Massimadi Festival 18 • Oct 15 – Nov 8, 2026

 

Massimadi Festival 18 "Vivid Memories" and World Exclusives to Celebrate Afro-Queer and Two-Spirit Indigenous Voices Over 10 World, Canadian & Quebec Premieres, Indigenous Two-Spirit Cinema Focus, Drag Show, Exhibition, and More at the 18th Edition of Canada's Only Annual Afro LGBTQ+ Film & Arts Festival In-Person In Montreal & Online Internationally Oct 15 – Nov 8, 2026

Montreal, October 7, 2026 - The Massimadi Festival is back for its 18th edition, running from October 15 to November 8, 2026, under the theme of Vivid Memories (Mémoires vives). A cornerstone of the Montreal cultural scene, this year’s festival features over 40 films across seven thematic blocks and a selection of premieres that proudly and powerfully amplify Black, Indigenous, and Queer voices. This 18th edition explores the strength of chosen families, the resilience of Indigenous and Two-Spirit peoples, the histories of Black and Queer struggles, and dedicated segments highlighting the realities of Afro-Queer communities from the Antilles and the Guianas.

Teaser | The 18th edition of Massimadi Festival

EXCEPTIONAL PREMIERES TO AMPLIFY QUEER VOICES FROM HERE AND ABROAD This year, the Massimadi Festival offers a dazzling showcase through exclusive events. This ambitious lineup demonstrates the vitality, boldness, and plurality of Black, Indigenous, and Queer storytelling worldwide. ● International Premieres: Cinematic works presented for the very first time on the international and continental stage, featuring the striking films À minuit les enfants s'éteignent and PLENUM.  ● Canadian Premieres: A selection of unprecedented discoveries nationwide, led by the opening film My Gender Is Black (directed by Terry Blade), alongside powerful works such as About Face, Fish & Chips, Irmã, Morning Echo, Murmure(s) : Être au-delà de, River Mamma, Un été bleu, and VOZ, ZOV, VZO.  ● Quebec and Montreal Premieres: Unseen works choosing Montreal and Quebec for their provincial debut, featuring Escorpiônikas-contramanifiesto, POOR, WE CALL IT BALLROOM, and the launch of What Will I Become?.

A VIBRANT LINEUP CROSSING STAGE AND VISUAL ART Beyond screenings, the Massimadi Festival establishes itself as a true crossroads for discussion and knowledge-sharing. The event offers workshops and panel discussions, providing privileged spaces to exchange perspectives, delve into the issues facing Black, Indigenous, and Queer communities, and foster collective reflection. This educational and activist component accompanies a vibrant artistic lineup: the closing screenings will spotlight the theme Celebrating Our Voices, a moment of pure excitement where drag, dance, comedy, and poetry converge on Sunday, October 25th. This day will culminate in a grand drag party held from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM at DD's Club. The festival’s artistic program will also be enriched by the group exhibition Le/The Sanctum, hosted at the Maison de la culture de Côte-des-Neiges, with an opening reception on October 22nd.

THE DIGITAL SHOWCASE: CARRYING AFRO-QUEER AND INDIGENOUS VOICES ACROSS OCEANS To allow audiences near and far to enjoy the works remotely, the Massimadi Festival is also rolling out an online program available from October 26 until November 8, 2026. This digital showcase primarily aims to break the geographical isolation of Afro-Queer and Indigenous individuals living in remote regions of Quebec and Canada, offering them direct access to these intimate and activist works. By expanding this broadcast internationally particularly to Haiti, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Belgium, and the United States the festival builds genuine transatlantic bridges between diasporas, allowing these voices to resonate far beyond major urban centres and Montreal screening rooms.    For full programme, to buy tickets, and more, visit www.massimadi.ca/en

MASSIMADI 18 | IN BRIEF

WHAT? Massimadi Afro LGBTQ+ Film & Arts Festival WHEN? OCT 15 – NOV 8, 2026 WHERE? Various cultural venues across Montreal Online at www.festivalmassimadi2026.eventive.org/welcome BOX OFFICE Opening Night: Free (online booking required) General admission: $8 + taxes Day Pass (includes access to panels): $12 + taxes Online Programme: $20 + taxes In Person All Access Passport $45 + taxes  Hybrid Festival Passport (access to in-person & online): $60 + taxes

ABOUT THE MASSIMADI FOUNDATION

The Massimadi Foundation has been promoting the arts and culture of Afro LGBTQ+ communities since 2009. We provide a platform to showcase our communities' artistic creations, addressing our underrepresentation in the dominant cultural sphere. Through cultural mediation, we combat discrimination against Afro LGBTQ+ individuals while supporting their arts and creative expressions. Through art, we fight homophobia, transphobia, and racism, while fostering healing and social progress.   www.massimadi.ca/en