Every September for the past 43 years, the Atlantic International Film Festival's eight-day celebration of film transforms the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia into an international arts hub.
The Atlantic International Film Festival is a non-profit, charitable organization with a mandate to celebrate, elevate, and advance the work of Atlantic Canadian filmmakers alongside a curated selection of films from around the globe. The Festival began as a tiny, grassroots operation in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in 1981, relocating to Halifax, Nova Scotia the following year. Providing an immersive escape and experience for movie lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals, the festival is Atlantic Canada’s premier curator of standout Canadian and international films, inspiring audiences with films that reflect a diversity of voices and perspectives.
With our yearly lineup of highly anticipated film screenings, informative industry panels, and one-of-a-kind co-production/co-financing market, AIFF is dedicated to continuing its legacy as a key Atlantic Canada destination for film lovers and industry professionals.
Awards included:
The Gordon Parsons Award for Best Atlantic Feature
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian feature length films selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Best Atlantic Short
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian short films selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Best Atlantic Director
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian features selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
The Michael Weir Award for Best Atlantic Screenwriter
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian scripted features selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Best Atlantic Cinematographer
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian features selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Best Atlantic Editor
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian features selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Best Atlantic Original Score or Song
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian features selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Joan Orenstein Award & David Renton Award for Outstanding Performance in Acting
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian performers featured in films selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Best Atlantic Documentary
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian feature length documentaries selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Best Atlantic Short Documentary
Award is open to all eligible Atlantic Canadian short documentaries selected to the Atlantic International Film Festival.
The Atlantic Film Festival Association maintains the sole right to determine if submissions meet the eligibility requirements in each category.