The Calgary Indie Film Awards is an esteemed online celebration dedicated to showcasing and honoring the remarkable achievements of independent cinema. Our festival’s primary objective is to bring the diverse world of independent filmmaking to a global audience, celebrating the innovation, creativity, and passion that drive this art form.
We welcome submissions from all genres and from filmmakers hailing from every corner of the globe, embracing the rich tapestry of cinematic storytelling that exists within the independent film community. Each season, we meticulously curate a selection of the finest films that embody the spirit of independent cinema, offering a platform for both emerging and established talents to shine.
Our online event serves as a vibrant gathering point for the industry’s freshest voices and seasoned professionals in the world of filmmaking. We aim to foster an environment of inspiration and collaboration, where creativity flourishes, and new horizons in cinema arts are explored. By supporting and encouraging these innovative additions to the world of film, we play our part in preserving and advancing the enduring magic of independent cinema. Join us in this journey of discovery and celebration, as we continue to champion the boundless possibilities of storytelling through the lens of independent filmmaking.

We are currently accepting film submissions in the following categories:

Categories:
Best Short
Best Feature
Best Directing
Best Unproduced Script
Best Script
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Comedy Film
Best Horror Film
Best Action Film
Best Horror Film
Best Crime Film
Best Science Fiction Film
Best Thriller Film
Best Women empowerment Film
Best Student Film
Best Social Justice Film
Best LGBTQ Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Experimental Film
Best Animation Film
Best Covid Film

Regulations
A) Eligibility Requirements

1. Films completed on or after Jan 1, 2018, are eligible for consideration
2. Films previously submitted to the Festival are NOT eligible for consideration.
3. Feature-length films that are available for public online viewing are not eligible.
4. Films shown at private screenings not open to the public (for the crew, investors, etc.) are eligible.
5. All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English. Dialogue lists are not accepted.
6. Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry to the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

B) Submission Guidelines

1. Feature-length films must be submitted via an online screener hosted by Vimeo, DVD or Blu-ray disc.
2. Only complete entries (including fee payment and screener) will be considered.
3. Entrants are permitted to submit works-in-progress (i.e., without final colour correction or sound mixing), but please note that the programming committee will only consider the version submitted. Subsequent cuts or replacement copies will only be accepted at the request of the programming committee.
4. To qualify for student entry fee rates, the entrant must include proof of student status at the time of production (copy of student ID, transcript, etc.)
5. All films selected for the Festival will screen on Bluray/DCP unless otherwise arranged by the submitting filmmaker and programming team.

C) Shipping (after selection)

The entrant must pay the cost of shipping an entry to the Festival. Collect or COD shipments will not be accepted. All international entries must be sent “free domicile” to the Festival office with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper.

D) Judging & Selection

Films are selected for Festival presentation by the Festival programming committee. If a movie is selected, the Festival office will contact the entrant by phone or email. The Festival does not provide feedback or screening notes to entries that are not selected.

All competitive film categories are judged during the Festival.

E) Entry Fees

The appropriate entry fee must accompany each entry. Entry fees are not refundable. Fees cover registration, registration notification, consideration by the programming department, and notification of the results. These fees may be paid by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express).

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • vittorio pavoncello

    I would like to thank the Calgary Indie Film Awards for selecting us for the festival. We are honored. Thank you so much. Vittorio Pavoncello

    May 2026
  • Honored to Premiere in Calgary using your festival. Thank you for helping spread the purpose of mitigating life challenges using dogs. Five stars!

    May 2026
  • Fred Eyriey

    Merci à ce très sympathique festival !

    May 2026
  • Calgary Indie Film Awards was a wonderful festival experience. The communication from the team was professional and efficient throughout the process, and it’s clear that they genuinely support independent filmmakers and artists. I was honored to receive the Best Actress award for *The Persian Rug*. Grateful to be part of their lineup and would definitely recommend this festival to other filmmakers!

    March 2026
  • Moira Simpson

    Thank You. We're pleased our documentary, mostly filmed in Alberta, is a semi-finalist in the Calgary Indie Film Awards.

    February 2026