Bleeding Tree International Film Festival

Bleeding Tree is a boutique festival for short filmmakers, held annually near Kootenay Lake in a stunning wine and agricultural region of southern of British Columbia. We cater to filmmakers, especially those whose work supports our own efforts to land dark drama as an emerging mainstream genre. Hosted by Creston's beautifully maintained art deco Tivoli Theatre, this three-day, Spring-time event offers attendees unparalleled small-town hospitality, local food, wine and delicacies, expert panels and networking events, and some of the best short films -- in the world.

Early reviews in for 2025 festival:

"I had a fabulous experience at Bleeding Tree! The hosts, Mark and Kerry, are so kind, thoughtful, and truly went above and beyond to ensure Bleeding Tree 2025 was an amazing experience for the filmmakers and attendees. The opportunity to screen my work and deliver a presentation at their industry conference was so rewarding, and I hope to return soon!" -- Lauren Eden

"Fantastic communications throughout the application process. Students and I were honored to be included and for our film to be selected as an Honorable Mention. The 2025 Bleeding Tree Festival screened films from Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, Israel and the US. Students were thrilled to be screened first in that international line-up." -- Sigmund Rothschild

"These are some real film lovers creating this festival and some of the best communication I've had with any fest period. The films are always good, and it's an honor to screen at the Tivoli. If you're on the fence about submitting, just do it. These are filmmakers who love film." -- Justin Wilson

2024 reviews:

"I am VERY grateful for everyone at Bleeding Tree. The festival was the perfect place to showcase our film. Not only were we able to screen in person, but we were accessible virtually, which was awesome! Communication was wonderful and the entire team was fantastic. They truly care! ! Wishing for many future, successful years for this festival."

"We had a fantastic experience working with the Bleeding Tree International Film Festival. Even though we couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts, we were truly impressed by how much they care and the way they go above and beyond for filmmakers. If we’re fortunate enough to have our next film selected, we’re excited to attend in person."

"The Bleeding Tree film festival was a great experience from front to finish, the organizers were incredibly hospitable, and the town was very charming. Beautiful old heritage theatre, well located, and the films were very engaging. Grateful to have premiered at the Bleeding Tree!"

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The Bleeding Tree International Dark Drama Film Festival is an indie film festival going into its third year and showcasing dark drama – short films that depict protagonists often with good intentions but ending up dark places. Endings for these films may be comedic, horrific, tragic, ambiguous, even happy, but the events leading up to them must be distinctly dark. See IMDB’s description of dark drama at https://www.imdb.com/list/ls031796628/. Student and emerging filmmaker submissions have been exceptionally strong, and Bleeding Tree is emerging as an important festival for graduating film school students -- hence Best Student Film being one of only two cash prizes.

Created by two independent film/media scholars and filmmakers (THE ORCHARD (2022), EXOPHORIA (2024) and the upcoming HEXE, the inaugural Bleeding Tree festival was held August 9, 2024 in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

Building on this success, BT 2026 is slated for May 1-3 in the wonderful Art Deco Tivioli Theatre in Creston, British Columbia. Attendee and filmmaker accommodations (generously discounted) and networking events will be hosted right across the street at the Creston Hotel and Jimmy's Pub (for those all-important impromptu pre- and Aprés festival events!). Nearby Nelson -- an emerging film industry production centre of significance in British Columbia -- is often described as the Banff of BC, and is well known as the location of Roxanne, starring Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah.

Creston is a progressive and charming foodie, wine growing and mountain destination, with Kootenay Lake also a short 20 minute drive away. Winery tours, mirco brewing, a boutique distillery and a plethora of unique shops line Canyon Street on either side of the theatre and hotel. Aside from seeing some of the best dark drama films -- in the world -- attendees will see first hand why the Kootenays are maybe the best kept secret -- in the world.

Watch for updates as we confirm filmmaker panels and other networking events.

Selected dark drama films are vetted by a panel of judges with experience in the filmmaking industry or in film/media scholarship.

Follow us at www.bleedingtreefilm.ca, Instagram (#bleedingtreefilm) and Facebook.