Nine films selected for Season 19!

We are thrilled to announce the films to be featured this season on SHORT FILM FACE OFF!

“This year’s program showcases nine talented Directors and their teams from every corner of the country, and reflects the changing nature of Canada’s demographics”, said Halifax-based producer Bill Niven.

“The themes are universal and personal in their telling of family dynamics, love and inspiration," he added.

Here is this year’s line-up:

AFTER PRAYER - Usman Qazi

After finishing prayer at the mosque, 10-year-old Ahmad notices a young girl in the car next to his and tries to get her attention without raising suspicion from his mother in the front seat.

GRIEF DOGS - Jo Boland

A miscommunication threatens to upend a dog-grief support group.

HAPPY CAMPERS - Gordon Mihan

On the last day of summer camp, all the campers in Calvin’s cabin are overseen by their

teenage counsellor as each boy takes a turn wrestling one another.

HATCH - Alireza Kazemipour and Panta Mosleh

Trapped inside a water tanker, a refugee boy’s escape becomes a journey that will haunt him forever.

LEILI’S PHOTO - Maral Mostafavi

8-year-old Leili needs to take a pinhole photo of her family for school the next day, but her family will not cooperate.

PUDDING CHOMEUR - Frank Tremblay

On the day of her father's funeral, a daughter tries to recreate her dad's iconic dessert so the guests coming over can reminisce about him one more time.

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR? - Anushay Sheikh

Expecting another uneventful Jummah, Safa finds herself trapped between her overbearing family and an angry ex.

TERRY - Dylan Duff

When an unexpected phone call from his father, Terry, interrupts Ben’s quiet night in with his mother, he struggles to make both of his parents happy, a feat that he can never truly achieve.

UNIT 303 - Beth Evans

Megan tries to sell Kyle on a future in Unit 303.

Telefilm Canada supports the filmmaker’s careers with a cash award of $30,000 toward their next film. The winning filmmaker is chosen by the viewing audience by an online vote.

The production is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Broadcast dates for 2026 on CBC and CBC GEM:

August 29, September 5, 12, and 19 at 8:00 p.m. EST (9:00 p.m. AT).