The newly re-branded Gimli International Film Festival (formerly Gimli Film Festival – GFF) is once again looking for the best contemporary cinema from Manitoba, Canada and around the world, both feature and short films. This includes narrative, documentary, as well as feature films and short films from across the globe.
All films which screen at the Gimli International Film Festival paid standard minimum screening fees as outlined in the IMAA Fee Schedule.
*For 2022, GIFF has eliminated submission fees for Manitoba-based Filmmakers.
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What to Expect at the Gimli International Film Festival:
The Gimli International Film Festival (GIFF) annually screens over 100 films, and in 2019 (pre-COVID) we saw our largest attendance ever, with over 13,000 total filmgoers attending both ticketed and free public events over the 5-day festival. In 2022, we plan to return to in-person events, bringing the festival back to the lakeside community of Gimli, while also sharing the best content of the festival – online and on-demand!
2020 and 2021 festivals were online events, which incorporated on-demand screenings, live streamed Q&A’s, panels, and other live and virtual events, helping to keep the festival vibe and spirit alive! A pop-up Drive-In theatre gave limited audiences a taste of nostalgia in the beautifully decorated Gimli Pavilion Park in 2022. And virtual social events via gather.town were a fun and novel way to interact with fellow festival-goers, filmmakers, and friends!
This year, GIFF will continue to feature the best in contemporary independent cinema with a strong focus on Manitoba-made films. We will also continue to curate focused film series based on the themes of social justice, under-represented voices, womxn filmmakers, Indigenous perspectives, and environmental issues.
As an organization, GIFF is actively working to promote accessibility for all and inclusion that accurately represents our diverse culture. We also are working hard to ensure our organization is employing an ethical business model, which includes proper treatment and payment of all staff and contributing artists, as well as being an active contributor to the local community and the greater Canadian film community.
In addition to paying all filmmakers proper artist fees, we also do our best to provide affordable film submission fees to encourage participation from low-income and marginalized communities.
**NEW for 2022** No-Fee Submissions for Short Films from OUTSIDE MANITOBA. See "Free Submission Option" description for more details.
For questions or more information about the submission process, please contact our programming team at: submissions@gimlifilm.com
Grand Jury Prize (feature films)
Best of Fest Audience Choice Award (feature films)
Indigenous Spirit Award
Best Canadian Feature Film
Best Manitoba Filmmaker (all Manitoba filmmakers eligible)
Best Manitoban Short Film
Best Canadian Short Film
Best International Short Film