The Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC) returns to Montreal from October 7 to 18, 2026, for its 55th edition. Founded in 1971, it's the oldest film festival still running in Canada, and an autumn fixture for fans of local and international cinema.
The lineup. Each year the FNC screens more than 200 works from some 60 countries: feature films, shorts, auteur cinema and more experimental pieces. The festival puts new voices in world cinema front and centre, with strong representation for Quebec and Canadian filmmaking. The full schedule is revealed in the weeks leading up to the event.
Where and when. Screenings take place in several downtown Montreal venues. Because the festival runs for nearly two weeks, it's easy to go at your own pace — one or two films at a time rather than trying to see everything at once.
Tickets. Single tickets and multi-screening packages are available. Prices vary by ticket type; check the official box office for current rates and any student discounts before you buy.
Getting there. The downtown venues are well served by the metro. Check the address of each screening on your ticket and plan your trip with the Société de transport de Montréal tool.
Good to know for newcomers. A film festival is an affordable, low-stress cultural outing to practise your French or simply get to know the city: many films are shown in their original version with subtitles, which helps you follow along even with limited language skills. A single screening is enough to soak up the atmosphere, no full package required. Watch the official site for the detailed program and venue schedule.
