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| National Canadian Film Day returns on April 15, 2026, with free screenings and events across Canada. |
By Juli Scarr
National Canadian Film Day returns on April 15, 2026, with guest programmers like Margaret Atwood and Sarah Polley celebrating Canadian storytelling.
Now in its 13th year, CanFilmDay has grown into a nationwide moment where communities across the country come together to watch, share, and talk about Canadian films. What started as a simple idea has turned into one of the largest single-day celebrations of Canadian cinema, with free screenings, special events, and online programming taking place across Canada and beyond.
This year’s edition puts a strong focus on connection. At a time when it can feel harder than ever to slow down and share space with others, CanFilmDay is once again focused on bringing people together through stories that reflect who we are and where we come from.
A Dream Team of Canadian Voices
The 2026 event features an impressive lineup of guest programmers, made up of some of the most recognizable names in Canadian film, television, and culture. The list includes Margaret Atwood, Sarah Polley, Rick Mercer, Atom Egoyan, Neve Campbell, Guy Maddin, Deepa Mehta, and many more.
Each guest programmer has selected a Canadian film they believe audiences should experience, creating a lineup that reflects a wide range of voices, genres, and perspectives. Rather than focusing on one type of film or era, the selections highlight just how diverse Canadian storytelling has become.
It is also worth noting that Canada’s Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, has once again granted viceregal patronage to the event. An official address will be shared on the CanFilmDay website as part of the celebration.
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| Margaret Atwood is among the guest programmers taking part in National Canadian Film Day 2026. |
A Nationwide Celebration of Film
CanFilmDay is designed to be accessible. Organizers are expecting more than 2,000 free in-person events across communities of all sizes, along with screenings made available through major broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Details on specific films, venues, and special guests will be revealed closer to the event, but the focus remains the same as in past years: giving people an easy way to discover Canadian films and experience them together.
Whether it’s a local screening, a community event, or a movie night at home, the goal is to make Canadian stories feel shared rather than siloed.
How to Take Part
Canadians interested in hosting a free screening or community event can now register through the official CanFilmDay website. More information about the full lineup, participating platforms, and regional events will be announced in the weeks leading up to April 15.
For those who simply want to watch and enjoy, keeping an eye on CanFilmDay’s website and social channels will be the easiest way to see what’s available in your area.
After more than a decade, National Canadian Film Day continues to prove that there is real value in slowing down, pressing play, and experiencing stories that reflect the country we live in.
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