Ottawa Film Festivals

Ottawa has a lively film and media scene. Annual festivals include the world-class Ottawa International Animation Festival, the International Film Festival of Ottawa, the European Union Festival, the European Union Festival, the Latin American Film Festival, the Mirror Mountain Film Festival, and the Genre Gems Film Festival.

The Canadian Film Institute (CFI) screens important Canadian and international cinema year round. Film, video and interactive media are regularly on exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada, the Ottawa Art Gallery, and artist-run organizations Gallery 101, Available Light, SAW Centre, the Independent Filmmakers Cooperative of Ottawa (IFCO) and other ad hoc venues.

Ottawa has excellent art-house and repertory cinemas where independent and international films open soon after their theatrical release. Of particular note is the Mayfair Cinema located near Carleton University. Originally opened in 1932, it is one of the oldest, still-operating “atmospheric” movie theaters in Canada with many of the original interior details intact. It offers an eclectic and vibrant program, attracting film buffs of all ages.

Ottawa is also the home of two major independent film and video production community centres, the Independent Filmmakers Cooperative of Ottawa (IFCO) and the Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC), which provide funding, equipment and post-production resources.