Atlantic Film Festival (AFF Halifax)

Overview

The Atlantic Film Festival is Atlantic Canada's most important film festival. Founded in 1981 and held annually in September in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the festival presents Atlantic Canadian and international cinema across the four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Atlantic Canada's distinct cultural identity -- rooted in Celtic, Acadian French, Mi'kmaq Indigenous, and fishing and seafaring traditions -- gives the region a filmmaking culture with its own voice that is distinct from the dominant Toronto-centered Canadian industry. The Atlantic Film Festival provides the primary platform for this regional voice.

The festival has developed strong connections with the CBC and Canadian independent broadcasters and has been instrumental in supporting the careers of Atlantic Canadian filmmakers.

Key Sections

• Atlantic Canadian Feature Competition -- Atlantic Canadian films competing for prizes
• International Feature Program -- curated international films
• Atlantic Canadian Documentary -- nonfiction from the region
• Short Film Competition -- Atlantic Canadian and international short films
• Industry Program -- professional development activities

What Filmmakers Should Know

AFF accepts open submissions. For Atlantic Canadian filmmakers, the festival is the most important regional platform and provides strong CBC and broadcaster connections. For international filmmakers, the intimate Halifax atmosphere and engaged Atlantic Canadian audience create excellent premiere experiences.

Major Awards

• Best Atlantic Canadian Film -- jury prize
• Best Documentary
• Audience Award

Festival History

AFF was founded in 1981 and has operated for over four decades as Atlantic Canada's most important film cultural event.

See Also

For Canadian cinema, see International Film Markets. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.