Thursday September 4th
The opening night of the Abbotsford Film Festival showcases powerful documentaries + a vibrant selection of local films. Presented as part of “The City of Abbotsford’s Culture City Program Series”. Accessible $5 ticketing courtesy of the city of Abbotsford. Taking place at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium.
Order of events:
6pm - Doors Open
6.30pm - Documentaries
A powerful selection of short documentaries exploring diverse individuals + lived experiences across Canada + beyond. From personal battles to societal challenges, these stories offer intimate glimpses into resilience, identity, + hope.
Films screening:
Buddy Check for Jesse
Grandpa's Garden
Noah's Story - Abbotsford Film
Grizzly Bear Country
Gubbi
Burcu's Angels
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Buddy Check for Jesse
Directed by Michael Anthony
BC Film | 17 mins -
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Grandpa's Garden
Directed by Emmett Sparling
BC Film | 5 mins -
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Noah's Story
Directed by Adam Wormald
Abbotsford Film | 5 mins -
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Grizzly Bear Country
Directed by Mave Ky
Canada Film | 6 mins -
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Gubbi
Directed by Ali Naqi & Harsha Patil
India | 18 mins -
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Burcu's Angels
Directed by Özgün Gündüz
BC Film | 20 mins
Celebrate local talent with a vibrant screening of short films created by filmmakers from Abbotsford + the lower mainland. Each film offers a unique voice + creative vision, reflecting the richness of our community’s stories.
Films screening:
Thick As Mince
The Point?
Illa Peutus - Abbotsford Film
Wandering
One Good Thing - Abbotsford Film
We Live in the Dark - Abbotsford Film
7.30pm - Intermission
8pm - Local Spotlight Films
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Thick As Mince
Directed by Brennen Little
BC Film | 15 mins -
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The Point?
Directed by Cole Beaulne
BC Film | 8 mins -
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Illa Peutus
Directed by Simrit Saini
Abbotsford Film | 5 mins -
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Wandering
Directed by Kayla Duong
BC Film | 13 mins -
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One Good Thing
Drected by Daniel Sparrow
Abbotsford Film | 15 mins -
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We Live in the Dark
Directed by Aaron Dawson
Abbotsford Film | 15 mins
9pm - Filmmaker Q & A’s + Awards
Attendees present will have the chance to vote for their favorite film from the night. The ballots will be counted during the Q & A with the winner announced at the end. The Audience Award winner will be presented a physical trophy + a $500 cash prize.
Friday September 5th
Day Two of the Abbotsford Film Festival, in partnership with The Reach, features Horizons, a powerful collection of short films tackling pressing issues like immigration, LGBTQ rights, + societal issues, followed by a screening of bold + brilliant comedy shorts.
Order of events:
Horizons is a powerful screening of narrative short films addressing urgent issues including immigration, LGBTQ rights + social justice. Each film offers a unique perspective, sparking awareness, dialogue, + action toward a more inclusive + sustainable future
Films screening:
Crow
Camping
Ya Hanouni
The Space Left Behind
A Bird Hit My Window and Now I'm a Lesbian
Cargo
Mercernaire
6pm - Doors Open
6.30pm - Horizons
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Crow
Directed by Morgan Ermter
Canada Film | 14 mins -
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Camping
Directed by
Canada Film | 7 mins -
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Ya Hanouni
Directed by Lyna Tadount & Sofian Chouaib
France | 3 mins -
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The Space Left Behind
Directed by Matthew Alan Schmidt
BC Film | 11 mins -
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A Bird Hit My Window and Now I'm a Lesbian
Directed by Carmela Murphy, AJ Dubler
USA Film | 8 mins -
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Cargo
Directed by Gizem Tataroglu
BC Film | 5 mins -
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Mercenaire
Directed by Pier-Philippe Chevigny
Canada Film | 15 mins
7.30pm - Intermission
8pm - Comedy Short Films
This collection of bizarre + hilarious short films showcases clever storytelling, sharp wit, and unforgettable characters—delivering big laughs in small packages. Perfect for fans of clever laughs with an edge.
Films screening:
Sandra Gets A New Fringe
DTF?
Why Dogs Howl
Bullies in the Sky
Tea
Honey Honey
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Sandra Gets A New Fringe
Directed by Michael Beddoes & Penelope Yeulet
UK Film | 9 mins -
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DTF?
Directed by Jess McLeod
BC Film | 15 mins -
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Why Dogs Howl
Directed by Sandi Johnson
USA Film | 5 mins -
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Bullies in the Sky
Directed by Taylor Brown
Canada Film | 5 mins -
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Tea
Directed by Blake Rice
USA Film | 12 mins -
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Honey Honey
Directed by Emma Eng
BC Film | 20 mins
9pm - Filmmaker Q & A’s + Awards
Attendees present will have the chance to vote for their favorite film from the night. The ballots will be counted during the Q & A with the winner announced at the end. The Audience Award winner will be presented a physical trophy + a $500 cash prize.
Saturday September 6th
6pm - Doors Open
6.30pm - Special Screening
The closing night of the Abbotsford Film Festival, in partnership with The Reach, is a celebration of creativity in our community. Experience the iconic screenings from our 48 Hour Film Competition, where filmmakers raced against the clock to create original short films in only 48 hours.
From hilarious to heartfelt, these fast-paced films showcase raw talent, inventive storytelling, + impressive filmmaking under pressure.
Order of events:
A special curation of short films + documentaries.
Films screening:
TBC September 1st