(3-minute read)
ACTRA Toronto members are in the spotlight at the 36th annual Inside Out Film and Video Festival.
From May 22 to 31, 2026, Inside Out will showcase one ACTRA Toronto feature film, one documentary and nine short films.
Below you’ll find a round-up of ACTRA Toronto productions at this year’s festival and the talented casts of ACTRA Toronto members who bring these stories to life.
I COME HOME
In Glen Wood’s honest and emotionally complex feature debut, we meet Christine and longtime partner Alex as they’re finding their rhythm with a new, younger partner, Stephane. When Christine discovers she’s unexpectedly pregnant, all three have very different reactions, causing tensions to arise. To make matters worse, much of this plays out at the wedding of Christine’s sister, Kat, where the throuple must navigate judgmental relatives as well as their own, very complicated feelings.
Featuring: Ryan Ali, Will Bowes, Hannah Cheesman, Carlos Gonzalez-Vio, Jordan Hayes, Edie Inksetter, Paulino Nunes, Sonja Smits, Kareem Vaude; Stunt Coordinator Don Stockford
Centrepiece Gala; World Premiere May 26, 2026, at 9:15 p.m.
IN THE CLOSET
This one-night variety show brings the series off-screen and onto the stage for an unforgettable evening of drag, stand-up and general slay-tastic shenanigans. Tickets to this event are FREE.
Featuring: Ajahnis Charley, Amanda Cordner, Brendan D’Souza, Maya Killtron, Chelazon Leroux, Meg MacKay, D.J. Mausner
Premieres May 24, 2026, at 9:00 p.m.
MOTHBALLS
A puppet named AL and his favourite human hide out from the authorities in a not-so-distant future where puppets have become a persecuted class.
Featuring: Gwenlyn Cumyn, Aisha Evelyna, Lowen Morrow
Shorts: Blood Lust; Premieres May 27, 2026, at 9:15 p.m.
ONE OR TWO
When everything seems blurry after a recent breakup, Tobi visits an optometrist, convinced she needs new glasses.
Featuring: Leah Doz, Spencer Glassman, Perrie Voss
Shorts: Local Heroes; Premieres May 28, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
BRIEF SOMEBODIES
While rehearsing a sexual assault scene, a pair of actors form a connection they’ll be forced to reconfigure once filming begins.
Featuring: Aldrin Bundoc, Karim Butt, Noor Dhanda
Shorts: Local Heroes; Premieres May 28, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
HOW’S ARCHIE?
Charlie and Mere navigate co-parenting their dog, Archie, after their relationship falls apart.
Featuring: Desmond Campbell, Grace Glowicki, Shiva Safari, Lane Webber
Shorts: Local Heroes; Premieres May 28, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
I’LL TRY TO EXPLAIN IT
When a lesbian is haunted by recurring dreams of her high school ex-boyfriend, she embarks on a documentary to reenact the dreams, awakening uncomfortable truths about her relationship to men.
Featuring: Iyin Ajagunna, Benjamin T. Butterfield
Shorts: Love Strikes Hard; Premieres May 30, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
NIIMI
An Indigenous ballerina attempts to reignite her passion for dancing following a traumatic incident with her previous coach.
Featuring: Dana Solomon
Shorts: Stories We Tell; Premieres May 30, 2026, at 11:45 a.m.
QUEEN MOTHER
When a mother visits her son, a drag performer, a night of raw confessions forces them to confront the unhealed wounds of their past.
Featuring: Aldrin Bundoc, Ma-Anne Dionisio
Shorts: Stories We Tell; Premieres May 30, 2026, at 11:45 a.m.
PINK LIGHT
Scott, a transgender man and ex-pro hockey player, is injured during a beer league game. Disoriented from the hit, he is pulled to a moment from his past: a college frat party.
Featuring: Max Amani, Harrison Browne, CJ Jacksoin, Donald MacLean Jr., Nicolette Pearse
Shorts: Stories We Tell; Premieres May 30, 2026, at 11:45 a.m.
TENDER CHOSEN
A transmasculine person navigating an unwanted pregnancy must face a medical system ill-equipped to address the intersections of trans and reproductive healthcare.
Featuring: Taha Arshad, Jessica Greco, Mason McDonald, Kyana Teresa
Shorts: Thrive; Premieres May 29, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
Check out the Performers Magazine Spotlight on Tender Chosen, winner of the seventh annual Queer Your Stories Short Film Competition!
