The Official Film Selection for VISFF 2026
After reviewing an incredible array of submissions from around the world, the VISFF selection committee has curated a lineup that truly captures the heart and breadth of modern cinema. This year’s festival is a testament to the power of short-form storytelling, bringing together 18 exceptional works that span the globe. From the unique perspectives of filmmakers in Europe and the Middle East to the creative voices found right here in Canada, we invite you to join us on April 17th and 18th for two unforgettable nights of storytelling on the big screen.
Arguments in Favour of Love, by Gabriel Abrantes – Portugal
A couple’s arguments, taken from life, embodied by ghosts.
Brenda and Baxter, by Leah Johnston – Canada
Canadian comedy darling Aurora Browne (Baroness Von Sketch) stars in a story of a complicated woman as seen through the eyes of her adoring dog.
Cancer Kid, by Vasili Manikas – Canada
A schoolyard prank gone wrong sends the naive Elliot on a desperate quest to make sense of his mortality.
Dead on Arrival, by Niamh McAllister – Ireland
A dark comedic short film about two nurses, one dead husband and zero morals.
Four Hands (Quarte Mains), by Hélène Sevaux
An intimate documentary that chronicles the profound relationship between a legendary French classical pianist and his protégé.
Headache, Paria Shojaeian – Iran
The garbage collector, in his solitude, discovers a pot in a trash can that emits a lovely sound. He falls in love with the pot and takes it home.
L’ Anniversaire, by Thibault Mombellet – France
When Julien gets home, he discovers that his friends have organized a surprise party for his fortieth birthday. He’s thrilled, but his evening quickly turns into a nightmare. A childhood trauma resurfaces, and Julien is determined to blow out his magic candles… Will he succeed?
Le Tour De Canada, by John Hollands – Canada
Two rival cyclists face off in a grueling and surreal cross-Canada cycling race, Le Tour De Canada!
The Line She Carries (Indigenous Geographic), by Crystal Martin – Canada
The Line She Carries follows Inuk filmmaker and Indigenous Geographic Co-founder Crystal Martin as she reaches a turning point in her life, the end of her childbearing years.
Little Ancestor (La Petite Ancetre), by Alexa Tremblay-Francoeur – Canada
On a windswept hill, in a place still young and devoid of all life, an ancestral house builds itself. The house comes to life and unveils its long life of one hundred and fifty years.
Obscura / 옵스큐라, by Arnold Lim – Canada
Sang-Ook, a Hikikomori (shut in) whose locked himself in his room for a year, builds a camera obscura from his room as a conduit to the outside world.
Out for Ice Cream (Crème à glace), by Rachel Samson –
Under a blazing summer sky, Chloe, Jenny, and Squeegee share one last ice cream at the local dairy bar.
Place Under The Sun, by Vlad Bolgarin – Moldova
A talented pianist and his 8-year-old son struggle to find a place to sell vegetables at the biggest market in Moldova’s 2000′. When the father seems to give up under the burden of his precarious existence, a gesture from his son brings new hope.
Ramón Who Speaks to Ghosts, by Shervin Kermani – Canada
After a volcanic eruption, Ramón walks the island of La Palma with his microphone, looking for ghosts.
The Ride, by Zack Hamm – Canada
A late-night drive has Sean and Louis reflecting on their journey through surrogacy.
Rock Berkut, Tamerlan Almanov – Kazakhstan
Berkut, a hyperactive boy, discovers rock music and suddenly becomes calm and focused. But no teacher can handle him — until he meets Syrnik.
Shaping a Dress, Aaren Rackett – Canada
An early 19th century tailor going through the process of making a dress for themselves as a way of coming out to their family.
Weeping Fig, by Sohee Hong – Canada
This mystical and eerie psychological drama follows a father and a daughter whose relationship is drifting apart.
While we are thrilled to share these titles with you today, please stay tuned for our next big update. In March, we will announce the official festival schedule, including which films will be featured in Short Program 1 (Friday night) and Short Program 2 (Saturday night). Individual tickets will also go on sale at that time.
In the meantime, don’t forget that our Early Bird Sale is running until February 28th! Secure your $50 Festival Pass now to ensure you don’t miss a single one of these incredible films.