The Atlantic International Film Festival is an eight-day celebration of film, media and music from around the world. It's a festival that turns Halifax – a charming and historic coastal city – into an international Mecca for the arts, abuzz with filmmakers, industry types and film lovers.
Offering a first-look at the best international films of the festival season, the Atlantic International Film Festival is a champion of local filmmakers, committed to bridging the gap. We attract some of the biggest players in film, media and music from around the world. All of our film selections are chosen with our community in mind and our special events are designed to bring us all together. A not-for-profit organization, the Atlantic International Film Festival depends heavily upon its strong ties to the surrounding and thriving arts community.
Celebrating 45 years in 2025, the Atlantic International Film Festival began as a tiny, grassroots operation in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1981, relocating to Halifax the following year. Just three decades later, the Atlantic International Film Festival has blossomed into one of Canada's premier film festivals. Whether for industry folk, unabashed film lovers or curious onlookers, the Festival offers a slew of opportunities to engage the global film experience. Today's Atlantic International Film Festival is now a year-round celebration, growing beyond our eight-day cornerstone event in September to include:
Atlantic International Film Festival - 150+ films from Atlantic Canada and around the world, Industry Events, Script Development Program, Retrospectives, Parties & Receptions
Strategic Partners - Co-production market, 200 top industry players, 1-2-1 meetings, keynotes, panels, Trans Atlantic Partners - TAP (international co-production mentoring program), Cannes Producers Network Reception
AIFF Kids - Curriculum based film & workshop events, Hands-on workshops and discussions with top industry professionals, AIFF Kids Youth Film Competition, AIFF Kids School Tours
AIFF Outdoor - Public screenings in the Halifax Public Gardens - July through August, Variety of community screenings throughout the year.
