Shorts Not Pants Film Festival returns after a one-year hiatus, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. This year’s festival boasts a carefully curated selection of outstanding short films from 17 countries: 23 narrative, 11 animated, and 9 documentary short films; 19 of those films are Canadian.
The festival will take place in Toronto from Friday, November 13 through Saturday, November 14, 2026 at the Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton St., Cinema #8.
From close to 300 submissions, Shorts Not Pants Film Festival has curated a lineup of 43 films that will surely captivate audiences and showcase the extraordinary talent of filmmakers from around the globe. The festival provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to present their work and engage with audiences passionate about the art of storytelling through short films.
Let’s diverge a bit here. I arrive at Athens International Airport Elefterios Venizelos from Toronto mid September at noon. My on board special-order Hindi Vegetarian meal was so glutinous it was barfable, perhaps even DEADLY.
After a nine-hour Air Canada flight I arrive sleepless and DEAD TIRED. Two AGONIZING hours to get through Greek Passport control. It was HEAVENLY finally clearing through TO THE OTHER SIDE.
I was to meet my wife arriving from Bari at the airport and we were to connect for a flight to the Greek island of Samos. Through a combination of severe thunderstorms and employee incompetence I went through a HELLISH eleven-hour airport wait for her. A bit over midnight we wheel our bags to Athens Airport Sofitel for a 4-hour rest catching a MORBIDLY EARLY flight departing for Samos at 07:15. I’m DEAD TIRED.
I felt as if I DIED at ATH!
Getting the hints here? I am trying to help you here to walk into this short not being totally confused at the conclusion of “The End”.
Why do we call it an “airport terminal”? Terminal illness means THE END.
Look at the posters in the airport in this short. What message are they conveying?
Query why the airport is so deserted?
Why are all the flights being delayed? More “arrivals”?
Why is the bat cleaner omnipresent? What is a bat a symbol of in European culture?
At the coffee shop the barista is a dolphin gasping for air. One of the coffees on the menu is “Only One in 27 Survive!
If only the audience watching “The End” could have a five-minute intermezzo and watch the film again!
Amusing and brilliantly crafted throughout. Superlative, engrossing and hilarious stop gap animation and the original score and Sound Design by Hans Appelqvist HEAVENLY!
This Swedish production is directed by Niki Lindroth Von Bahr.
RKS Short Films Rating 94/100.
