HIFF 2025 GUIDE: How to HIFF

HIFF is almost here!

Halifax's annual celebration of independent cinema kicks off tomorrow! Join us May 28–31 in the Bus Stop Theatre on Gottingen Street.

You can see it all with a $45 HIFF Festival Pass or catch films with single tickets for $15.

Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of this year's fest:

HIFF TIPS

• Picking up your pass: HIFF passholders can pick up their passes at the box office in the lobby of the Bus Stop Theatre on your way into your first screening. They'll be available for pick-up for the duration of the fest.

• Arrive Early: HIFF 2025 includes some SOLD OUT to near-full screenings. Rush tickets for sold-out screenings will be available 10 minutes before showtime. Pass holders: to ensure you get a seat, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your film begins.

• Q+As and Panels: Our post-screening Q+As give us a chance to hear from filmmakers immediately after seeing their work—be sure to stick around after the screenings for films with a Q+A marked on their film page. This year, we’re also pleased to present a FREE panel on Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m.: Why Are You Like This?, in which visiting filmmakers Heather Young (There, There), Carson Lund (Eephus) and Louise Weard (Castration Movie) break down the process of getting esoteric work through the system. Moderated by Halifax filmmaker Tara Thorne (Lakeview), with complimentary coffee and pastries from Uncommon Grounds.

• Parties: At HIFF 2025, every night is a party! It’s true: following each screening, we’ll gather in the Bus Stop bar in the theatre lobby for drinks and discussion.

See our full film lineup here!