When: September 16–21, 2025
Where: Various accessible venues across Ottawa—on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Nation, including Club SAW, Arts Court Theatre, and Gallery 101.
Each September, the vibrant pulse of storytelling, creativity, and Indigenous culture transforms Ottawa through the Asinabka Film And Media Arts Festival—a dynamic annual celebration showcasing Indigenous film, digital arts, music, and performance. Now entering its 14th year, the 2025 festival spans six inspired days across key spaces in Canada’s capital.
About the Festival
Founded in 2012 by Indigenous artists and arts professionals Howard Adler and Christopher Wong, Asinabka Festival was born from a recognized need for a dedicated platform in Ottawa for Indigenous media arts. Since then, it has grown into a registered non-profit that supports artists in film, video, digital media, and performance arts.
“Asinabka” references the Algonquin name for Victoria Island and the Chaudière Falls—sacred ground overlooking the Ottawa River. Named as an act of decolonization, the festival honours the legacy of Elder William Commanda and reasserts Indigenous presence in the Heart of the Nation’s Capital.
The festival acts as a gathering space, committed to amplifying Indigenous voices and stories from First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and international Indigenous artists—through film, media art, music, and performance.
2025 Highlights & Programming
- Dates: September 16–21, 2025.
- Venues: The festival spreads across Ottawa’s cultural heart—including Club SAW, Arts Court Theatre, Gallery 101, and more.
- Programming: Expect a robust lineup of contemporary Indigenous film and media art. In addition to film screenings spanning varied genres and lengths, attendees will engage in art exhibits, talks, panels, workshops, music, and performance showcases—both indoors and outdoors.
- Theme: Inspired by The Addams Family spirit, this year’s festival carries a playful and sharp theme—“Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc”: “We gladly feast on those who would subdue us” — inviting audiences to celebrate Indigenous art while challenging oppressive systems.
Submission & Participation
- The festival is non-competitive, but offers screening fees and artist remunerations following IMAA guidelines.
- The 2025 call for submissions has closed as of June 1—but listed that filmmakers and media artists are eligible to submit films or digital artworks that spotlight Indigenous stories or issues. Works by Indigenous creators and recent productions were prioritized.
Accessibility & Community Engagement
- Venues are designed to be fully accessible:
- Club SAW (67 Nicholas Street) includes an all-gender washroom and supports vibrant community programming.
- Arts Court Theatre (2 Daly Avenue) offers accessible seating, 5.1 audio, and elevator access.
- Gallery 101 (280 Catherine Street) features barrier-free washrooms and entrance.
- Code of Conduct: All participants—from volunteers to artists and guests—are held to a respectful and safe standard. Harassment or aggressive behavior is not tolerated; violations may result in removal or banning. Reconciliation options may be offered where appropriate.
- Volunteer & Press Opportunities: Volunteers help festival operations and receive free all-access passes. Press and industry accreditation are available on request.
Why It Matters
Asinabka Festival is more than a cultural event—it is a powerful site of recognition, representation, and resilience. It creates a rare Indigenous-led space in the national capital that centers Indigenous creative expression, decolonization, and community connection. For many, it is a platform to tell their stories; for others, a meaningful place to learn, reflect, and ally.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival |
| Dates | September 16–21, 2025 |
| Location | Ottawa (Algonquin Territory); venues include Club SAW, Arts Court Theatre, Gallery 101 |
| Founded | 2012 by Indigenous artists in Ottawa |
| 2025 Edition | 14th annual festival |
| Highlights | Film and media art, performances, workshops, panels, themed around cultural strength and resistance |
| Accessibility & Conduct | Fully accessible venues and a strong code of conduct in place |
Final Thoughts
The Asinabka Film And Media Arts Festival is just one example of the many vibrant cultural gatherings taking place across Canada each year. To stay updated on upcoming celebrations, performances, and community-focused activities, visit our dedicated events section — your trusted source for the latest information on festivals nationwide. For questions or details about featured events (in plain English, about the events or any other topic like the use of cookies or our privacy policy), please contact our team directly through the official page.
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