Not only are submissions OPEN, we're excited to announce that ALL PROFITS will go towards our lovely venue Princess Cinemas AND all selected filmmakers! Every ticket and submission goes directly towards supporting YOU, the artist. We can't wait to share more announcements and details soon!

Kitchener Waterloo's film festival, showcasing films from an equal balance of local, national, and international filmmakers. After 4 years of running on a strictly local-entry basis, this is our fourth year opening our unique festival to the world! During the lockdown we SOLD OUT our drive-in style festival, and last year every single selected film was able to receive payment from donations! Come check out what Kitchener-Waterloo has to offer, and show us your stuff!

**Local KW filmmakers: please message us before submitting your film!**

Awards & Prizes

This year, winning films will be chosen by other selected filmmakers. Laurels and awards will be announced and sent to all winners!

Rules & Terms

*Films must be 3 years old or less
*Feature Film Directors must be available for live Q&A (in person or Skype).
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Karina Loerchner

    What a privilege to be part of this festival! This was the first opportunity for me as a student filmmaker to be part of the region's filmmaker scene (pun intended). The festival was professional and the communication was great, but at the same time, the atmosphere of the festival was chill. It wasn't so much about awards and competition, but more an opportunity for filmmakers to get together and appreciate film. It was an honor to be treated as an equal by the professionals! Can't wait for next year's festival!

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Karina! It was a pleasure to screen your film :)

  • Katie Uhlmann

    Great festival - thank you for having us!

    June 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Katie! It was our pleasure to screen your wonderful film :)

  • Aren Bergstrom

    Had a great experience with the Kitchener Waterloo Film Festival. The communication was clear and precise, the fees are very reasonable, the screenings are in a beautiful old theatrical venue, and the people you meet are all very supportive. This is a filmmaker-focused festival, so everything is done to foster some connections with other filmmakers and support the artist and their work.

    The actual festival experience was a blast. The festival and fellow filmmakers are all passionate and helpful, and the audience really made it special. Was a memorable time and I recommend other filmmakers, whether first-timers or old pros, to consider submitting.

    February 2023
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  • Sarah Wynne Kordas

    Very proud to have our film shown at this festival. The communication and support was excellent. We were sad not to be able to attend. What we saw through social media and contact from the organisers looked great. Will definitely submit again.

    January 2023
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  • Callum Vandenberg

    A truly wonderful film festival! This was my 2nd time with a film here and each time it has been an incredible experience. Great communication, wonderful audience, lots of networking opportunities and a great overall indie vibe to the event. I hope to be a part of future festivals. 5 out of 5 stars!

    January 2023
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