The Kelowna Independent Film Festival (KIFF) is a three day event with screenings and awards designed to provide opportunities for both local and international filmmakers to showcase their work in the beautiful Okanagan.

At KIFF you'll find a fun loving intimate atmosphere that sees filmmakers leave with plenty of new connections, experiences and collaborators. KIFF also has a special focus on local BC filmmakers and Okanagan talent specifically. We're looking for films with a powerful story and distinct voice.

We accept Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Music Videos and Animations from emerging artists and students to established professionals. KIFF is committed to the celebration of independent film and bringing it to wider audiences.

The Kelowna Independent Film Festival runs every summer in the heart of downtown Kelowna and is run by the non-profit Kelowna Filmmaking Collective Society.

Awards & Prizes

There are over $2,000 in prizes with several awards that will be presented including, but not limited, too:

* Best Short Film
* Best Okanagan Film
* Best Director
* Best Performance

The third edition of our 48 Hour Film Competition will also take place two weeks before the festival with cash prizes.

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. All projects must have been completed after June 1st, 2025.

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.

All films must provide a high res MP4 file for screening. All screeners must be received by June 11th 2026.

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, KFF website, KFF trailer and for any promotional purposes which KFF deems appropriate.

No 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. KFF 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.

KFF 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.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mitchell Greenberg

    Am so grateful to have had the privilege of attending the Kelowna Independent Film Festival - loved the industry panels, and am so grateful to have had our film programmed alongside so many stellar films.

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Foreshadow Films

    Great festival with great people. Attended in 2026, only their second year of KIFF, and the leaps and bounds they've made already is nothing short of impressive. Easily positioned to be one of the hot-spot indie film fests in Western Canada in coming years! Congrats KIFF!

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Max Kuppers

    A passionate, communicative and deeply supportive festival that ignited my excitement for film as a first time creator. Thank you for being my start and for including my film “Be Positive!” in your festival and helping us navigate a brave new world. The love you have for the local community, for film and for everyone who participated was evident in each interaction and I could not recommend you enough to anyone considering being a part of it next year. You won’t regret it!

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Michelle Muldoon

    Great venues and a volunteer team that cares about the filmmakers' experiences, all set in a lakeside resort with wineries, and microbreweries. What's not to love? Thank you for including in my film, Unfrayed. in the 2026 edition!

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Mack Gordon

    Kelowna Film Festival was an awesome experience. The organizers were welcoming, we made some great connections with other BC filmmakers, and the facilitation at the theatre was smooth and low maintenance. Can't wait to see how they grow over the next few years :)

    June 2026
    Helpful