Upcoming Projects from Canadian Film Directors in 2026
A strong festival season often sets the stage for what Canadian directors do next. After a year of awards and audience recognition, a number of filmmakers across the country are moving into new features, streaming releases, and development programs. For anyone tracking Canadian cinema, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy and varied year. From the latest Canadian Film Centre cohort to the feature films landing in theatres and on Crave, these are the upcoming projects from Canadian film directors that deserve attention.
Feature Films from Canadian Directors Arriving in 2026
Several Canadian features are scheduled for release this year, and the directors behind them bring different backgrounds and styles to the screen. Some are making the leap from shorts and festival circuits, while others are building on established reputations. The 2026 Canadian film slate includes a mix of intimate character studies, genre work, and crowd-pleasing stories.
The table below summarizes some of the Canadian films and directors to keep on your radar this year.
| Film | Director(s) | Release Information |
|---|---|---|
| Racewalkers | Kevin Claydon, Phil Moniz | In theatres July 10 |
| Boxcutter | Reza Dahya | Crave |
| Agnes | Leah Vlemmiks | 2026 |
| After Love | Marjan Hashemi | 2026 |
| All That She Wants | Scarlett Bermingham, Andrew Rhymer | 2026 |
Racewalkers
Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz are set to release Racewalkers in theatres on July 10. The film was highlighted in Exclaim!'s look at Canada's best emerging directors in 2026, which places the pair among the country's most promising new voices. Its theatrical release gives audiences a chance to see the film on the big screen, and the early attention suggests the project is one to track as the summer slate unfolds.
Boxcutter
Reza Dahya is another director featured on Exclaim!'s emerging directors list for 2026, and his film Boxcutter will reach audiences through Crave. A streaming release offers broad national visibility, and it positions Dahya's work in front of viewers across Canada without the limitations of a traditional theatrical run. For fans of Canadian genre cinema, this is one of the more intriguing titles on the calendar.
Agnes, After Love, and All That She Wants
The list of Canadian films released in 2026 also includes Agnes, directed by Leah Vlemmiks; After Love, directed by Marjan Hashemi; and All That She Wants, co-directed by Scarlett Bermingham and Andrew Rhymer. Agnes has already been noted in coverage tied to Sundance, a reminder that Canadian projects continue to attract international attention. Together, these three films demonstrate the range of stories emerging from the Canadian industry this year.
Festival Winners Carry Momentum into New Work
Film festivals continue to play a central role in launching Canadian directors and driving attention to their next projects. Two events in particular are worth following in 2026, because the recognition they offer often translates directly into future production opportunities.
Canadian Film Fest Award Winners
The 2026 Canadian Film Fest handed feature film awards to Akashi, Hangashore, James, and Los Ríos. These titles now carry momentum from the festival circuit, and the directors behind them are well positioned to announce new work in the months ahead. Festival recognition of this kind frequently opens doors for financing, distribution, and international festival bookings, making these names worth watching closely.
Reel Canadian Film Festival 2026 Lineup
The Reel Canadian Film Festival has announced its 2026 feature film lineup, and it is a strong snapshot of current Canadian production. The slate includes Starwalker, Little Lorraine, The Art of Adventure, Out Standing, and Ma mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan, also known as Once Upon My Mother. The mix of English and French titles reflects the breadth of the Canadian industry and the variety of stories directors are bringing to the screen.
Canada Film Day Spotlight Favourites
Canada Film Day's 2026 Spotlight shines on films that continue to influence the current generation of filmmakers. The selection includes I Like Movies, directed by Chandler Levack with Sarah Polley as a contributor, and New Waterford Girl, directed by Allan Moyle. These spotlights remind audiences that the work of Canadian directors has a long and rich history, and that today's filmmakers are building on that foundation.
The Canadian Film Centre's 2026 Norman Jewison Film Program
The Canadian Film Centre has welcomed the 19 participants selected for the 2026 Norman Jewison Film Program. The program carries the name of one of Canada's most celebrated filmmakers and is designed to support directors as they refine their skills and develop their projects. Each cohort tends to produce a wave of shorts, web series, and features in the years that follow, so this group is worth tracking.
