The Dufferin Film Festival is returning to Orangeville, Ontario, for its third annual event from August 14-16, 2026. This three-day celebration of Canadian cinema will take place at the historic Orangeville Opera House, bringing together filmmakers and local audiences for a series of screenings and social events.
Since its launch in 2024, the festival has grown from a two-day event into a three-day program that showcases short films across all genres. To qualify, all films must be Canadian productions created by a permanent resident of Canada, with a maximum runtime of 20 minutes. The festival culminates in an awards presentation, which includes the Jury Award, the Audience Award, and the Spirit of Dufferin Award.
The festival was co-founded by Festival Director Kelly McDowell, a producer with over 20 years of experience, and her partner Nick Rose of Rose Digital Media Group. As the first film festival in Dufferin County, the event is promoted by the Downtown Orangeville BIA as a key part of the community’s summer cultural calendar. The festival venue, a 273-seat theatre built in 1875, will be adapted to host the film screenings throughout the weekend.
This event adds to a busy summer season in the downtown area, which also features the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. That event, which is in its 22nd season and consistently recognized as a top festival in Ontario, is scheduled for June 5-7, 2026.
