Canada's newest & coolest film festival.

International film, all genres, all good.

The only film festival that matters.

Submissions open in 2025. Time to be a part of our SECOND year.

Now for a little more about our festival...

Gateway Film Festival launched in the Spring of 2023, and it was amazing. Although this is Gateway’s second festival year, the team behind it, helmed by David Briggs, has years of experience producing film festivals. Briggs founded the Northern Frights Festival which ran for seven years (last one was Halloween week, 2021), and the Deep Cut Film Festival, which wrapped in the Spring of 2022 after six successful years.

It was difficult to retire these two festivals, but the decision was made to take what made those fests so successful and combine them into one epic cinematic extravaganza.

The Gateway International Film Festival (Gateway Film Fest, Gateway, or GIFF, also work…we answer to them all) is a 2-day, multi-screen international film festival.

Shorts. Features. Mid-length films. We have room for all.

We accept all genres. Documentaries, action, drama comedy…well, you understand what all-genre means. But we mean it. ALL GENRES.

And given our film festival heritage, of course will still accept horror, and we also like to keep it weird and experimental, in memory of Deep Cut.

So, we hope to hear from you soon. It would be great to have you involved in our first fest. We plan to screen a mountain of films, and it would be cool to have you in the program.

Welcome to the Gateway Film Fest…opening the doors to new voices in film.

We can’t wait to get this started.

Awards & Prizes

This is a juried festival and winners will receive the Gateway Award for various categories.

Rules & Terms

Rules and Terms:

We will accept films from any country, however, if they are not in English, please subtitle or dub them.

Only submit movies in 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 29.97 (a.k.a 30) frames per second. Thanks!

If your film is accepted, we only screen digital files. Thanks for understanding.
There is no "film made by" date. If it's good, we want to see it, regardless if it was produced in 2016, '96, or '76.

We accept films of any length that are currently available for public viewing on YouTube, Vimeo, or any other online streaming service. However, if that film is accepted to screen at our festival, you will have to make that video unavailable for public viewing from the time we announce on our site that your film will be screening with us. Thanks.

We'll accept submissions that have been previously screened elsewhere. We’re not a premiere only festival. But we do enjoy a nice premiere.

For those submitting, you must be authorized to submit the film, and hold the rights to the film. Any violations of copyright will not be tolerated and will be cause for exclusion from consideration.

Submitting your film does not guarantee a spot in the Gateway International Film Festival lineup. However, we will get back to everyone who does submit to let them know the outcome of our decision.

If your film is accepted, you will gladly send us some digital promo material, and let us use this material to promote your film as part of our festival lineup.

We only accept digital screeners, via FilmFreeway. That is all.

We will not accept works in progress. All entry fees paid are non-refundable. Please be sure to submit under the correct category.

Upon submission, the Gateway International Film Festival is granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless the Gateway International Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Thank you for taking the time to read these rules. Now that you're inspired, best go back to creating something cool.

7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Victor Hampson

    A brilliant festival - great communication throughout and genuine enthusiasm about the films from the organisers!

    April 2023
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  • Neil Willoughby

    David & his team have put together a fantastic festival. Great Communication & Awesome Venue! Our team will definitely be submitting again!

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Neil! Can't wait to see what you get up to next. Party's Over proves that the party is definitely NOT over :)

  • Danielle Baynes

    David and his team went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Communication was fantastic and the genuine support for our film made us feel connected to the festival network despite being in Australia. Passion for films and filmmakers was extremely clear, and I'm sure this festival will keep growing to be a significant cultural event for the region.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Wow, thanks so much, Danielle! This kind note is going in the hope chest. It was a thrill to show your film, Ghost Gear...a beautiful film. And remember that Australian film always holds a special place in our hearts...so please spread the word!

  • JASON BUTLER

    Our actors were greeted with open arms and a captivated audience at a fantastic venue - not much more you can ask for as a filmmaker! David and his team make the extra effort to make you feel special and it doesn't go unnoticed.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Jason! Your film is amazing, and I hope it has a long festival run. Meeting your cast was a real pleasure, and please let them know they're always welcome back. Guest list for life. Looking forward to the next film!

  • Firdaus F. Bilimoria

    Very cool film festival, great team and friendly staff. Awesome location in historical Capitole Theatre in dwntn North Bay! Films selected were eclectic and high quality from all over the world, and included some real gems. Excellent opportunities to meet other filmmakers and audience interaction was great too.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Firdaus! So appreciate you making the trip up, we really appreciate the support. It means a lot having filmmakers attend the fest. All the best, and we'll be in touch!