THE FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE JULY 23-26, 2026 AND WILL INCLUDE OUR RUSH AFTER DARK FILM SELECTIONS AS WELL: https://filmfreeway.com/rushAFTERDARK.

SEE LAST YEAR'S RECAP: https://youtu.be/a52V--9rKyE

BECAUSE OF THIS WE HAVE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO EXTEND THE FINAL DEADLINE TO SUBMIT. IF YOU REQUIRE A WAIVER CODE, PLEASE EMAIL US. WE ARE HAPPY TO SUPPORT FILMMAKERS WHO FACE BARRIERS TO THE SUBMISSION PROCESS.

The RUSH Youth Film Festival is back for another year of celebrating bold, innovative storytelling from the next generation of filmmakers! Taking place at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and across St. Catharines, the festival is a platform for young creatives to showcase their work in front of live audiences, industry professionals, and fellow filmmakers.

ALSO CHECK OUT: RUSH AFTER DARK www.filmfreeway.com/rushafterdark

Now Accepting Submissions
We’re looking for short films from filmmakers aged 35 and under in all genres—live-action, animation, documentary, and experimental. Whether your film is deeply personal, wildly inventive, or pushing cinematic boundaries, we want to see it!

Festival Highlights
Beyond screenings, RUSH 2026 will be packed with opportunities for learning, networking, and creative growth:

Workshops with Industry Mentors – Learn from professionals in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound design, and more.

Q&A Sessions with Filmmakers – Gain behind-the-scenes insight as directors, actors, and crew members break down their creative process.

Networking & Social Events – Connect with fellow filmmakers, industry insiders, and film lovers in a relaxed setting. Build relationships, find collaborators, and exchange ideas.

Panel Discussions – Explore industry trends, new technologies, and the evolving landscape of youth-driven storytelling.

Exclusive Festival Parties – Celebrate your work, unwind, and enjoy live music, entertainment, and awards presentations on closing night!

Don’t miss this chance to share your vision, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of an unforgettable festival experience. Submissions are now open!

Awards & Prizes

We’re recognizing excellence in filmmaking across multiple categories:

Top Awards
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound Design/Editing
Best Screenplay
Best Original Score
Best Visual Effects

Performance Awards
Best Performance in a Lead Role
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Best Ensemble Cast

Genre Awards
Best Comedy
Best Documentary
Best Animated Film
Best Horror/Thriller
Best Drama

Rules & Terms

Open to youth creators and performers aged 40 and under.
(Films must be created by youth or feature youth performers.)

Each filmmaker may submit up to three (3) films.

All submissions are automatically considered for screening and award nominations.
(There are no separate category submissions this year.)

Films can be of any genre or style, including live action, animation, documentary, or experimental.

Maximum film length: 30 minutes, including credits.

Films must be the original work of the submitter and must not infringe on any copyrights or third-party rights.

Filmmakers retain all rights to their work, but grant RUSH the right to screen accepted films at the festival and use stills/clips for promotional purposes.

English subtitles are required for non-English films.

Selected films will be notified by email. (Make sure to provide accurate contact info during submission.)

RUSH reserves the right to disqualify any film that contains hate speech, explicit violence, or harmful content.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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  • Cohen Hulcoop

    Absolutely incredible! From start to finish, the Rush Film Festival never disappointed. The organization was amazing, and every event was expertly planned. The energy and creativity on display were super inspiring, and I left feeling completely energized and inspired!

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Was such a pleasure to have you and your film. Can't wait to see what else you've been working on. Hope to see you again this year.

  • Brooklynn Prince

    Great local film festival that is growing. Loved the location and the award ceremony. Great place to network with young film makers.

    June 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Was such a pleasure having you and your cast join us. We all loved your film, and can't wait to see what you do next.

  • Éric Arsenault

    Truly a fantastic festival to get to know filmmakers of similar calibre and talent. The connections and friends I have made will allow me to produce more films, and that is thanks to the RUSH Youth Film Festival!

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    It was so great meeting you and your team Éric. Hope to see you back next year.

  • Kayla Neves

    Absolutely loved my time at the RUSH festival. Everyone at the festival was so incredibly friendly and supportive of each others work. Great networking opportunities! I am also so grateful to have been an official selection and to have won best drama for my film, 'Promises'.

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Was such a pleasure to meet you Kayla and to talk about your movies and your passion for filmmaking. Can’t wait to see what you make next.

  • Jayde Sobota

    Had the most amazing time at the RUSH festival! The networking opportunities were great and the crowd/group of filmmakers were so incredibly supportive! Will definitely want to attend next year!

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for sharing your film with us Jayde. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!!