Founded in 2001, the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) is a charitable cultural organization that provides access to Canadian film in a dynamic festival setting. Transforming traditional and unconventional venues across Kingston’s historic downtown, KCFF is an annual whirlwind of movies and special events that spark curiosity, ignite discussion and provide a fresh experience of Canadian film.

Each Festival, long-time festival goers and first-time enthusiasts can explore screenings, Q+As, parties, workshops, networking events, live music, stand-up comedy, and exhibitions. With previous appearances from folks like Gerry Dee, Cathy Jones, Bif Naked, Gordon Pinsent, plus cast from shows like Baroness Von Sketch, Letterkenny, Mr. D, Trailer Park Boys, Kids in the Hall, and This Hour Has 22 Minutes, there are a few familiar faces along the way, too!

The 2027 Kingston Canadian Film Festival will take place February 24 to the 28th, downtown Kingston, Ontario. The lineup will be announced early in 2027.

Save the dates and visit www.kingcanfilmfest.com for more information!

Awards & Prizes

PLAYBACK BEST CANADIAN FILM AWARD
All feature films in the Festival are automatically in contention for this juried award.

VISUAL MENACE BEST FIRST FEATURE AWARD
All features directed by a first-time feature director are eligible for this juried award.

COGECO PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Presented by our Founding Corporate sponsor, Cogeco, this award is voted on by YOU, the amazing festival-goers! All feature films are automatically in competition.

BEST CANADIAN SHORT
Presented by RBC Dominion Securities. This award is open to all films in the Canadian Shorts program, which showcases many of the best short films being created coast-to-coast-to-coast.

BEST LOCAL SHORT
Presented by Confederation Place Hotel. Open to all films in the Local Shorts program, which represents many of the best new short films being produced in the Kingston region.

FAVOURITE MUSIC VIDEO
Presented by Team Ambrose – Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty. Open to all videos in the Slaight Music Video Showcase and voted on by all KCFF patrons attending the showcase during the Festival.

BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Presented by Rogers Radio, this is a juried award open to all videos in the Slaight Music Video Showcase.

BEST YOUTH SHORT
Open to all films in the Youth Shorts program, which showcases the work being created by local youth in the Kingston area.

TD READY COMMITMENT KCFF DOC FACTORY AWARD
A juried award presented to an outstanding film from the KCFF Doc Factory.

KCFF 18 MM AWARD
A juried award presented to an outstanding film from the annual 18 MM Program Showcase. This award is presented with the support of Lead 18 MM Program Sponsors Diane Blake and Stephen Smith.

DOUG FALCONER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
An annual award in memory of prolific producer Douglas Falconer (1952 – 2021), which goes to a local film industry professional who has made outstanding contributions to film in Kingston. The winner is chosen by the Douglas J. Falconer charitable committee.

SVITLANA CHUCHKOVA AWARD
Awarded to an 18 MM Program filmmaker who brings energy, charm, and charisma to their work, and who demonstrates a distinctive creative voice and approach to storytelling.

Rules & Terms

1. Only submissions of films that are Canadian productions or co-productions and directed by a Canadian filmmaker are eligible. Canadian filmmakers include citizens, landed immigrants, permanent residents, newcomers, anyone currently living and working in Canada (including international students), and Canadians living abroad.

2. If you or your film have an arguable connection to Canada but you are not a Canadian filmmaker, please email us (info@kingcanfilmfest.com).

3. Selection will be based on quality, form and the film's benefit to the overall KCFF program.

4. Films must be new releases that have not been submitted to KCFF in the past. Films that received public premieres before March 2026 are ineligible. Though films of any premiere status are eligible for selection, films with world, national or Kingston premieres available will be prioritized in programming decisions.

5. Submissions of films not in English must include English subtitles.

6. Films may be submitted as works-in-progress. New versions can be uploaded via FilmFreeway but programmers will consider the most recent version available to them and are not able to review multiple cuts.

7. Local filmmakers must be currently residing in Kingston or have a strong connection to the area deemed appropriate by KCFF. Please explain your connection on the submission form in the designated area.

8. Youth filmmakers must be 25 years of age or younger.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Emma Macklin

    My co-director and I had an absolute blast at KCFF this year. It is abundantly clear that this team deeply cares about their filmmakers and want them to feel welcome + appreciated! It's an amazing festival and we hope to be back next year!

    March 2026
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  • Chell Stephen

    had the very best time at KCFF -- couldn't be more grateful for their generosity which shows in all they do: programming, taking care of filmmakers, putting on an amazing event for the community. <3 hope to be back again soon

    March 2026
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  • Jenna Harder

    Kingston truly supports their creative community! It seemed like almost all the screenings were sold out. Amazing films and lovely people! 10/10

    March 2025
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  • Meredith Vuchnich

    I am grateful and honoured that my short film UNTANGLING made its Canadian premiere at the wonderful Kingston Canadian Film Festival, in the strongest program of short films that I have ever seen.

    KCFF made it easy to connect with other talented and inspiring filmmakers and to visit with industry pals. The Q & A went to some really deep and connected places. Kingston is small enough to get around easily and enjoy the festival and the beautiful scene. They also showed a very impressive line-up of features and directors. Overall, it was a transformative experience. Highly recommend. What a great festival!

    March 2024
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  • Jenna MacMillan

    A terrific film festival celebrating Canadian and local film! Top notch communication and organization all the way. A terrific experience all the way!

    March 2024
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