DAY 3 MNFF 2026
Friday the 13th at the Mighty Niagara Film Fest brings a full day of cinematic discoveries, compelling stories, experimental film and a healthy dose of horror! Ease into the day with Panorama Ephemera, a fascinating collage of archival, industrial, educational and amateur films that offers a sometimes strange, sometimes unsettling look at the myths and realities of twentieth-century America.
In the evening, join us at NAC’s Microcinema for How We Stand, writer-filmmaker Marie Clements’ powerful story of three Indigenous sisters navigating the long-lasting impacts of the Native American Relocation Program. Over at Oast House Brewers, we're teaming up with the TD Niagara Jazz Festival for Once Upon a Time in Harlem, a remarkable documentary conceived by legendary filmmaker William Greaves and completed by his son David 50 years later. The film captures an extraordinary gathering of Harlem Renaissance luminaries at Duke Ellington’s home, offering a rare glimpse into a vibrant cultural moment and the people who shaped it.
There's plenty more happening across town! Head to The Bank Art House for Tidal Surges #3, a collection of adventurous short films by local artists pushing the boundaries of image, sound and storytelling. At The Film House, Pirate Produce + Fruits of Labour serves up two short documentaries exploring food, farming, wine and the people behind what we put on our tables. Stay for a post-screening Q&A with Pirate Produce director Sandy Chronopoulos, chef Shane Harper and Restaurant Pearl Morissette chef and co-founder Daniel Hadida.
Then there's Ham & Cheese, a delightfully offbeat comedy about two hopelessly untalented actors chasing their showbiz dreams, and, because it is Friday the 13th after all, a special late-night screening of Canadian cult horror favourite Ginger Snaps at The Film House.
Finish the night off up on the top of floor of The Carlisle! Look out over the city during the at the Drop-In Media Lab - a low-stakes experimental improvisation, intended to be ephemeral.