First films of Fantasia’s
30th edition unveilled

Fantasia launches its program with an initial slate of films defined by boldness and diversity

June 30, 2026

The Fantasia International Film Festival returns to Montréal from July 16 to August 2, 2026, to celebrate its 30th edition. Considered one of the most important genre film festivals in North America, Fantasia kicks off its lineup with a first wave of titles defined by boldness, diversity, and numerous world premieres. Presented at the Cinéma du Musée and Concordia University, the event draws film lovers, creators, and industry professionals each year to the best in fantasy, horror, and science fiction cinema.

A selection of highly anticipated world premieres

Among the nine world premieres announced, Jenn Wexler’s The Last Temptation of Becky stands out at the top of the bill. This third instalment in the popular Becky series marks the return of Lulu Wilson in a role that has become emblematic of contemporary genre cinema.

The Last Temptation of Becky – Jenn Wexle

Another title to watch is Tight Lettuce from Canadian director Harrison Houde, who here signs his first feature film. The film stands out for its strong Quebec cast, including Emmanuel Bilodeau, France Castel, and Maxim Roy, and it tackles social themes in a tone that is both dramatic and offbeat.

Also of note is Unholy Night by Michael Gabriele, a horror comedy in which the Christmas of a close‑knit Italian family descends into carnage when their deceased grandmother returns to “help” prepare the festivities. The film marks the director’s return after Get Away, which won Fantasia’s Gold Audience Award for Best International Short Film in 2023.

The festival is also presenting Hot Spot by Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Smoczyńska, as well as No Rest for the Wicked, a queer vampire film by Kasper Kalle. With Ancestral Beasts, Métis director Tim Riedel explores issues related to mental health and Indigenous realities.

Horror cinema in the spotlight

True to its DNA, Fantasia 2026 gives a prominent place to international horror cinema. Among the standout titles, The Eyes from South Korean director Yeom Ji‑oh offers an immersive and unsettling reimagining of the Spanish film Julia’s Eyes.

Captured! – Koichi

The film Captured! from Japanese creator Koichi fits into a growing trend of digital creators moving into feature filmmaking, blending horror with a reflection on viral culture. In a similar vein, Andrea Corsini’s Ferine pays homage to classic Italian horror cinema with a stylized, provocative approach.

Audiences will also discover Sleep No More by Edwin, presented as a North American premiere, which plunges viewers into a nightmarish industrial world with strong social undertones.

Documentaries and genre cinema: embracing diversity

Fantasia continues to push the boundaries of genre cinema by integrating hybrid and documentary works. Rubberhead: The Life & Monsters of Steve Johnson, directed by Nick Taylor, offers an in-depth look at the career of a special effects creator who has collaborated with major figures such as David Cronenberg, Steven Spielberg, and Guillermo del Toro.

Rubberhead: The Life & Monsters of Steve Johnson – Nick Taylor

This diversity reflects the festival’s commitment to presenting a comprehensive panorama of contemporary forms of fantasy and experimental cinema.

Fantasia in Montréal: a must-see event

With this first announcement, Fantasia 2026 confirms its status as a must‑see event on Montréal’s cultural calendar. Supported by several cultural institutions and major partners, the festival continues to strengthen the city’s reputation as a key hub for genre cinema.

Additional films and special events will be announced in the coming weeks. To view the full program and plan your screenings, visit the official Fantasia Festival website.

Featured image: Unholy Night, by Michael Gabriele
Images courtesy of the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montréal

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