Since 1992, the festival has grown from a funky local event to a beloved celebration of the outstanding shorts from across Canada and around the world.

The Cabbagetown Short Film Festival selects a diverse program of productions from both experienced and emerging filmmakers. A panel of industry professionals juries the entries and cash prizes are awarded in each category including comedy, drama, animation, documentary and Peoples Choice. Smartphone Films is a new and exciting category.

In addition to streaming the program across Canada, September 10-12, 2026, there will be a Gala Screening at the 200 seat Central YMCA Auditorium, in Toronto on Wednesday September 9, 2026.

Awards & Prizes

Cash prizes are awarded best films in the festival as determined by the Jury and Audience Votes.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:
- Submissions must be no longer than 20 minutes (Including credits), NOTE: 5-7 minutes preferred.
- Non-English language submissions must have English subtitles.
- DEADLINE for submissions is JULY 15 2026
Jury selections will be posted on our website mid-August

5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ipek Ertan

    It was so amazing to be included at this festival of a closely knit community. The other films I watched were also so diverse and amazing and the crowd was great too! Dina was great in communicating and making the experience so great, she introduced me and other filmmakers to the audience who were interested about learning more and asked questions to me during the intermission. I loved it!

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Julia Creet

    I love this festival. It's always sold out and Gina's selection of shorts in every genre from all over the world never fails to be entertaining and enlightening. I was so pleased to be part of the program.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Kyle Marchen

    We thoroughly enjoyed attending Cabbagetown Short Film Festival. Gina Dineen put together a program with a good variety of films which engaged and entertained the sold out audience. It felt like a true community event in the heart of Cabbagetown.

    September 2024
    Helpful
  • Joe Chang

    A wonderful film festival and many thanks to festival for selecting an d screening my animated short film The Music Box!

    September 2024
    Helpful
  • Jeffrey Morin

    Great job and thank you for the selection!

    September 2023
    Helpful