The Abbotsford Film Festival (AFF) is a three day event with screenings, 48 hour films, music & craft beer celebrating the best of independent film. Showcasing a variety of feature films, short films & documentary screenings from local talent and international filmmakers, AFF continues to provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.

We accept Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Music Videos, Animations and Web Series from emerging artists and students to established professionals. 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 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 BC Film
- Best Fraser Valley Film
- Audience Awards
- 48 Hour Competition

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

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
Feature films should be between 40 minutes and 120 minutes. Short films (narrative & documentary) should be 40 minutes or under with a minimum of 1 minute. Music videos should run under 5 minutes. Films must have been completed after September 1st, 2025.

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 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.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
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Networking
  • Hannah Yang

    Thank you so much to Abbotsford Film Festival for screening Red Light Rebel! It was my first time attending a film festival screening for my own film and the bar is now very high. The festival attendees and organizers had a true indie film spirit, which led me to having fruitful conversations with many people. I also appreciated the thoughtful Q&A!

    April 2026
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  • Marcio Moreno

    Awesome festival showcasing great films.
    There organizers are very helpful and communicative.
    They went above and beyond hosting everyone that attended the festival. They even had complementary food for everyone.
    I’m very happy I had the opportunity to show our film there and winning the audience choice award was the cherry on top.
    Thank you guys!

    April 2026
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  • Gizem tataroğlu

    We’re incredibly grateful to the Abbotsford Film Festival for screening our film Cargo and for creating such a welcoming, well-organized, and filmmaker-focused experience. From clear communication to thoughtful programming, everything ran smoothly and with genuine care.

    Daniel and the entire AFF team were supportive, approachable, and truly invested in celebrating filmmakers and their stories.
    It was an honor to be part of a Canadian Screen Award qualifying festival that truly values community, connection, and independent cinema. We’re thankful for the opportunity and would absolutely love to return.

    Thank you for having us highly recommended to filmmakers everywhere. 🎬

    January 2026
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  • Carmela Marie Murphy

    We are so thankful to Abbotsford Film Festival for screening our stop motion film, "A Bird Hit My Window and Now I'm a Lesbian." We were honored to be a part of the "Horizons" program. Daniel and the team were super communicative, supportive, and kind!

    xoxo,
    Carmela and AJ

    November 2025
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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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