Blood in the Snow Film Festival + Deadly Exposure

Fearless Canadian Horror

Nov 16–21, 2026 · Isabel Bader Theatre · Toronto

Get Your Pass

Lineup + tickets drop Oct 20

BITS 2026 festival poster: November 16–21, 2026, Isabel Bader Theatre
BITS 2026 festival poster: November 16–21, 2026, Isabel Bader Theatre

BITS 2026 poster illustration by Andrew Barr @apb_art

2026 Film Lineup + Tickets Drop Oct 20

On October 20 we announce the entire Blood in the Snow 2026 lineup: Canadian horror features, short films and web series.
Single tickets go on sale the same day.

A glowing green slime creature wearing a BITS festival pass drops onto a pile of red gore, leaving a motion trail behind it
November 16–21, 2026Isabel Bader Theatre, Toronto

Get Your Pass

Blood in the Snow, Canada's premier horror & genre film festival, returns for its 15th edition: six nights of bold Canadian genre cinema, filmmaker Q&As and after parties.

Alongside the screenings, Deadly Exposure, our industry conference, brings filmmakers together for networking, panels and round tables, while the Horror Development Lab hosts live pitches for new projects in development. It's where fans, filmmakers and horror fiends connect.

Just want to see one film? Single tickets go on sale October 20, when we announce the full 2026 lineup. Deadly Exposure and Horror Development Lab details will follow.

BITS 2026 Festival Passes — On Sale Now

For film fans

Best Value Film Festival

BITS 2026 Screening Pass

  • Priority access to all 8 feature films, Nov 16–21, 2026 (lineup drops Oct 20)
  • All 5 short film programs — Dark Visions, Monsters & Martians, BITS and Bytes, Funny Frights & Unusual Sights, Bloody Spirits of Winter
  • 15% off all BITS merch
Festival Pass
$120
Get Your Pass →
Short Film Programs

BITS Short Film Pass

  • Dark Visions — horror shorts
  • Monsters & Martians — sci-fi shorts
  • BITS and Bytes — web/digital series, proof-of-concept & music videos
  • Funny Frights & Unusual Sights — comedy, genre & animation
  • Bloody Spirits of Winter — Indigenous, Métis & Inuit horror shorts
  • Priority access to all 5 programs at Isabel Bader Theatre (Nov 16–21, 2026)
  • 15% off all BITS merch
Festival Pass
$55
Get Your Pass →

For filmmakers & industry

Most Inclusive Film Festival + Deadly Exposure

Deluxe Deadly Exposure Pass

  • Industry round tables (Nov 19–20)
  • Deadly Exposure industry panels (Nov 20–21)
  • Priority access to all 8 feature films, Nov 16–21, 2026 (lineup drops Oct 20)
  • All 5 short film programs — Dark Visions, Monsters & Martians, BITS and Bytes, Funny Frights & Unusual Sights, Bloody Spirits of Winter
  • Watch Dev Lab Micro Panels (Nov 16–17) — exclusive
  • Watch Dev Lab pitches (Nov 17) — exclusive
  • Industry Cocktails invite
  • 15% off all BITS merch
Festival Pass
$240
Get Your Pass →
Film Festival + Industry

Deadly Exposure Industry Pass

  • Industry round tables (Nov 19–20)
  • Deadly Exposure industry panels (Nov 20–21)
  • Priority access to all 8 feature films, Nov 16–21, 2026 (lineup drops Oct 20)
  • All 5 short film programs — Dark Visions, Monsters & Martians, BITS and Bytes, Funny Frights & Unusual Sights, Bloody Spirits of Winter
  • Industry Cocktails invite
  • 15% off all BITS merch
Festival Pass
$180
Get Your Pass →
Small Cohort Festival + Dev Lab + Deadly Exposure

New Blood Creators Pass

  • Small cohort with a dedicated coordinator all week
  • Reserved seating in the Isabel Bader Theatre for screenings
  • Unique events exclusive to New Blood Creators
  • Special welcome bag
  • 15% off all BITS merch
  • Application required — must be available the entire festival week
By Application
$240
Apply Now → Already accepted? Get your pass →
New Blood Creators Forum — Blood in the Snow Film Festival

Fresh voices. Bold visions. New blood. This is not just a pass — it is a guided experience.

