The Audition
Anastazia Rae | 2026 | 8m
A comedic short film about auditioning in the "all or nothing" world of community theatre.
Anastazia Rae is a Writer/Producer/Director/Actor and third-generation Ukrainian-Canadian. She has written and produced her own web-series "Those Canadians" on YouTube. She has also worked professionally as an actor in theatre and film in Vancouver, Paris, Toronto, and Edmonton. Anastazia loves to showcase mental illness in the themes of her writing and is a strong advocate for spreading awareness and seeking help.
Censored
Grace Termaat & Hannah Termaat | 2025 | 8m
The ability to speak is a freedom, and being heard is a privilege. Years ago the government passed a bill forcing women to have their mouths surgically taped shut and memories wiped to silence them for good. These women now live in a society unaware that they once had the ability to speak. However, one woman accidentally finds a photo of herself without tape on her mouth, causing her worldview to come crashing down around her.
Hannah Termaat and Grace Termaat are emerging Niagara based filmmaking sisters who made their first short film together in 2025. Hannah Termaat is an Actor and Screenwriter who studied at Sheridan College, while Grace Termaat is currently in her first year of film school at Confederation College in Thunder Bay. Their love for storytelling and sisterly bond has made working together seamless. They're excited to make their directorial debut and to continue bringing more stories to life very soon.
Unraveled
Jo Ssekitto | 2025 | 18m
Unraveled follows Elliot, a former crown prosecutor now reluctantly teaching law as she struggles with the guilt of fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run. When Alex, a teaching assistant with a hidden vendetta, begins to expose pieces of her past, Elliot is forced to confront the truth she’s tried to outrun. As the pressure mounts, the line between justice and revenge begins to blur—raising the question: will the truth destroy her, or become a path to redemption?
Jo Ssekitto is a filmmaker based in Ontario, Canada. They recently graduated from Niagara College’s Advanced Television and Film program, where they developed a focus on directing and visual storytelling. With a background in cinematography and editing, Jo brings a grounded, character-driven approach to their work. Their debut short film, Unraveled, explores themes of guilt, identity, and the weight of past decisions. Jo is drawn to morally complex narratives and psychological tension, often exploring the grey area between justice and redemption.
Cassette Daydreams
Cory Maddalena | 2026 | 20m
To cope with the demons from her past, Taylor uses an unusual form of technology that plays back memories through cassette tapes, forcing her to confront a reality she isn't sure she's living in anymore.
Cory Maddalena is a creator / teacher who was born and raised in the Niagara Region. He has had short films play at the Hamilton and Erie International Film Festivals, and has published two novels - As Pure As Snow and Alvaro. All of his work investigates the impact of place on identity, society and culture.
HOW CAN I GROW IN A PLACE IN WHICH THERE IS NO LIFE?
Taylor Elliott | 2024 | 3m
A piece that explores a boring dystopian reality brought upon us by capitalism and corporate greed. Inspired by working in a Niagara Falls grocery store for six years.
Taylor Elliott is an experimental video artist and musician from Niagara Falls, whose work focuses on themes such as loss of innocence, isolation, and everyday malaise.
I'm Fine
Erin Blewett | 2026 | 4m
“I’m Fine” is a narrative short film centred on emotion. Through poetic narration, the film explores themes of loneliness and not belonging from the perspective of Briar, a shy young woman who has difficulty connecting with others and expressing herself. Using visual elements such as shifting natural and dramatic lighting to reflect her emotional state, the film highlights a deeply personal internal struggle. “I’m Fine” aims to shed light on the silent challenges many people face but often cannot express.
Erin Blewett is an emerging filmmaker and a graduate of Canadore College’s Digital Cinematography program. Driven by a love of imaginative storytelling, Erin’s distinctive voice and vision are seen in every work. In addition to creating her own films, Erin has served as editor for many short films, including the Canada Shorts Film Festival 2024 award winner “The Assistant”. She also brings experience across a wide range of departments, reflecting her versatility and commitment to the craft. With her passion for world-building and cinematic storytelling, Erin is eager to bring many more unique stories to life on screen.
REMember Me
Garrett Kurgan | 2026 | 18
An insomniac young man is prescribed experimental medication which brings his worst memories back in his dreams.
Garrett Kurgan is a 20 year old Niagara College Graduate who has aimed to be a director for as long as he can remember. Heavily influenced by international cinema and the world of film, he is proud to present "REMember Me" as his debut directorial short film - a childhood dream come true. He extends thanks to the cast, crew, and all collaborators who helped make the film a reality, and is already looking forward to the next project on his horizon.