The Triumphant Return of The Dufferin Film Festival

Mark your calendars: August 15–17, 2025

Downtown Orangeville is about to come alive with the sights, sounds, and stories of the Dufferin Film Festival (DFF)—and if last year’s sold-out debut was any indication, this second edition is going to be incredible.

Spanning over three packed days, the 2025 festival promises a thoughtfully curated lineup of 17 Canadian short films, including three world premieres, two Ontario premieres, and an Oscar-qualified short. The genres span from psychological thrillers and animated comedies to moving documentaries and historical dramas.

But the DFF isn’t just about what’s on screen—it’s about connection.

“We built this to create real connection with Canadian cinema,” says Festival Director Kelly McDowell. “People talk, they connect, they stick around after the credits roll. We celebrate the films, but we also make space for conversation and community. That’s what keeps people coming back.”

So, what exactly can you expect at DFF 2025? Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Opening Night Screening

The festival kicks off Friday evening at the historic Orangeville Opera House with a hand-picked selection of impactful shorts, followed by a live Q&A with filmmakers and a red carpet experience.

VIP Social at Revival 1863

Later that night, step into Orangeville’s hidden speakeasy (which already sounds iconic) for a night of live music, dancers, a magician/mentalist, prizes, and a chance to mingle with fellow cinephiles and creators.

Speaker Series (Saturday Morning)

This intimate series features:

Anthony Leo (Producer, The Breadwinner) sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of making an Oscar-nominated animated feature.

Andrew Martin-Smith (Production Consultant) diving into the business side of film—budgeting, financing, and working with funders like Telefilm.

Joseph Nanni (Writer/Director) exploring what happens after the festival premiere and how to keep building your career.

 

Saturday Screenings + Q&As

Afternoon screenings highlight bold, genre-bending Canadian shorts, followed by insightful discussions with the filmmakers themselves.

Social Under the Stars at Greystones Café

As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed, open-air evening with live jazz and chef-curated amuse-bouches. It’s as much about the atmosphere as the artistry.

Sunday Finale + Awards Dinner

The festival closes on a high note with one final screening and red carpet at the Opera House, followed by an elegant awards dinner at Greystones Restaurant to toast the winning films and a standout season.

Films to Watch For

Browsing the films, there appears to something for every film lover in attendance. From coming-of-age tales to eerie thrillers, this year’s official selections are diverse and daring. Highlights include:

FIND YOUR WILD – A powerful story of an Iranian woman reclaiming her identity in a new country.

HECKIN’ WEENS – A hilarious animated short about a desperate animator and a very important wiener dog.

A GOOD DAY WILL COME – A Turkish-Canadian co-production exploring silence and resistance during political unrest.

THE ALLURE – A fisherman communicates with his late wife through a hook, line, and jar in this haunting fantasy.

MIDNIGHT COACHMEN – A Cinderella reimagining told through the eyes of a dog and mouse turned human.

And that’s just the beginning.

“Each film is carefully chosen,” says Film Programmer Alex Caucean, “and the entire weekend is designed to bring people closer—to the work, to each other, and to the joy of great storytelling.”

Director of Operations Nick Rose adds, “We built this to shine a light on the incredible filmmaking talent across the country and give them a place where they’re not just part of a schedule—they’re the main event.”

Whether you’re in it for one screening or the full weekend experience, there’s a pass for you. Tickets are on sale now at dufferinfilmfestival.com.

[Review by Shan Fernando]