Aultsville Film Festival Builds on a Strong First Year as It Returns to Cornwall January 23–25

When the Aultsville Film Festival launched last year, it did something quietly important for Cornwall. It proved there was an appetite for independent film, thoughtful storytelling, and shared cultural experiences that go beyond mainstream screens. Audiences showed up, conversations followed, and by the end of the weekend, the festival felt less like a one-off experiment and more like the beginning of something sustainable.

From January 23 to 25, 2026, the Aultsville Film Festival returns to the Aultsville Theatre with that momentum firmly behind it.

Now in its second year, the festival is building carefully rather than dramatically, focusing on strong programming, a welcoming atmosphere, and deeper engagement with audiences and filmmakers alike. Organizers say ticket sales are already on par with last year, an encouraging sign that the festival is becoming a winter cultural fixture in Cornwall.

Building on Last Year’s Foundation

Last year’s inaugural festival set the tone for what FilmFest could be: intimate screenings, accessible discussions, and a sense that film could be a starting point for conversation rather than a passive experience. That foundation has shaped the 2026 edition.

Large-format posters now fill the Aultsville Theatre lobby, and final preparations are underway to ensure the experience feels both polished and personal.

The 2026 Film Lineup

This year’s festival features four films spread across three days, offering a mix of documentary and narrative storytelling.

Meadowlarks opens the festival on Friday, January 23 at 8:00 pm, setting the tone for the weekend with an emotionally grounded, visually engaging story.

On Saturday afternoon, January 24 at 2:00 pm, We Lend a Hand – The Forgotten Story of Ontario Farmerettes brings an important piece of Ontario history to the screen, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women during wartime.

Saturday evening’s screening, Urchin, at 7:30 pm, shifts the mood with a more contemporary and intense narrative that invites reflection and discussion.

The festival concludes on Sunday, January 25 at 2:00 pm with Peak Everything, a fitting closing film that encourages audiences to leave the theatre thinking as much as feeling.

Organizers are also working with TIFF on the possibility of a virtual Q&A with director Colin Field, which would take place following the January 24 screening if scheduling allows. If confirmed, the discussion would be recorded and shown after the film, giving audiences a chance to hear directly from the filmmaker and engage more deeply with the work.

More Than Just Screenings

One of the clearest takeaways from last year’s festival was that audiences valued the experience around the films as much as the films themselves. The 2026 festival leans into that lesson.

The weekend begins with an Opening Night Reception on Friday, featuring appetizers from Brown’s Catering, décor by Wickham Special Events, and bar service by Champagne & Co. Drink options include a signature sangria, red and white VQA wines, local craft beers, and a signature mocktail.

The intention is to create space for conversation, allowing festival-goers to connect with one another before and after screenings.

Community Support and Local Partnerships

Community backing remains central to the festival’s success. This year’s sponsors include Red Carpet Sponsor Troy Vaillancourt of Century 21 Realty, Community Sponsors Jennifer and Andrew Francis of World Financial Group, and in-kind sponsor The Seeker.

Volunteers will once again be a visible and vital part of the weekend, helping welcome guests, guide seating, and maintain the relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that distinguished last year’s event. Members of the film selection committee will also be present throughout the weekend to engage with audiences and help foster conversation.

Tickets and Information

Tickets and full festival details are available online at
https://aff2026.ticketpro.ca/en/pages?aff=aultsville

As the Aultsville Film Festival enters its second year, it does so with confidence earned rather than assumed. Building on last year’s success, the 2026 edition promises a weekend that celebrates film as a shared cultural experience, rooted in community and conversation.