About Atlantic International Film Festival
8-day celebration of film, media, and music from around the world. This international cinema festival includes industry panels and awards, hosted at various Halifax venues.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Atlantic International Film Festival
For over four decades, the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) has turned Halifax into an international film town each September. This eight-day celebration screens the best of Atlantic Canadian cinema alongside global film selections, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences together. The festival's reputation for quality programming and community engagement has made it a cornerstone of Halifax's cultural calendar, with the 46th edition scheduled for September 16-23, 2026. While detailed visitor reviews are limited, the festival's high aggregate ratings and long-standing presence speak to its valued role in the region's arts scene.
Practical Information
Dates: The 46th Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) runs from September 16-23, 2026.
Location: All festival screenings are held at the primary venue, Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, located at 5657 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS B3J 1G9.
Box Office Hours:
- Pre-Festival (September 14-15): 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- During Festival (September 16-23): 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
The physical box office is located in the upper lobby of the Cineplex Park Lane. The online box office is also open for advance purchases via the official festival website, atlanticfilmfestival.ca.
Ticket Options:
- Single Tickets: For individual screenings.
- Weekend Pass: Access to all weekend programming, panels, and live events (excluding Gala screenings and AIFF Online).
- Festival Pass: Full access to all in-person events (except Opening Night Gala) plus AIFF Online content.
- AIFF Patrons: Receive 4 complimentary general admission tickets and 2 tickets to the Opening Night Gala Screening.
Contact: For inquiries, including specific accessibility needs, contact the administrative office at 902-422-3456 or via the contact form on the festival's website. The office is located at 1888 Brunswick St. Suite 800, Halifax, NS B3J 3J8.
The Atlantic International Film Festival has become a cornerstone of Halifax's cultural calendar, giving film-goers the chance to see both local talent and international cinema in one place. While detailed visitor testimonials are limited, the festival's high aggregate ratings and long-standing community support suggest a well-regarded cultural institution. Film lovers seeking diverse programming, community engagement, and the chance to support Atlantic Canadian artists will find the AIFF a rewarding experience. With its convenient central location and multiple ticketing options, the festival remains accessible to both dedicated cinephiles and casual moviegoers looking to immerse themselves in Halifax's thriving arts community.
At a Glance
| What it is | An eight-day celebration of film, media and music from around the world, running each September for over four decades |
|---|---|
| 2026 dates | September 16 to 23, 2026 (the 46th edition) |
| Venue | All festival screenings at Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, 5657 Spring Garden Road, Halifax |
| Box office | Upper lobby of Cineplex Park Lane: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM pre-festival (September 14-15), 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM during the festival; also online at atlanticfilmfestival.ca |
| Tickets | Single tickets, weekend passes, festival passes and AIFF Patrons packages |
| Contact | 902-422-3456; administrative office at 1888 Brunswick Street, Suite 800, Halifax |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Atlantic International Film Festival?
The festival runs each September. The 46th edition is scheduled for September 16 to 23, 2026: eight days of screenings, industry panels and awards that have made the festival a cornerstone of Halifax's cultural calendar for over four decades.
Where are AIFF screenings held?
All festival screenings take place at Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, 5657 Spring Garden Road. The physical box office sits in the theatre's upper lobby: open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on September 14 and 15, then 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily during the festival (September 16 to 23). The online box office at atlanticfilmfestival.ca also handles advance purchases.
What ticket options does the festival offer?
Single tickets cover individual screenings. A weekend pass opens all weekend programming, panels and live events (excluding Gala screenings and AIFF Online); a festival pass covers all in-person events except the Opening Night Gala plus AIFF Online content; and AIFF Patrons receive four complimentary general admission tickets and two tickets to the Opening Night Gala Screening.
What does the festival showcase?
The best of Atlantic Canadian cinema alongside global film selections, bringing filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences together in one place. The program spans film, media and music, with industry panels and awards rounding out the screenings.
How do I contact the Atlantic International Film Festival?
Call the administrative office at 902-422-3456 or use the contact form on the festival website. The office is at 1888 Brunswick Street, Suite 800, Halifax, and handles inquiries including specific accessibility needs.
Is the festival worth visiting for casual moviegoers?
Yes. The festival's reputation for quality programming and community engagement, its convenient central location and its multiple ticketing options keep it accessible to both dedicated cinephiles and casual moviegoers. Its long-standing community support and high aggregate ratings speak to a well-regarded cultural institution.
