the Lion illustrates the bond between three brothers, with their dedication, discipline and passion on display, as they embody the powerful movements of the lion and the fire of the wok hearth.
It’s Just Water (5:12) by Director Braden Dereniwski, Alberta, Canada
Learned behaviours and belief systems plague generations but what it might look like to ‘break the cycle’.
Memories (3:59) by Director Adriel (Strenneth) Rosenfeldt, Alberta, Canada
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.
Razor Blades 3:54 by Director Daelan Wood, Alberta, Canada
A music video filmed by award winning filmmaker, Daelan Wood, for the track “Razor Blades” by Nathaniel Sutton. It features an arial view of the indie singer-songwriter, performing from a variety of locations found within Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
Sled (4:30) by Director Colin Waugh, Byron Martin, Alberta, Canada
A self-anointed world-class tobogganer gives a behind the scenes look at the life and lore of this radical fringe sport.
Tango Through Life (6:36) by Director Zsofia Opra-Szabo, Alberta, Canada
Life is like a dance where we do not know the dance steps… Tango Through Life explores how every interaction with others effects and changes us. It is a rather universal experience, presented in a unique way through the traditional Tango dance.
The Ol’96er: Conquering Commonwealth (7:29) by Director Trent Schneider, Alberta, Canada
The Ol’96er is one of the hardest challenges in the Edmonton fitness community. To complete it you must run the entire lower bowl and upper bowl of Commonwealth Stadium in under an hour. There are only two attempts per year at the Ol’96er, so many come out to try and accomplish it, but few succeed. Follow Curtis, Josh & Lazina as they try to complete the challenge for the first time.
The Crossing Place (6:30) by Director Sandra Vida, Alberta, Canada
The Crossing Place continues the artist’s ongoing themes of identity, ancestry, and earth-based spirituality. Enacting an implied narrative of exploration and growth, these characters intersect, influence each other, and enable self-discovery and finally decisive action in The Crossing Place between these worlds. A poignant soundtrack accompanies the flowing montage of imagery, including the sound of the drone of an Uilleann pipe, along with voicing by the performers and natural sounds of wind, water, and fire.
Local Heroes with Black History Month 2023
Join us on February 23 at 7:00 PM at the Muttart Theatre at the Stanley A. Milner Library (downtown at 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB) as we celebrate Black History Month with a screening of short films featuring Black creatives. After the one-hour screening of these amazing short films by Alberta filmmakers, four Directors will be available for a Q & A session.
Framed Directed by Nic Collar
“When Jaquan is asked to betray his best friend in order to save his brother, he embarks on a night where nothing will ever be the same.”
Mean Hakeem Directed by Evan Bourque
“Mean Hakeem tells the story of UFC fighter Hakeem Dawodu. The film, which features first-time actors, describes his journey to overcome abuse, poverty, and drug addiction to become a UFC fighter.”
Race Anonymous Directed by Melanee Murray
“Can race be an addiction? Can a culture, countries and whole groups of people be hooked on the false “high” of racial identity? An alternate Universe where anything can happen, Race Anonymous is one-part political treatise and one-part trek through the strange, taboo twilight zone of race in North America. Kyle, an out of work construction worker, hones in on his “suspicious looking” co-workers, only to realize that they are not who he thinks they are. In his journey to recover from race- and other addictions- he realizes that he has a choice- about who he can be.”
Shades of Worth Directed by Nauzanin Knight
“An exploration of beauty and self-worth in Black women.”
Illusion: The Fear Directed by Valécia Pépin
“Thinking that she has been freed from the grip of her pimp, a young sex worker named Dice who works in the street is surprised by her assailant, who reminds her that she is his property and she belongs to him.”
1000 Brazils of Truth Directed by Sheena Rossiter , Sandro Silva
“São Paulo is a megacity full of paradoxes. It’s a place to lose yourself, but where you can find yourself too. It is beauty in concrete and chaos. “1000 Brazils of Truth” is an original song that’s an ode to Latin America’s largest city and the people who call it home.”
Black and Blue Directed by Justin Kueber
“Nine-year-old troublemaker, Katie is forced to spend a day with her old, blind Grandpa. Through their interactions, she unknowingly gives him something priceless; his memories.”
