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 and build contacts for future collaborations.

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. Our first year saw filmmakers from as far as Mexico to Chicago to across BC descend onto Chilliwack as their films screened to eager audiences. With a heavy focus on quality films and a friendly vibe we encourage filmmakers to partake in Q & As and 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 (and of course after party) to celebrate. 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 Short Film
– Best Documentary
- Best of BC
- Chilliwack Spirit Award (Handcrafted by a local artist)

Other technical awards will be handed out for:

– Best Director
– Best Actor
– Best Actress

(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. Films must have been completed after January 1st, 2016.

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, the filmmaker must make available a DCP or Blu-Ray for exhibition. Must be received by October the 19th.

At least one representative of each competitive project are required to be present. Must be present at the awards ceremony to be handed the physical award.

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, CIFF website and for any promotional purposes which CIFF 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. 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.
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alessandro Vivarini

    Proud to be part of this festival. The roster of shorts were amazing. The staff rocks! Very kind and truly film lovers, they take good care of their filmmakers. Loved the good vibes. Thank you Chilliwack IFF!!!

    February 2018
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  • Casey Kowalchuk

    I had a very great time at the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival! Taras and the team were great at making me feel cared for, and the connections I made were very valuable. 10/10 would submit again.

    January 2018
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  • Evan Luchkow

    Chilliwack is a great new festival, and we were happy to have the world premiere of our short "Unravel" there. It has a real local feel, and the community really turns out to support independent film! The festival director Taras is a very nice guy, and communication was a breeze.

    January 2018
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  • Billy Rees

    A fantastic first year for CIFF. The standard of films selected was very high and there was a great mixture of genre's and film types on show. Comms were great from the very start and it was very well organised considering it is a new festival. We will definitely be submitting our next project to CIFF. Highly recommended

    December 2017
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  • Josh Havelka

    A festival whose total is greater than the sum of it's parts, seriously well organized and a pleasure to attend!

    November 2017
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