Inaugural Stratford Film Festival begins Nov. 6-9 at Stratford City Hall

Stratford Film Festival director Megan Smith-Harris welcomes Stratford to four days of film and fun, conversation and community.

The new Stratford Film Festival (SFF) is prepared to welcome filmgoers to their inaugural annual festival Nov. 6-9 after presenting over 30 screenings during the last year. The four-day festival will feature full-length feature films, documentaries and shorts.

On Wednesday Oct. 15, SFF hosted an evening to showcase the films and introduce the lineup to film enthusiasts and friends of the festival. This well-attended event allowed the audience the opportunity to view each film trailer introduced by festival director Megan Smith-Harris.

“We’re showcasing a dynamic mix of award-winning features, documentaries and short films from around the world, as well as a handful of films from right here in Stratford. Our 2025 festival promises to be an unforgettable four days of entertaining, thought-provoking films, conversation and community,” said Smith-Harris.

Conversation will be encouraged on opening night with the Q-and-A following the screening of the documentary, Beethoven’s Nine: Ode to Humanity with Canadian director Larry Weinstein. Weinstein made 36 films that have garnered dozens of awards from around the world, including three International Emmy Awards (and several other Emmy nominations) and 12 personal Canadian Screen/Gemini Awards, as well as major awards in Canada, the United States, France, the Czech Republic, Mexico and Australia.

“Larry Weinstein has an extraordinary gift for illuminating the emotional and cultural power of music. Beethoven’s Nine: Ode to Humanity reminds us why art matters – and why Beethoven’s Ninth continues to unite people across time and borders. We’re thrilled to have Larry join us for a post-screening Q-and-A to share his remarkable insights,” said Smith-Harris.

The second Q-and-A will follow the Saturday morning screening of the documentary, Behind the Castle Doors: The Origin of the Hilarious House of Frightenstein. The directors, Morgan Baker and Tammy Heisel, will be on hand to expand the conversation of this cult Canadian classic from the childhood of generations. Also in appearance will be actor/producer Mitch Markowitz.

“Directors Morgan Baker and Tammy Heisel have crafted an affectionate, behind-the-scenes look at one of Canada’s most delightfully eccentric TV series. Behind the Castle Doors: The Hilarious House of Frightenstein celebrates the offbeat brilliance and boundless creativity that made the show a cult favourite. We’re especially delighted to welcome Mitch Markowitz – one of the show’s original creators – whose irreverent sense of fun helped shape this iconic piece of Canadian television history. And in true Saturday morning spirit, we’ll be serving up a nostalgic cereal bar to complete the experience,” said Smith-Harris. 

Later that day will be an opportunity to dig deep into the film Stealing the Sky with a Q-and-A featuring director/actor Megan Follows. This is an ensemble comedy in which characters living in a loft facing demolition navigate identity, loss and connection as their city crumbles around them.

“It’s such a privilege to welcome Megan Follows – an iconic Canadian actor and now a gifted director,” said Smith-Harris. “Stealing the Sky is a beautifully observed film that explores how cities evolve and how people struggle to keep pace with change. Having Megan here to discuss her vision as both actor and filmmaker will be a true highlight of the festival.”

Those are just three of the films offered during the four days, with many more programmed. There are 13 different screening events over the four days to choose from, which have been curated through submissions from over 40 countries. The Stratford Film Festival champions films and filmmakers from across the globe and around the corner bringing stories to inspire conversation and entertain at the same time. For more information on the films being showcased and to purchase tickets, visit stratfordfilmfestival.com.