The Abbotsford Film Festival (AFF) is a two day event with screenings, live music & craft beer celebrating the best of independent film. Showcasing a variety of short films & documentary screenings from local talent and international filmmakers, both years have seen sold out crowds of 100 people plus, as AFF continues to provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.

We accept Shorts, Documentaries, Music Videos, Animations and Web Series from emerging artists and students to established professionals. We focus on films running UNDER 30 minutes. (Though exceptions are sometimes made). The Abbotsford Film Festival is committed to the celebration of independent film and bringing it to wider audiences.

The Abbotsford Film Festival runs every year in August at The Reach Museum & Art Galley in Abbotsford.

Awards & Prizes

The Abbotsford Film Festival closes its final night with live music and awards which include the coveted Best Fraser Valley Film Award.

– Best Short Film
– Best Canadian Short Film
- Best Fraser Valley Film
- Audience Awards

(Note: Awards subject to change. You must be present at the ceremony to receive the physical award).

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
Short films (narrative & documentary) should be 30 minutes or under with a minimum of 1 minute. Music videos should run under 5 minutes. Films must have been completed after August 1st, 2023.

We only accept entries via the FilmFreeway online screener or a private Vimeo link that you can send after submitting. Please check the individual categories for specifics. Whilst there are no premiere requirements, special consideration may be given for films that are having a certain premiere i.e. World Premiere, Canada Premiere, BC Premiere or Fraser Valley Premiere. Films must not be available online. If found to be available online your film will no longer be eligible and your submission fee will not be returned.

Once selected, all filmmakers must make a high quality digital copy ready for exhibition no later then two weeks before the festival start date.

At least one representative of each competitive project is strongly recommended to attend. You must be present at the awards ceremony to be handed the physical award. We will not ship awards afterwards.

Participants agree that clips from their film and all other material related to their project may be used and/or published in the event program, AFF website and for any promotional purposes which AFF deems appropriate.

No screeners and/or promotional materials will be returned to the filmmaker, unless arranged in advance.

If selected, all commercial/private property including all trademark/copyrighted materials shown or recorded on the project is the responsibility of the filmmaker. AFF will NOT take responsibility for any infringement of copy written materials.

The cost of delivery and pick-up of all materials is the responsibility of the filmmakers.

AFF holds no responsibility for lost or damaged prints. While the utmost care will be taken with regard to prints, it is solely up to the filmmaker to take full responsibility (i.e. insurance).

Rules are subject to change at any time with or without prior notice.
3 Reviews
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  • Casey Kowalchuk

    Great to have a film festival in Abbotsford that supports and connects the amazing filmmaking community locally and around the world.

    September 2019
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  • Mitch Huttema

    This festival has it all: cheap local craft beer, a food truck out back, and some stellar local and international films! The live music after the films was a perfect finishing touch. Our film was selected to be screened at the festival and the programming team was extremely flexible and excellent to work with! We won the audience choice award at the festival as well so it was a great night all in all! Thanks so much for organizing this festival!

    August 2019
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  • Evan Luchkow

    Our team was absolutely thrilled to win "Best Canadian Short Film" at the Abbotsford Film Festival! Even though this is a new festival, the team have done an outstanding job! The house was full (overflowing), the venue was unique, the crowd was receptive, and the overall vibe was a perfect celebration of independent filmmaking. Will surely submit again!

    August 2019
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