ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The annual Silver Wave Film Festival features something for everyone.
SWFF prioritizes a selection of films that have not been distributed theatrically or broadcast on television in the Atlantic region or made available publicly online. Although sometimes exceptions may be made, in most cases such submissions will not be considered.
The festival offers a showcase of international, multicultural, French, and English programming of all genres and lengths and a comprehensive industry series which brings experienced and emerging producers and filmmakers together.
Silver Wave is jam packed with exciting events and programming with diversity and depth. The Festival is the brainchild of the board and staff at the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative and is the staff's volunteer labour.
All selected films at the 2026 Silver Wave Film Festival will be shown in person at screening venues in Fredericton.
- Viewer’s Choice Award (chosen by audience vote)
- Best Feature Film (open to non-documentary films over 60 minutes)
- Best Documentary (open to eligible documentaries of any length)
- Best New Brunswick Short Film
- Best New Brunswick Short Form TV Episode, narrative
- Best New Brunswick Short Form TV Episode, unscripted or documentary
- Lex Gigeroff Excellence in Screenwriting in a New Brunswick Short Film
- Excellence in Cinematography in a New Brunswick Short Film
- Excellence in Art Direction in a New Brunswick Short Film
- Excellence in Sound Design in a New Brunswick Short Film
- Excellence in Picture Editing in a New Brunswick Short Film
- Excellence in Music Composition in a New Brunswick Short Film
- Outstanding Lead Performance, Dramatic, in a New Brunswick Short Film
- Outstanding Lead Performance, Genre, in a New Brunswick Short Film (including comedy)
- Outstanding Supporting Performance, Dramatic, in a New Brunswick Short Film
- Outstanding Supporting Performance, Genre, in a New Brunswick Short Film (including comedy)
- Best Genre New Brunswick Short Film
- Best Student Short Film (open to all student shorts from anywhere in the world, including, narrative, documentary, or experimental)
- Best Experimental Short Film (open to eligible shorts)
- Best Animated Short Film (open to eligible shorts)
- Best Atlantic Canadian Short Film (open to eligible Atlantic shorts outside New Brunswick)
- Best Atlantic Short Documentary (open to eligible Atlantic documentaries under 50 minutes)
- Best Canadian Short Film (open to eligible Canadian shorts outside New Brunswick)
- Best International Short Film
- Brian Carty Film Volunteer Recognition Award
For a person, group or organization that has contributed significantly to film and video in NB in a volunteer capacity. $500 cash award.
JL Pamela Segger Film Education Bursary
Advances education in film by supporting continued learning, professional development, and educational activities for women and gender-diverse individuals working in film in New Brunswick.
- New Brunswick Film Crew Excellence Award
For a person who has contributed significantly to film and video in New Brunswick as a crew person in a volunteer capacity. $1000 cash award.
JL John Young Filmmaker Education Bursary
Advances education in film and media arts by supporting emerging filmmakers in New Brunswick.
- CBC New Brunswick Joy Award
$5,000 value, including $2,500 in cash from CBC, $1,000 in cash from the NB Film Co-op, and $1,500 in equipment or facilities from NB Film Co-op.
