Our Mission
Dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of independent film, we showcase the art and power of storytelling worldwide and gather communities to share diverse cultures, viewpoints and conversation. With support from our many community partners, we celebrate independent film as the rich, cultural, economic and educational asset it is.
Our Story
It was the creative combination of great friendships, local film lovers, filmmakers and Hollywood talent that lead to the first Kansas International Film Festival nearly two decades ago. Back then, the goal was to bring the diversity of film to the Heartland while celebrating Kansas City’s vibrant local film community. Today the festival is that and more, screening more than 150 films annually with submissions from more than 50 countries worldwide.
The KIFF Experience
Filmmakers from around the world submit their work and attend our festival because of its storied history and reputation for celebrating filmmakers with Midwestern roots and beyond.
While KIFF attracts Academy Award-winning films, provides major networking opportunities and large events drawing community awareness, the festival never loses site of its roots, which are the local art, music and film communities that support each other.
In celebration of those connections, KIFF features local talent annually during the festival with our KIFF Local series and other featured programming at the Glenwood Arts Theatre throughout the year.
The festival has grown from just a few hundred filmgoers to thousands over the past 19 years with a wide range of guests and celebrities attending, including Actor and activist, Ed Asner, horror filmmaker George Romero, special effects wizard Tom Savini, experimental filmmakers Guy Maddin, Barbara Hammer and Stan Brakhage, executive director of Women Make Movies.
Jury Awards: KIFF is proud to present Jury Awards for the best Social Justice Documentary, Best Feature Narrative Film, Best Animation. The five award finalists in each category are listed in the festival program, and winners will be announced at the Award Party on Thursday. November 12th, 2020.
Cash Awards ($6000..00) both Documentary and Narrative Jury Award Winners
Audience Awards: Audience participation at its best. Audience members vote for their favorite Narrative and Documentary Films. Winners will be announced on Monday, November 16th, 2020.
