How to watch Short Film Face Off 2026 in the US

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Short Film Face Off returns for Season 19 on August 29, 2026, bringing nine Canadian short films into a national competition where the audience has the final say. The Halifax-produced CBC series gives emerging filmmakers a major platform, while viewers at home can vote online for their favorite film. The winner receives a C$30,000 Telefilm Canada award to put toward their next project.

How can I watch Short Film Face Off Season 19 in the US on CBC Gem?

To watch Short Film Face Off Season 19 in the US, you can access the series through CBC Gem, its official Canadian streaming home. If CBC Gem is unavailable in your current location, connect to a Canadian server with a reliable premium VPN and then open CBC Gem to check streaming access. This can help Canadians traveling abroad access their usual streaming service, subject to CBC Gem’s terms and local regulations.

Subscribe to NordVPN
Install the VPN app on your device.
Connect to a Canada-based server.
Visit the CBC Gem website, then log in or create a new account. During registration, you’ll need to enter a Canadian postal code — you can use an online Canadian postcode generator if you don’t have one.
You are all set to watch Short Film Face Off Season 19 restriction-free!

Note: If you don’t have the CBC Gem app, open it in a browser like Google Chrome on your PC or Mac instead — otherwise you’ll be prompted to download the app. The CBC Gem app isn’t available to download in the US.

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Short Film Face Off Season 19 About

Short Film Face Off Season 19 celebrates emerging filmmakers from across Canada through nine very different short films. The competition explores personal stories involving family, love, grief, identity, conflict, and inspiration. Three competing films are presented during each of the first three episodes. Viewers also meet the filmmakers and learn more about the ideas behind their work. A panel offers commentary and analysis, but it does not have the final vote. Instead, the viewing audience chooses the winner online. The season then reaches its climax with a finale that reveals which filmmaker has won the Telefilm Canada Short Film Face Off Award.

When Does Short Film Face Off Season 19 Air?

Short Film Face Off Season 19 premieres Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on CBC TV, with the competition also available through CBC Gem. The season continues on September 5, September 12, and September 19, when the winner is announced.

Season 19 Cast

Amanda Parris – Host: The acclaimed writer and broadcaster returns to guide viewers through Season 19.
Eli Glasner – Panelist: CBC’s cultural commentator brings his film expertise to the panel.
Mohit Rajhans – Panelist: The content curator joins the discussions surrounding the competing films.
Jessica Gibson – Panelist: Representing the National Screen Institute, Gibson completes this year’s three-person panel.

How Many Episodes Does Short Film Face Off Season 19 Have?

There are nine short films competing in Season 19. Three films are presented in each of the first three episodes before the competition concludes with the finale on September 19.

Episode Guide:

Episode 1 – August 29: Features After Prayer, Unit 303, and Pudding Chomeur. The stories move from a boy trying to attract a girl’s attention after mosque prayers to an uncertain future in Unit 303 and a daughter recreating her late father’s beloved dessert.
Episode 2 – September 5: Features Grief Dogs, Terry., and Hatch. The episode explores grief, fractured family relationships, and a refugee boy’s haunting escape from inside a water tanker.
Episode 3 – September 12: Features Leili’s Photo, Happy Campers, and Same Time Next Year? Family frustration, the pressure to fit in, and an uncomfortable clash between family and an ex shape these three stories.
Episode 4 – September 19: The Season 19 finale brings the competition to its conclusion and reveals the winning film selected by viewers.

Is there a way to watch Short Film Face Off Season 19 online for free?

Signing up for CBC Gem is free, and a free CBC account gives you access to on-demand programs and live local CBC TV, with ads. CBC also offers CBC Gem Premium, which adds ad-free on-demand viewing, CBC News Network, and surround sound.

Step	What to Do
1. Visit CBC Gem	Go to the official CBC Gem website or open the CBC Gem app.
2. Create an account	Select the option to sign up or create a CBC account.
3. Enter your details	Follow the registration instructions to set up your CBC account.
4. Choose your access	Continue with the free CBC account or upgrade to CBC Gem Premium.
5. Start streaming	Sign in and browse CBC Gem’s available shows, movies, live TV, and other programming.

FAQs

What does the Short Film Face Off Season 19 winner receive?
The winning filmmaker receives a C$30,000 Telefilm Canada cash award to support their next film. Most importantly, the winner is selected through an online audience vote, giving viewers direct influence over the final result.
What films are in Short Film Face Off Season 19?
The nine films are After Prayer, Grief Dogs, Happy Campers, Hatch, Leili’s Photo, Pudding Chomeur, Same Time Next Year?, Terry, and Unit 303. Each represents an emerging Canadian filmmaker or filmmaking team.
Who are the filmmakers competing in Short Film Face Off Season 19?
The Season 19 filmmakers are Usman Qazi, Jo Boland, Gordon Mihan, Alireza Kazemipour, Panta Mosleh, Maral Mostafavi, Frank Tremblay, Anushay Sheikh, Dylan Duff, and Beth Evans. Kazemipour and Mosleh are the filmmaking team behind Hatch.
Who hosts Short Film Face Off Season 19?
Amanda Parris returns as host of Short Film Face Off Season 19.
Who chooses the Short Film Face Off Season 19 winner?
The viewing audience chooses the winner through online voting. This makes Short Film Face Off different from competitions in which a judging panel alone decides the champion.

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