The 4th annual Lethbridge International Film Festival 2026 as presented by Friends of the Galt Museum & Archives | Fort Whoop-Up | Akaisamitohkanao’pa (Eternal Gathering Place) is announcing an open call for films.
Any aspect of audiovisual expression – visual, sound, narrative, genre, performance, theme... all approaches are encouraged for submission. This includes music videos. Films that exemplify and/or are made by under-represented voices will be prioritized (i.e. BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, feminist, etc.). Films selected will be screened at the Lethbridge International Film Festival on April 17th - 20th, 2026. In alignment with the Galt’s Mandate, the Lethbridge International Film Festival aims to deepen the sense of belonging for our community by reflecting the world around us with a community centred approach.
Successful candidates will receive a screening fee, and all selected films will be entered into the LIFF Legacy Audience Choice Awards, with cash prizes awarded to the winning films. Due to the high volume of submissions, unsuccessful candidates will not be notified.
Last year, we proudly selected 54 groundbreaking films, including 37 premieres from every corner of the globe— Germany, UK, France, Spain, Nigeria, Turkey, Sweden, Brazil, Argentina, Palestine, USA, Northern Ireland, Japan, Iceland and of course a diverse selection of groundbreaking works from Canadian filmmakers! We also proudly supported the local film industry by showcasing 13 productions from right here at home!
4 screening areas over 3 days lit up exclusive premieres with cast and crew in attendance as well as special events featuring director and actor Q&As, live scores performed over classic silent films, immersive virtual reality experiences and an electric opening Gala to celebrate our shared love of great cinema.
LIFF bridges local talent with global creativity, offering a rich tapestry of genres and styles with something for every audience member, regardless of age or taste.
Our team would like to acknowledge that we are on Treaty 7 territory - the traditional and ancestral territory of Niitsitapii, the Blackfoot Confederacy, including Kainai, Piikani and Siksika First Nations. As well as most recently the Tsuu T'ina Nation, Stoney Nakoda First Nation and the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
Thank you for considering LIFF!
*Please note we have now changed our name from Lethbridge Independent Film Festival to Lethbridge International Film Festival, as the name became available and better reflects our scale and scope.
LIFF LEGACY AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS
The categories and awards are as follows:
Best Feature Prize $200
Best Short Documentary Prize $125
Best Short Narrative Prize $125
Best Short Experimental Prize $125
Best Music Video Prize $125
LIFF is honoured to hold the LIFF Legacy Awards, presented by the past Lethbridge International Film Festival Society that has closed and we have now adopted the name.
The origins of the past Lethbridge International Film Festival Society date back to 1985 developing its programming with the World Citizen Centre. Since 2005, the film festival–organized by a small group of volunteers–has presented a variety of thought-provoking international films in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library. In 2015, the group was incorporated with the Government of Alberta as a registered society, with a mandate to organize an annual festival of outstanding international films for public viewing and discussion.
The past Lethbridge International Film Festival Society wants to take this chance to express gratitude for the support of the Lethbridge Public Library, the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Polytechnic, the Community of Southern Alberta, the discussants, and the volunteers over the last four decades.
Continuing its dedication to supporting both the art of filmmaking and the filmmakers themselves, the past Lethbridge International Film Festival Society will offer cash prizes for Audience Choice Awards at the new Lethbridge International Film Festival this year.