New for 2026

New Blood Creators Forum

Blood in the Snow is proud to introduce the New Blood Creators Forum, a national initiative designed to bring emerging Canadian genre filmmakers inside the beating heart of BITS.

Built for creators with projects in early-stage development, the Forum offers a fully curated immersion into the BITS Horror Development Lab, the Deadly Exposure Industry Conference, and the festival's public program — with delegates guided by a dedicated New Blood Creators Coordinator as a cohort throughout the week.

Learn More About the Forum →
BITS Nightshift — Partner-Hosted Industry Mixer

BITS Nightshift is just getting started. Stay tuned for partner announcements in the coming weeks.

New for 2026

BITS Nightshift

Blood in the Snow is proud to introduce BITS Nightshift, a new series of partner-hosted industry mixers taking place nightly from 6:00–10:00pm, November 16–21, 2026, at the Tranzac Club in downtown Toronto.

Nightshift gives film organizations, community groups, media outlets, schools, and creative collectives the opportunity to host networking events within the festival environment — bringing new and emerging film professionals into the Blood in the Snow community through networking, community-building, and industry connection.

Is your organization interested in hosting a Nightshift event? Contact us to learn more about hosting networking events within the festival environment.

Latest

News

Updates & announcements from BITS

Podcast

BITS Radio — Full Season Now Available

The complete season of BITS Radio, recorded live at BITS 2025, is now available. Hear from Canadian genre filmmakers as they take us behind the scenes of their films, projects, and creative process.

BITS Radio · BITS 2025
Listen to the full season →

Submissions

Film Submissions

2026 Submissions Closed — Film Lineup Drops October 20

Thank you to every filmmaker who submitted to BITS 2026! Submissions are now closed and our programmers are reviewing every feature and short. Our 2026 film lineup and single tickets drop October 20.

Submissions closed Oct 1
Development Lab & Deadly Exposure

2026 Horror Development Lab — Applications Closed

Applications for the BITS Horror Development Lab are now closed — thank you to everyone who applied. The Lab focuses on facilitating business and production opportunities for genre scripted projects by traditionally underrepresented BIPOC, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadian filmmakers. Horror Development Lab and Deadly Exposure details will follow the film lineup, which drops October 20.

Applications closed Oct 1
Indigenous Programming

Bloody Spirits of Winter — Submissions Closed

Thank you to all the Indigenous, Métis and Inuit filmmakers who submitted to Bloody Spirits of Winter, our horror shorts program exploring the supernatural and survival. The program is part of the 2026 film lineup, which drops October 20.

Lineup drops Oct 20

Announcements

Festival Artwork

2026 Festival Artwork by Andrew Barr

We're thrilled to announce the artwork for the 2026 Blood in the Snow Film Festival was created by Canadian illustrator Andrew Barr. Known for his work in a major national newspaper, album covers, comics, and pinup art. @apb_art

apb-art.com

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Subscribe to Northern Frights — The BITS Newsletter

Be the first to hear the 2026 film lineup on October 20, plus festival news, film announcements, and industry updates delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to Northern Frights, the official Blood in the Snow newsletter.

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Toronto, Canada · Not-For-Profit

About Us

15 years of fearless Canadian horror & genre cinema

Festival Director Kelly Michael Stewart on stage
Kelly Michael Stewart Festival Director & Founder Read full bio →
Horror Sci-Fi Genre Canada

The Blood in the Snow Film Festival (BITS) is Canada's premier horror & genre film festival, based in Toronto — a unique and imaginative showcase of Canadian horror, genre, and underground cinema that exists to challenge social boundaries, explore artistic taboos, and support and exhibit independent Canadian genre media artists. It was first created in 2012 as a non-profit organization with a mandate to highlight the best in contemporary genre filmmaking in Canada. The Blood in the Snow Film Festival is also on the eligibility list of festivals for the Canadian Screen Awards.

