Supercrawl is Hamilton’s ultimate street festival, igniting James Street North every September with massive crowds, electrifying performances, and bold showcases of art, music, fashion, and film.
This free three-day celebration draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to experience the city’s creative spirit at full throttle — and in 2025, the Hamilton Film Board is bringing the magic of the screen to the streets with our Film Lives Here booth.
From September 12–14, HFB will present Film Lives Here at Supercrawl — an interactive booth with:
Film in Action – Visitors can explore camera setups, lighting rigs, and grip gear, with on-site demos.
Meet the Creators – Guest panels and drop-in appearances by actors, directors, and technicians.
Community Screen Time – Short films, trailers, and reels from local creators.
Interactive Experiences – Red carpet and photo wall, contests, and hands-on opportunities.
HFB's Schedule at Supercrawl
Celebrity Guests, Filmmakers and Equipment Demos
September 12 • Day 1
Hours of Operation • 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
- 5:30 PM Ribbon Cutting
- w/ Surprise Guests
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Found TV
- (Streamer)
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM George Mihalka
- (Director, Executive Producer)
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Kat Barrell
- (Actress, Writer, Producer, Director)
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM Terrance Odette
- (Writer, Director)
Members of the Hamilton Film Board, the Hamilton Film Festival and the City of Hamilton's Film Office will be in attendance the whole night.
September 13 • Day 2
Hours of Operation • 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Kalkaden Productions
- (Special Guest)
- and
- Christoph Benfey
- (Camera Demonstrations)
- 1: 00 PM - 3:00 PM Christoph Benfey
- (Camera Demonstrations)
- 1: 30 PM - 7:00 PM Black Fawn Distribution
- (Pop-Up Store)
- 3: 00 PM - 5:00 PM Hamilton Acting Studio
- (Special Guests)
- 7: 00 PM - 8:00 PM Lee Paula Springer
- and Chris Bavota
- (Writers, Directors, Producers)
Black Fawn Distribution's Pop-up Store will be active from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Members of the Hamilton Film Board, the Hamilton Film Festival and the City of Hamilton's Film Office will be in attendance the whole day.
September 14 • Day 3
Hours of Operation • 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM John Migliore
- (Actor)
-
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Scott Faulconbridge - (Comedian, Writer, Actor)
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Jim Watson
- (Actor)
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Ariyike Akinbobola
- Author, TV Presenter, Talk Show Host)
HFB @ Supercrawl 2025
Links to our Google Photo Albums

Hamilton Film Festival 2025
HFB is proud to be a part of the 20th Anniversary of the Hamilton Film Festival
The Hamilton Film Festival is the city’s premier celebration of cinema, filling theatres every November with independent gems, international spotlights, and Hamilton-produced projects that showcase the city’s own creative spirit. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the festival has become a cultural landmark — a place where homegrown talent shares the stage with international premieres, and audiences connect with filmmakers in unforgettable ways.
As a proud partner, the Hamilton Film Board is amplifying this milestone year by hosting industry panels, youth-focused programming, and showcases that put Hamilton’s creative community front and centre.
Together, we’re marking two decades of cinematic discovery while building the foundation for the next generation of storytellers.
Check back for updates as we get closer to the festival.
Presented by Hamilton Film Festival, Hamilton Film Board, and The City of Hamilton
HFB will sponsor and organize Industry Day and a Networking Night as follows:
Industry Day (Saturday, October 18)
- Pitch Competition at 10:00 AM
- Curated Panels at 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM
Each session includes 45 minutes of discussion and 10–15 minutes of networking. - Networking Session: Meet with others attendees of the Industry Day sessions from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
See below for details regarding each session.
Networking Night: Film Lives Here (Date TBA)
- Public-private industry mixer with civic leaders, producers, and creatives — presented by the Hamilton Film Board.
- Date to be announced.
Industry Day
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
357 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, ON L9G 2C1
Tickets cost $15.00 and provide you access to watch the Pitch Competition and the panels,
as well as joining our Networking Session.
Pass holders and filmmakers with a film in the festival this year do not need a ticket. Show your pass at the door for access.
If you wish to pitch a project you MUST fill out the form REGISTER FOR THE PITCH.
Pitch Competition
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Filmmakers have 30 seconds to deliver their project's elevator pitch and then answer questions from the guy.
The winning pitch receives a prize package that includes:
- $2000 cash sponsored by the Hamilton Film Festival and the Ancaster Film Festival.
- $2000 in VFX sponsored by Imagine Ma$500 Location Package sponsored by Hamilton Film Studios
- And mentoring and location opportunities sponsored by the Hamilton School of Media Arts
The runner up receives:
- $1000 in VFX sponsored by Imagine Magic
Films MUST be shooting in Hamilton and should show that they are entering pre-production within the next 6 months (by March 2026).
You must register in advance to take part in the pitch.
Paths to the Page – Screenwriting Careers in Hamilton
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

How do screenwriters break in and build lasting careers from right here in Hamilton?
Join writer–director Terrance Odette, screenwriters Joe Favalaro and Courtney McAllister, and literary agent Samantha Driscoll-Way (The Jennifer Holler Agency) for an honest, inspiring conversation about the many ways screenwriting careers get off the ground.
Moderated by producer Jeff Boulton (Hamilton Film Board, Crafthaus Ltd.).
Canadian Distribution — Getting Your Film Seen!
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

For independent filmmakers, finishing a film is only the beginning—the real challenge is getting it in front of an audience. This panel dives into the world of Canadian distribution, exploring everything from theatrical releases to streaming opportunities, niche genres to mainstream platforms. Our speakers will share candid insights into how films find their way into the marketplace, what distributors look for, and how Canadian stories can stand out in a crowded industry.
Hosted by Christopher Giroux, featuring Cameron Maitland (Hollywood Suite), Chad Archibald (Black Fawn Distribution), Louie La Vella (FoundTV), and more.
Networking Mix and Mingle
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Network with Industry Day attendees, panellists and organizers before the last panel session of the day.
The Making of... TV Christmas Movies (In Hamilton)
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a TV Christmas movie? From sparkling small-town streets to the whirlwind of fast-paced shoots, Hamilton has become a go-to hub for holiday filmmaking. This festive spotlight offers a behind-the-scenes look at the joy, challenges, and creativity that power the season’s most beloved made-for-TV films. The panel promises heartwarming stories from set, insider perspectives on production, and a celebration of why Hamilton shines as the backdrop for these holiday favourites.
Hosted by Ann Pirvu, with special guests Kat Barrell (The Christmas Baby and Everything Christmas), Romaine Waite (Saying Yes To Christmas), Cory Lee (Baking All The Way, A Christmas Masquerade), and Jayne Eastwood (Christmas by Chance, Baking All The Way).

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