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.

The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival closes its final night with an illustrious award ceremony featuring beautiful handcrafted awards and over $10,000 in cash 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 Short Film
– Best Documentary
- Best of BC
- Chilliwack Spirit Award

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).

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 April 1st, 2023.

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.

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 13th 2024.

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 screeners and/or 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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Grayson Lang

    I could not have asked for a better place to showcase the world premiere of my short film "When The Sky Goes Green" than Chilliwack Independent Film Festival.

    I saw an amazing array of shorts and features. I found that the short film blocks were brilliantly organized and well thought out. I attended awesome workshops and networking events and met amazing fellow filmmakers. I had so much fun and walked away from the festival with memories that will last a lifetime.

    I am so grateful that CIFF presented myself and When The Sky Goes green with the award for Best Script. Thank you!

    CIFF is absolutely worth it and I highly recommend it. Chilliwack is such a stunning city and I can't wait to attend the festival again :) Thank you so much!

    January 2024
  • Lucas Frison

    Fantastic venue, organization, and communication. Can't wait to attend again!

    December 2023
  • This is by far the best festival I have been to. Second year that they’ve given me the opportunity to show films here. They actually care about cinema and put so much effort into giving a variety of experiences—pitching sessions, interesting talks from a variety of people and experiences, and soo many great films. I found myself having very natural networking both years here.
    This isn’t some cash grab. CIFF is gonna be one of the great North American festivals.

    December 2023
  • Patrycja Mila Kamska

    I'm so grateful for the chance to share my short film, Streetcar, at the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival. Thanks for creating a supportive space and for all the engaging programming!

    December 2023
  • Kit Baronas

    We had a great time at this festival for our film "Lighthead"!

    November 2023