The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF) is a three day event with screenings and mixers designed to provide opportunities for both local and international filmmakers to showcase their work.

Ever had your films screened to empty theatres? Ever experienced going to a festival and feeling short changed? At CIFF our sole focus is the films and the filmmakers that make it possible. With a heavy focus on quality films and a great vibe, we encourage filmmakers to partake in Q & As and open bar mixers over the course of the weekend as we build relationships that last.

At CIFF you'll find a fun loving intimate atmosphere that sees filmmakers leave with plenty of new connections, experiences and friends. Our sponsors provide events and mixers every night as we provide an arena for filmmakers to screen their films in public and experience some incredible cinema from across the world.

CIFF also has a special focus on local BC filmmakers with an eye on promoting filming opportunities in the Fraser Valley. We're looking for films with a powerful story and distinct voice. Films that dare to challenge, move and inspire.

We accept Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Music Videos and Animations from emerging artists and students to established professionals. CIFF is committed to the celebration of independent film and bringing it to wider audiences.

The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival runs every year in November at the Cottonwood Cinema located in the beautiful Fraser Valley.

Awards & Prizes

The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival closes its final night with an illustrious award ceremony featuring beautiful handcrafted awards and prizes.

PITCH SESSIONS WINNER
- Our panel of industry professionals will choose one feature pitch to be put forward as our Telefilm Talent To Watch nominee for a chance at $250,000 in funding.

Along with "Official Selection" laurels for your films promotional purposes, there will be awards handed out on the night for:

– Best of Fest
– Best Feature Film
– Best Live Action Short Film
- Best Animated Short Film
– Best Documentary
- Best of BC
- Chilliwack Spirit Award
- Luchagore Award

(The Luchagore award is presented to the best genre short film in partnership with Luchagore).

Other technical awards will be handed out for:

– Best Director
– Best Actor
– Best Actress
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editor
- Best Script
- Best Score

Other awards include:

- Best Student Film
- Best Fraser Valley Film

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

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
Feature films (narrative & documentary) should run over 40 minutes but not exceed 120 minutes. Short films (narrative & documentary) should be under 30 minutes with a minimum of 1 minute. Music videos should run under 5 minutes. All projects must have been completed after November 1st, 2024.

We only accept entries via the FilmFreeway online screener or a private Vimeo link. 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.

If selected, all short and feature films must be provided as a DCP by the screener deadline. By submitting to the festival you are agreeing to provide your screener in the DCP format.

Once selected, all feature and short films must make available a DCP for exhibition. All films must provide a high res MP4 file for back-up. All screeners must be received by October the 15th 2025.

We advise at least one representative from each project to to be present. We love engagement and communication between filmmakers and audiences through Q & As etc. Must be present at the awards ceremony to be handed the physical award.

When submitting and if selected, participants agree that clips from their film and all other materials related to their project may be used and/or published in the event program, CIFF website, CIFF trailer and for any promotional purposes which CIFF deems appropriate.

No promotional materials will be returned to the filmmaker, unless arranged in advance. As a festival run exclusively by volunteers we are unfortunately unable to offer feedback on submissions.

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

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

CIFF 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.
99 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
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  • Alexander Farah

    Efficient, well-run, and very responsive. Taras is a gem.

    May 2025
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  • Brennan L. Henderson

    Such a fantastic festival from the staff to the programming to the venues! Hope we can screen at Chilliwack again!

    May 2025
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  • Caleb Ford

    Great first impression this year at CIFF, was cool to see something built so grassroots become a real staple in the area. Will submit again!

    March 2025
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  • Blake Rice

    So honored to have Tea be apart of this amazing fest. Thanks to the programming team, and all involved - hope to see you next year as well! Cheers! -Blake Winston Rice & The Tea(m)

    March 2025
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  • Jess McLeod

    we love you Chilliwack <3

    - the DTF? team

    December 2024
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