The Future of Film Showcase (FOFS) marks its 13th year with another full program of works from emerging Canadian Filmmakers.
FOFS focuses on works from filmmakers at a crucial stage in their emergence as artists and storytellers, as well as elevating work by women, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other emerging creatives from traditionally marginalized communities.
FOFS Preview
Student Shorts Showcase
A collection of student-made short films directed by emerging Canadian talent.
- COME OUT, LAZARUS
Dir. Luke Donovan - CRYING OVER DEAD CATS
Dir. Willem Duff - HOLD STILL
Dir. Abby Boyd - I’LL TRY TO EXPLAIN IT
Dir. Lucia Fella Pellegrino
Tycoon
Dir. Charlotte Zhang
Los Angeles on the cusp of the 2028 Summer Olympics: a series of devastating livestock viruses have wiped out meat and poultry production across the nation, leaving genetically-modified cockroaches the most viable alternative. Meanwhile, a cockroach infestation of biblical proportions overwhelms the city.
Paired Short Film
Cimes
Dir. Charlie Marois
An impressionistic exploration of the canopy, captured frame by frame.
Content Warning for both films: Strobe Effect for Photosensitive Viewers
Thanks to the Hard Work of the Elephants
Dir. Bryce Hodgson
Based on a true story, Elephants… is a queer love fantasy that follows two teenage boys who escape an abusive youth lockdown detention center while high on LSD. They steal the center’s van and drive 400 km to a big-box store parking lot, determined to start an alternative youth commune in a nearby suburban forest.
Paired Shorts
The Trial
Dir. Luvleen Hunjan
As her wedding approaches, a young woman’s relationship with her fiancé is tested by a disturbing encounter with a stranger.
The Sphinx
Dir. Jesse Pavdeen
A locksmith’s date night becomes a waking, liminal nightmare.
Never Get Busted!
Dir. Stephen McCallum
Barry Cooper was a highly decorated Texas narcotics officer until he turned on the police force, busting crooked cops and teaching drug users how to hide their stash.
Paired Short Film
A Wolf in the Suburbs
Dir. Amélie Hardy
Welcome to Mississauga where lawns are clipped, neighbors are watchful and no blade of grass dares misbehave. Except at Wolf Ruck’s place. His lawn grows wild, and so does the trouble.
Otium
Dir. Christopher Beaulieu
The film follows a real estate photographer who struggles to find a place to rent, a story that was inspired by Christopher’s time working as a photographer for Airbnb, taking photos of empty luxury condos while being unable to afford a place of his own in Toronto.
Paired Short Film
Brute
Dir. Jérémy Comte
Overwhelmed by crippling anxiety, a young sculptor finds himself trapped in his studio.
FOFS Industry Program Preview
Land First: Sustainable Filmmaking Through an Indigenous Lens (Virtual)
This panel explores how sustainable filmmaking can be approached through practical, community-centred methods informed by Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental stewardship, and responsible production practices. It centres the idea that sustainability is not budget-contingent, but a mindset and methodology that can be integrated into productions of any scale.
Final Touches: The Ins and Outs of Post-Production (In Person)
This panel brings together picture editors, sound editors, and directors to discuss the creative decisions that define a film in post. From pacing and performance to soundscapes and emotional impact, we’ll explore how choices made in the editing suite can completely transform a scene.
FOFS screenings and industry programing run until July 26, 2026 at Paradise Theatre in Toronto. For details about film screenings and other events, please visit fofs.ca.
All photos and images courtesy of FOFS.