Local Heroes at Deep Freeze Festival 2023
Local Heroes Film Festival Presents A Selection of Short Films by Alberta Filmmakers
Saturday January 21st. 1-3pm St. Faith’s Church
The Local Heroes Film Festival (managed by the Edmonton Short Film Festival) is bringing a specially curated selection of short films for you to enjoy for free. These short films, by Alberta independent filmmakers, offer a diverse range of stories.
This one-hour program will begin at 1pm and go to 2pm and then these films will be screened again from 2pm to 3pm. (listed in alphabetical order)
Building Hope by Co-Producer Lorna Thomas
Men in the trades share both their work and substance use experiences in order to hammer home a message about harm reduction.
Dilly Digger by Director 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.
Early Birds by Director Cole Stevenson
A small penguin tries to find a friend to play with.
From Fantasy to Galaxy by Director Matthew Dutczak
This limited web series explores the history of one of Canada’s most iconic amusement parks. Before Galaxyland adorned its outer space theme, before it expanded to include an iconic roller coaster, West Edmonton Mall’s theme park was simply known as: Fantasyland.
Kaashkitamaashoo by Director Chantelle Marie Anderson
A woman’s exploration of her Métis identity; the quieting of her inner voice saying she’s not ‘Indigenous enough’.
O No Nose by Director Ian Walker
Faced with a day of adult responsibilities, a woman tries to suppress her inner clown, who just wants to have fun.
Tango Through Life by Director Zsofia Opra-Szabo
Life is like a dance where we do not know the dance steps… Visually stunning and highly symbolic, Tango Through Life explores how every interaction with others effects and changes us. It is a rather universal experience, presented in a unique way through the traditional Tango dance.
The Crossing Place by Director Sandra Vida
The Crossing Place continues the artist’s ongoing themes of identity, ancestry, and earth-based spirituality. Growing out of a residency in Ireland the artist took on several personas. Enacting an implied narrative of exploration and growth, these characters intersect, influence each other, and enable self-discovery and finally decisive action in The Crossing Place between these worlds.
Local Heroes at Kaleido Family Arts Festival
September 17 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Alberta Avenue Community League | Free Admission
Local Heroes Film Festival, presented by Edmonton Short Film Festival, is pleased to bring a curated lineup of independent short films by Alberta filmmakers to the Kaleido Family Arts Festival.
Support local creatives and make “movie-worthy” memories with short films the whole family will love.
A free event in honour and recognition of Indigenous History Month. Local Heroes Film Festival is bringing you a screening of short films in recognition and celebration of National Indigenous History Month.
On June 25th we will be hosting a Meet the Directors Mixer, live in-person screening, and sharing the films with our online audiences.
The talented directors of the featured films will be on-site for our Meet the Director Mixer from 8-9pm.
Come to WhiskeyJack Art House meet and chat with them, or tune into our social channels to see exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage of the event. This is a chance to learn more about these artists, the stories behind their work, and what this month means to them.
The Lineup – Screening from 9:30-10:30 PM [at Dreamspeakers Festival Society – 11051 97 St NW #201, Edmonton]:
- The Hour ( Mamas Song) – Rellik (Artist: Bill LeBlanc)- Director Doug Bedard
- Hop Along Hang On – Director Cobra Collins
- How the World is Painted – Director Mia Fortier
- Happiness – Director Jack Belhumeur
- RKLSS – Director Tank Standing Buffalo
- Lot – Director Eric Spoeth
- The Ancestral Tree – Director p.a. duquette
- My Lyric I Never Knew – Director Nauzanin Knight
This is an outdoor event and will occur rain or shine.
***Please bring your own lawn chair*** dress for the weather and umbrellas are welcome.
Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase!
PLEASE NOTE: Our live in-person event is free to attend and does NOT require a ticket.
If you can’t make it in person, the films will be available for online viewing from June 26-27th.
FOR ONLINE ATTENDANCE: please proceed to Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/local-heroes-film-festival-with-indigenous-month-tickets-361089397107?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
It’s the Pride after-party! Kick-back with a free screening of indie films that uplift LGBTQ+ voices. Foundry on Whyte, July 1 from 12-1pm.
Join us at the Foundry on Whyte on July 1 to uplift LGBTQ+ voices with a free screening of short films.
The works of creative visual artists share stories of love and identity, celebratory music, and queer perspectives.
