10200 102 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5J 0W9
The Dreamspeakers International Indigenous Film Festival (DIIFF) returns to downtown Edmonton as Canada’s first Indigenous film festival and the longest-running of its kind in the world. Founded in 1992 by Indigenous creatives to support representation in media, the festival continues to be a vital platform for “Dreamtalking”—a term inspired by a Dene filmmaker’s conversation with Elders about the art of cinema.
This year’s festival features over 30 compelling works, including shorts, features, documentaries, and animations. The event kicks off on April 15 with a special free screening of “Nika & Madison” at Metro Cinema, fresh from its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, presented in celebration of National Canadian Film Day.
Ways to Watch
In-Person Screenings: Catch the majority of the festival lineup at Landmark Cinema in Downtown Edmonton from April 16 to 19.
Online Festival: A curated selection of films will be available for streaming from April 20 to 27. You can watch the digital festival here starting on April 20 (content will be live on this date).
Festival Background
The Legacy: Established as the first of its kind in Canada, DIIFF was created to respond to a growing industry and ensure Indigenous voices are at the forefront of storytelling.
The Name: “Dreamspeakers” honours the Dene tradition of describing filmmaking as a way of sharing dreams with the community.
When: April 15 – 19, 2026 (In-Person) | April 20 – 27, 2026 (Online)
Location: Landmark Cinema (10285 101 St NW) & Metro Cinema (8712 109 St NW)
Cost: Various (Free screening on April 15)