15
Years Running
Canadian Screen Awards qualifying festival
Canadian Screen Awards
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals
Voted Top 100
All Canadian

What We Do

  • Premiere bold Canadian horror, sci-fi & genre cinema
  • Produce the BITS Film Festival, Deadly Exposure Industry Conference & BITS Horror Development Lab
  • Connect filmmakers through Q&As, panels & industry networking
  • Champion independent filmmakers & bold storytelling

Where & When

Festival Team

The People Behind the Scenes

2026

Core Festival Team

Kelly Michael StewartFestival Director & Founder
Vanessa MagicDevelopment Coordinator
Emily DixIndustry Coordinator
Sarah ParrishFestival Operations & Communications Lead
Adam ReichPrint Traffic Coordinator
Frederica Black, Cassandra JohnVolunteer Coordinators
Shanice BowrinLab & Industry Assistant
Cebastian RobertsFront of House Coordinator
Stephane AllardTheatre Traffic Editor & Production

Film Programmers

Nadine L'Esperance
Norman McGlashan
Heidy Morales
Kelly Michael Stewart
Jessie Robbins
Dallas Soonias
Melanie Turner
View full bios →

Development Lab

Leads
Anelle Dehghani
Rueben Martell
Jury
Joanne Belluco
Joel H. Brewster
Theresa Cutknife
Raine Petrie
Chloe Navaretnam

Bloodies Awards Juries

Features
Trey Anderson
Dre Boulet
James Dixon
August Kyss
View full bios →
Shorts
Ashli Agate
Rachel Beaulieu
Luis Ceriz
Kevin Cormier

Creative, Digital & Production

DesignSmall Dog Design
Website, Social Media & Digital ProductionSarah Parrish
LogisticsSanjay Mohanta
Radio HostRobert Bellamy
Photography (Festival)Colleen Yates
Photography (Industry)Megan Robinson, Jordan Probst
AnimationLance Fernandes
MusicJoshua Love
DJDJ D-Rock, DJ Osaze

Indigenous Advisory Committee

James Dixon
Nadine L'Esperance
Rueben Martell
Dallas Soonias
Dawn Wells
View full bios →

Partners & Services

InsuranceMarquee Insurance
Legal (IP)Shift Law
BookkeepingMichelle Herscu, MLHC
AccountingWilson Woo, Oasis LLP

Board of Directors 2025–2026

Kelly Michael StewartChair
Cindy HindsVice Chair
Jen GormanSecretary-Treasurer
Sarah ParrishMember at Large
Melanie TurnerMember at Large
Film Screening Programs

Our Programming

2026

Submissions for the 15th annual Blood in the Snow Film Festival, running at the Isabel Bader Theatre, November 16–21, 2026, are now closed — thank you to every filmmaker who submitted! The 2026 film lineup and single tickets drop October 20, with Horror Development Lab and Deadly Exposure details to follow. BITS is a Canadian Screen Award qualifying festival consistently listed as one of the Top 100 reviewed festivals in the world on FilmFreeway.

At BITS, we curate five distinct short film programs each year, in addition to our feature film lineup and opening shorts. All submitted films are reviewed by our programming team. Each year, we accept submissions exclusively through FilmFreeway.

Screening Programs

Feature Films

Canadian horror, sci-fi, action & thrillers. Toronto Premiere required.

Opening Shorts

First-time directors & promising student filmmakers opening each feature.

Dark Visions

The festival's most terrifying horror shorts.

Monsters & Martians

The best in short-form science fiction.

BITS and Bytes

Web & digital series, proof-of-concept shorts and music videos.

Funny Frights & Unusual Sights

Comedy & genre shorts with a light or offbeat tone.

Bloody Spirits of Winter

Indigenous, Métis & Inuit horror shorts exploring the supernatural & survival.