THE LINEUP ( at Foundry On Whyte: 10426 82 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton)
- Breathe | Directed by Christina Estillore
- The Other Side of the Rainbow | Directed by Angel Peterson
- BLUE | Directed by Jason Hamilton
- Hands on My Body | Directed by Mariya Stokes
- Dear Diary: Coming Out | Directed by Megan Strachan
- Saneish Middle Class Asians | Directed by Alyx Bui
In full support of the LGBTQ+ community, Local Heroes Film Festival with Pride is presented by the Edmonton Short Film Festival in partnership with the Foundry Room.
Free to attend, no ticket required!
*Please be aware that, regrettably, the venue is on the second floor with stair access only. We sincerely apologize for the accessibility restriction.
ESFF@International Festival of Winter Cinema (IFWC)
Perfect for a date night, meeting up with a few friends, or a family outing. The films will be projected onto a giant “snow screen” – need we say more?
Join us on February 18 from 6:15 -7:30 PM at Hawrelak Park (Silver Skate Festival)
ESFF@Downtown Light up
Every year, Churchill Square is adorned with a massive tree decorated with hundreds of twinkling lights sure to inspire oohs and ahhs. This year’s Downtown Holiday Light Up festivities will be bigger and better than ever! Head to the heart of the city from November 20 to January 2 to create lasting memories at downtown Edmonton’s must-see holiday destination. You can visit the tree any day of the week, but you’ll find special programming every other Saturday (November 20, December 4, & December 18) with live entertainment, art, movies, hot bevvies and maple taffy on snow.
The Downtown Holiday Light Up is presented by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association and sponsored by EPCOR, Millar Western Forest Products, and the City of Edmonton.
ESFF@Root107
We are pleased to present 6 films by Alberta Independent Filmmakers on Saturday Sept. 25 from 8:30-9:30pm at an exciting new initiative in downtown Edmonton – https://root107.squarespace.com/. This will be our 4th Community Screening event for 2021!
Root 107 is located outdoors so be prepared if it is a rainy evening! There is limited seating so please bring your own lawn chair.
Along with seeing some incredible films by Alberta filmmakers there will be food trucks available for nibblies and refreshments.
The following films will be screened:
“The Retribution of J.W.R ” by Craig Sorensen
“Honorable Sins” by Susan Singh
Bark by Eric Durnford
One Minute To Prove Yourself by Christina Estillore
The Witch of Odova Woods by Justin Cauti
Bunny, Don’t Let ‘Em Get Your Goat. by Daniel Blanchard
ESFF@Root107 is sponsored by the Downtown Business Association.
ESFF @ Kaleido
September 11th, 2021 at 3 PM
St. Faith’s Anglican Church: 11725 93 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 1E2
The Edmonton Short Film Festival is bringing a specially curated selection of short films for you to enjoy in a safe and inclusive setting.
That’s why ESFF is @ Kaleido Festival! We’ll be screening short films as part of this free, family-friendly event presented by Arts on the Ave.
These short films, by Alberta independent filmmakers, offer a diverse range of stories – all of which remind us of the human desire to explore and connect. Stories that evoke feelings, are reflective of us and our communities. Stories that fulfill our search for information and influence our outlook on everyday life – bringing us out of our daily routine and allowing us to encounter new places, experiences and ideas.
We are thankful for the support of EPCOR’s #HeartAndSoulFund!
This fund was designed to help the arts community and charitable organizations build resilience and deliver programming that uplifts Edmontonians. Learn more at epcor.com/heartandsoulfund
In honour of the 2021 National Indigenous History Month, the Edmonton Short Film Festival and the Dreamspeakers Film Society is proud to be hosting a free outdoor screening of incredible films by Alberta Indigenous artists. This is an opportunity to uplift the voices of Indigenous artists in a celebratory way; to have fun, enjoy the magic of film, be part of your community and remain safe.
We’d love for you to join us on June 26th, 2021 from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm (block party style!) in the rear parkade of Dreamspeakers location at 11051 – 97 Street.
This is an outdoor event & will run rain or shine and you are welcome to bring your own seating. An Indigenous gift shop and cafe will be open along with public washroom access.
All Covid19 protocols will be in place, including security, to ensure that our guests are safe and feel secure.
There are limited amount of free tickets available. Mask up and come watch!