Edmonton Film Buzz: 'Smudge the Blades' and 'The Land of Nod' Set to Shine in 2026

Image source: The Hollywood Reporter

Edmonton's film scene is abuzz with anticipation as two homegrown productions, 'Smudge the Blades' and 'The Land of Nod', gear up for significant releases in 2026.

'Smudge the Blades', a coming-of-age hockey dramedy, is the brainchild of director Cody Lightning, known for his work on 'Hey, Viktor!'. The film follows the journey of the Treaty 6 Blades, a U18 team from a small reserve near Edmonton, as they navigate their final hockey season in northern Alberta's rugged Country League. Filming took place in March 2025 across locations including Edmonton, Enoch, and Maskwacis. The project is a collaboration with the Indigenous-owned sportswear brand Smudge the Blades, with founder Harlan Kingfisher serving as an executive director alongside Lightning. This partnership underscores the film's commitment to authentic Indigenous storytelling and community engagement.

In the realm of horror, 'The Land of Nod' marks the latest venture from Edmonton-born writer-director Kyle Edward Ball. Following the success of his 2023 micro-budget horror hit 'Skinamarink', Ball has teamed up with renowned studio A24 for this new project. The film delves into the eerie experiences of isolated neighbors in a secluded northern Canadian town during a snowstorm. Principal photography commenced in March 2025, with shoots in Edmonton and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The collaboration with A24 signals a significant step forward for Ball, promising a chilling cinematic experience for audiences.

The momentum in Edmonton's film industry is further bolstered by substantial investments from the provincial government. In April 2025, Alberta announced a commitment of $235 million over three years to the Film and Television Tax Credit program. This initiative aims to attract large and medium-scale productions to the province, enhancing its reputation as a prime filming destination. Since its inception in 2020, the program has supported over 200 productions, contributing approximately $1.5 billion to the provincial economy and supporting over 14,000 jobs.

Local festivals continue to play a pivotal role in showcasing Edmonton's cinematic talents. The Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF), now in its 39th year, remains a cornerstone event, celebrating diverse cinema from around the globe. Additionally, the NorthwestFEARFest, set for October 2025, is poised to attract horror enthusiasts and boost tourism, further cementing Edmonton's status as a cultural hub.

As 2026 unfolds, the releases of 'Smudge the Blades' and 'The Land of Nod' are set to captivate audiences, highlighting the rich storytelling and creative prowess emerging from Edmonton's vibrant film community.