Film Programmers

View full programmer bios & screening details →

Submission FAQ

Sorry no. We are a non-profit run mostly by volunteers and we need the fees to help run the festival. However we try to keep submission fees low and encourage you to submit early to take advantage of early bird rates.
No, we strongly encourage you to wait until the film is 100% done before submitting. Our programmers won't have time to rewatch the finished version, so it's best to give us final work.
If you think it would be a good fit for Fantasia, CUFF or Fantastic Fest then it will likely fit our programming. We play a wide mix of horror, sci-fi, thrillers, action and underground films — including animated films, documentaries and even films with puppets!
Our venue at the Isabel Bader Theatre seats 500 and we need the best chance to fill it. Historically when we have played films without a premiere, it has impacted attendance.
We have an International-Canadian category for titles that are partly Canadian. Just tell us how it is Canadian — for example: "Canadian director and crew but shot in the U.S."
No, all submissions need to be submitted through FilmFreeway to be considered.
Every feature and short film is watched by at least two programmers. If it scores well it is passed on to the others. All programmers and the Festival Director meet 2–3 times a year to discuss submissions. Once films are selected in early/mid October, the Festival Director sends a personal letter of acceptance.
Yes we can share programmer notes, but if asked in October/November we might not get back to you until after the festival. Please be patient.
The top two reasons historically have been issues with sound and/or colour design, or issues with length/pacing.
  • Screening in a 500 seat theatre with 5.1 surround sound
  • A complimentary screening pass to all 13 programs
  • Invites to networking cocktails throughout the week
  • An invite to be on BITS Radio for an interview
  • Guest list tickets (3 for shorts, 9 for features)
  • On-stage introduction or Q&A
  • Filmmaker pin presented on stage & guest book signing
  • Photos in front of our 17.5 ft photo wall with our mascot

BITS films are also eligible for the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA).

2026 submissions are now closed. Want to be first to hear the film lineup on October 20 — and when BITS 2027 submissions open? Subscribe to Northern Frights.

2026 Partners & Funders

Supported by

Preszler Injury Lawyers

We gratefully acknowledge the support of our 2026 funders & partners.

Interested in sponsoring BITS? Sponsorship package (PDF) →

What Filmmakers Say

Testimonials

"The BITS Development Lab was one of the best industry support programs I've ever attended. I am honoured to have been selected. The talent, projects, connections, atmosphere, access was invaluable. Everything was well done. Kelly and the team were welcoming and helpful. I can't recommend this festival and lab enough."

Kim BarrBITS 2025 Lab Alum

"Blood in the Snow was very supportive and professional. The communication from the festival team was excellent, and I felt supported as a filmmaker. It's obvious that Blood in the Snow cares about Canadian genre filmmakers and works hard to create a strong, filmmaker-friendly environment. I would definitely submit again and recommend the festival to other filmmakers."

Dawn WellsBITS 2025 Alum

"What a beauty! The passion for film and empowering filmmakers is highly apparent at this festival. Was blown away by the programming, the stunning venue, the after parties and so much more. The networking was absolutely insane here. Very enthusiastic hats off to the organizers and HIGHLY encourage genre filmmakers to make submitting to this festival a priority!"

Norm CoyneBITS 2024 Filmmaker

"Awesome festival! Great location and venue. The staff and volunteers are incredible. Hands down one of the best genre festivals to check out."

Sean OliverBITS 2024 Alum

"Loved my experience at BITS 2024! The team, the venues and the crowd were great! Hope to be selected again in the future."

Simon MadoreBITS 2024 Alum

"Incredible community, amazing program, and just wonderful people."

Olivia LoccisanoBITS 2023, BITS 2024 Lab Alum

"Can't say enough about this fest. It's fun, inviting and inclusive. Kelly and his team have dialed this thing in and it's clear they care about the details. I'd recommend this fest to anyone and everyone."

Dallas SooniasBITS 2024 Lab Alum

"A top-tier film festival and development lab. It was such a pleasure to be there and I saw so many great films!"

Joel H. BrewsterBITS 2023 Alum

"Such a fun festival! Festival staff, volunteers, and filmmakers are all as passionate about genre films as the audience. Amazing energy at the screenings, fantastic filmmaker panels, pitching, and education events, and a great selection of high-quality films in a high-quality venue."

Peter SzaboBITS 2023 Alum

"It was an honor to have my film Spiritt be a part of this festival. I got great feedback from one of the attendees who said he will go again next year!"

Kelly RouletteBITS 2023 Alum

"I absolutely love this festival — a celebration of Canadian genre films that have a lot to say. Being part of the horror lab and the festival helped me make so many lasting connections."

Ray RaghavanBITS 2022 Lab Alum