BUNKERTIME! and FEATHERWEIGHT
Recent and upcoming projects connected to the centre include BUNKERTIME!, a short-turned-web series starring Pearle Harbour, and FEATHERWEIGHT, the debut short from Michael Ayres. Both projects illustrate how Canadian Film Centre participants move from training into active production. For audiences looking to discover the next generation of Canadian directorial talent, these are useful entry points.
Funding and Support for Emerging Directors
Financing remains one of the biggest challenges for directors working on their first features. Canadian programs continue to address this gap, and 2026 brings renewed attention to the support structures available to emerging filmmakers.
Talent to Watch Program
Telefilm's Talent to Watch Program supports emerging filmmakers who are looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project. The program is aimed at directors who have already developed a project to the point where it is ready for production. Because application windows and deadlines can change from year to year, directors interested in applying should check Telefilm's official program page for the most current details before preparing a submission.
Industry Events for Directors in 2026
Directors looking to build connections and sharpen their skills have several opportunities in Toronto this spring. The Canadian Film Fest Industry Series is designed specifically for people working in the industry, and the 2026 edition includes two distinct days of programming.
Voice & Vision: A Director's Masterclass
Industry Day 1 takes place on Tuesday, March 24 and features VOICE & VISION: A Director's Masterclass. The session is aimed at filmmakers who want to deepen their directorial approach and learn from experienced voices in the field. For directors at any stage of their careers, this kind of focused learning opportunity can be valuable as they prepare for upcoming projects.
Cheers & Chats
Industry Day 2 continues on Wednesday, March 25 with CHEERS & CHATS. This networking session gives directors and other industry professionals a chance to meet in a relaxed environment. Building relationships with producers, cinematographers, and fellow directors is often how the next project comes together, making events like this an important part of the Canadian film calendar.
What a Busy Year Means for the Canadian Film Community
When a new wave of Canadian films moves from announcement to production, the effects are felt across the industry. Crew members book work, production offices open, and the demand for cinema and photography equipment rises. Independent filmmakers often need access to reliable gear without the overhead of a traditional rental house, and local rental platforms have become part of how smaller productions stay on schedule.
For directors based in the Vancouver and Burnaby areas, having access to a peer-to-peer marketplace for camera, lens, and audio equipment can make a meaningful difference between projects. As the 2026 slate develops and more productions get underway, the strength of the local creative community will continue to play a role in bringing these films to the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some Canadian directors to watch in 2026?
According to Exclaim!'s 2026 list of best emerging Canadian directors, Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz (Racewalkers) and Reza Dahya (Boxcutter) are names to know, along with Ashton James and Zoe Lewis. The Canadian Film Centre's 2026 Norman Jewison Film Program cohort of 19 participants is another group worth following, and Michael Ayres is generating interest with his debut short FEATHERWEIGHT.
What Canadian films are releasing in 2026?
The 2026 Canadian film slate includes Racewalkers, arriving in theatres on July 10, and Boxcutter, releasing on Crave. Agnes, directed by Leah Vlemmiks; After Love, directed by Marjan Hashemi; and All That She Wants, co-directed by Scarlett Bermingham and Andrew Rhymer, are also part of the year's Canadian releases.
When is the next Canadian Film Fest?
The next Canadian Film Fest runs March 30 to April 4, 2027, as part of the festival's third decade. The 2026 edition included an Industry Series in March with a director's masterclass and a networking session, and its feature film award winners were Akashi, Hangashore, James, and Los Ríos.
How can emerging Canadian directors finance their first feature?
Telefilm's Talent to Watch Program supports emerging filmmakers who are ready to enter the production stage of their first feature project. Because application windows and deadlines can change, directors should check the Telefilm website for current information before preparing a submission. The program is one of several Canadian funding options designed to help new voices move into feature production.
What is the Norman Jewison Film Program?
The Norman Jewison Film Program at the Canadian Film Centre welcomed 19 participants for its 2026 cohort. The program helps filmmakers develop their skills and build their networks. Recent and upcoming projects connected to the centre include BUNKERTIME!, a short-turned-web series starring Pearle Harbour, and Michael Ayres' debut short FEATHERWEIGHT.