The Atlantic International Film Festival is back in Halifax from September 16 to 23, 2026, bringing eight days of regional, Canadian and international film to the city. The festival’s main cinema base is Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, at 5657 Spring Garden Road, where the in-person box office opened on September 14. Free printed programme guides are available there while supplies last, making it a useful first stop if you prefer planning with paper rather than jumping between screens.
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The best way to choose what to watch is through AIFF’s online 2026 Program Guide and full film schedule. The programme includes an opening-night film, new additions to the lineup and family-friendly options, alongside the wider selection of East Coast stories and films from around the world. The festival also has a separate events programme, with opportunities to meet filmmakers, attend panels and talks, and take part in other festival activities. Since the schedule can change as screenings fill, it is worth checking the official listings before setting out and booking the films that matter most to you first.
There are several ways to build your week. A Festival Pass covers unlimited access to in-cinema screenings, panels and talks, as well as AIFF Online. It includes gala presentations, apart from the Opening Night Gala; passholders can attend the second screening of the opening-night film. For a shorter visit, The Weekender is designed around one weekend, while 4-, 6- and 12-ticket packs suit anyone who wants to choose individual films without committing to the full festival. The Family 4 Pack includes two general admission tickets and two Junior Cinephile tickets. Ticket packs cannot be used for gala presentations or the second screening of the opening-night film.
All tickets are on sale, and eligible students under 25 and seniors can access discounted pricing. AIFF Insider Membership adds two complimentary general admission tickets, 15% off festival passes and additional tickets, 20% off merchandise, free AIFF Online access and early booking access. During the festival, ticket holders also receive 15% off Cineplex concessions, excluding alcohol, while passholders receive 15% off at Antojo Tacos + Tequila. The Park Lane box office is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the festival, and AIFF’s booking and pass tutorials are handy if this is your first time navigating a multi-day programme.
A simple plan is to start with one film that fits your schedule, then leave room for a filmmaker meeting or panel nearby. If you are attending with children, the family selections offer an easy entry point; if you want to focus on Canadian work, AIFF has a dedicated tutorial for finding Canadian films in the programme. With the festival concentrated around Park Lane and its online listings, you can shape the week around a few carefully chosen screenings or fill it with cinema from Wednesday through the following Wednesday.
Published Date
17 September 2026
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