The Films on the Fringe: Shorts Showcase competition, presented by Downtown Hamilton BIA, offers Hamiltonians a FREE opportunity to enjoy short films under the stars on Fringe Boulevard, located on King William St at James St N. 

We are currently seeking short film submissions by Canadian filmmakers to screen at the ninth annual Films on the Fringe: Shorts Showcase event during this year's Hamilton Fringe Festival. The winning film will be screened in its entirety and the winning filmmaker will receive a $400 screening fee. Second and third place will each receive a $100 honorarium and a Fringe Binge 6-Show Pass for use at the Hamilton Fringe. Selections are made by a jury of industry professionals.

All shortlisted filmmakers will have a short clip shown at the Shorts Showcase. They may also choose to have their submission screened in full.

Rules and Regulations:

• THIS APPLICATIONS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL AND SUBMITTED
• Run time may not exceed 24 minutes, including credits
• Open to all genres
• Acceptable film submission formats: URL to film (not password protected, able to be downloaded) or removable digital storage (i.e. USB drive, etc) sent by mail
• Applicants may submit up to two projects (note: a separate application form/payment is required for each project)
• Applicants must reside in Canada
• A jury comprised of industry professionals will be appointed to select one winner and two runners-up
• The short-list of works eligible to be screened will be announced in our newsletter and on social media a minimum of 7 days in advance of the event 
• The winner and two runners-up will be announced live at the Films on the Fringe: Shorts Showcase event at the Hamilton Fringe Festival
• The extended submission deadline is Monday, June 22, 2026
• A non-refundable application fee of $35 applies to all submissions, to be paid via PayPal OR cheque (cheques must be received within 10 days of online submission, otherwise submission will be considered invalid)
• Any current members of the corporation of the Hamilton Festival Theatre Company ("The Hamilton Fringe Festival", "Hamilton Fringe") are not eligible to participate in this contest
• Please direct all questions to outdoor@hftco.ca

This year's jury includes:

Rebecca Applebaum

Shortlisted for the shots 2023 New Director of The Year Award, Rebecca Applebaum burst into commercial directing with “Distant Friends.” Her second commercial, “Want”, won the Special Jury Prize for Performance from the  Marketing Awards, a bronze statue from Clio Health, nods from The One Show, and ADC Awards. Her short film SPOONING was featured in CBC Television’s Canadian Reflections series, and garnered a Best Actor win from the Canadian Film Fest and an Outstanding Performance nomination from the ACTRA Awards.

Yasith Weerasinghe

Yasith is a filmmaker and artist who found his place through  the community of Hamilton and McMaster. His main focuses being directing, writing, cinematography, and photography. He strives to represent his culture and to mix harsh truths with the beauty of life. He continues to create art and represent the communities that made him the young new artist that he is today.

Todd Brown

Todd is a Hamilton based producer. Also a former journalist and festival programmer, Brown is best known for his long tenure as head of international acquisitions at XYZ Films, where he worked on cult classic titles such as THE RAID and MANDY and, more recently, titles such MILE END KICKS and HONEY BUNCH.

Screening Options for Short-Listed Films

All entries that make the Shorts Showcase jury's "short list" will have a short clip (less than 2 mins) screened as part of the live Fringe Boulevard event.

However, filmmakers on the short list may opt in to having their submission screened in full. Please note that there is no screening fee associated with this option.

Content Warnings/Age Suggestions

Selected films and clips will be screened outdoors at Fringe Boulevard, in a space that is open to the public. The Fringe does not restrict or control any creative content and warnings/age suggestions will not impact the adjudication process. Warnings/age suggestions are for public notices only.

Removeable media (USB drive, etc) can be mailed to 41 King William St, Suite 206, Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A2. Clearly mark the envelope "Shorts Showcase Submission". Hard drive submissions can be picked up in person after being adjudicated, however the Hamilton Fringe will not return your hard drive by mail.

How To Submit Payment By Cheque

Cheques MUST be made out to: Hamilton Festival Theatre Company

Please clearly mark the envelope: "Shorts Showcase Application". You must also include a printed copy of your application form. The mailing address is 41 King William St, Suite 206, Hamilton ON, L8R 1A2.

Cheques must be received within 10 days of submitting the online application form.

Please print a copy of your application for your records. Once you have printed your application, click "Submit."

When you have successfully completed your application, you will be redirected to a confirmation page and receive a confirmation e-mail.

Thank you!