The RUSH Youth Film Festival is a four-day celebration of youth creativity, taking place at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and throughout downtown St. Catharines. Last year we made history with our first festival, this year we're bringing it up a notch. You won't want to miss all the fun we've got planned for 2025.

SUBMIT NOW

Want to see your movie on the BIG SCREEN with a live audience? Jarico Films for Youth is giving you that opportunity. Submit your film now for the 2025 Rush Youth Film Festival.

We are accepting both short and feature-length films from filmmakers aged 30 and under, covering all genres—live-action, animation, documentary, and experimental.

We encourage unique voices, bold storytelling, and innovative approaches to film that push boundaries and engage audiences.

IMPORTANT DATES

October 31, 2024

Earlybird Deadline

February 28, 2025

Official Deadline

March 31, 2025

Extended Deadline

April 18, 2025

Notification Date

SUBMIT YOUR SHORT FILM

Festival Weekend Highlights

In addition to screenings, the festival offers a robust lineup of events designed to foster learning and collaboration:

Workshops with Industry Mentors

Gain insights from seasoned professionals in filmmaking, covering topics such as directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound design, and editing.

Q&A Sessions with Cast and Crew

Dive deeper into the filmmaking process as directors, actors, and crew members share behind-the-scenes stories and answer audience questions.

Networking Events

Meet fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts in a relaxed setting. These events provide a valuable opportunity to form connections and collaborate on future projects.