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!**

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

*Films must be 3 years old or less
*Feature Film Directors must be available for live Q&A (in person or Skype).

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • David Bragg

    This is a filmmaker's festival. Very receptive audience with a focus on the films and the people who make them. The time taken to get the filmmakers both connected and in the spotlight is very welcome. Looking forward to what next year brings.

    January 2023
  • Mike Gallant

    I had a great time at this festival.

    I wish we could've done it at the theatre, but the set up they did as a drive-in was a great idea and a really good screening. A lot of shorts were high quality and every impressive. The energy and atmosphere was awesome and I can only imagine how good it would've been pre-covid.

    October 2021