Okanagan International Film Festival (OKIFF)
Rules & Terms
1. General Eligibility
All genres are accepted unless otherwise specified within category descriptions.
Non-English language films must include English subtitles.
Films previously submitted to OKIFF may not be resubmitted unless a new cut has been completed.
2. Submission Categories
Narrative Feature (40+ minutes)
Documentary Feature (40+ minutes)
Narrative Short (under 40 minutes)
Documentary Short (under 40 minutes)
Experimental / Art Film
Student Film
Canadian Film
BC Films
International Film
3. Premiere Status
OKIFF does not require premiere status; however, premiere screenings (Okanagan, BC, Canadian, or World) will be given priority consideration.
4. Screening Format
Selected films must provide:
A high-quality digital screening file (ProRes 422 HQ preferred)
Or DCP (if available)
Backup H.264 file may be requested
Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring playback compatibility.
5. Rights & Permissions
By submitting, the filmmaker confirms that:
They hold all necessary rights, clearances, and permissions for exhibition.
All music, images, and third-party materials are properly licensed.
The festival is indemnified against any copyright or legal claims.
OKIFF is not responsible for any unauthorized use of submitted materials.
6. Promotional Use
By submitting, the filmmaker grants OKIFF permission to:
Use film stills, trailers, and excerpts (up to 60 seconds) for promotional purposes
Promote selected films across OKIFF website, social media, and press materials
Full films will never be shared publicly without written consent.
7. Selection & Notification
All submissions are reviewed by OKIFF programming staff and jurors.
Selected filmmakers will be notified via FilmFreeway.
Programming decisions are final.
8. Attendance
Filmmakers are encouraged but not required to attend.
Q&A participation (in person or virtual) may be requested.
9. Refund Policy
Submission fees are non-refundable.
10. Festival Authority
OKIFF reserves the right to:
Reassign films to appropriate categories
Disqualify entries that do not meet eligibility criteria
Make necessary schedule changes
11. AI Transparency & Disclosure
OKIFF recognizes the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in film production, including its use in writing, visual effects, editing, sound design, animation, and post-production workflows.
Filmmakers must disclose the use of AI-generated content if:
AI was used to generate significant narrative elements (e.g., screenplay, dialogue, story structure)
AI was used to generate primary visual or audio performances (e.g., synthetic actors, voice replication, deepfake likenesses)
AI was used to replicate or simulate identifiable individuals (living or deceased)
The use of AI as a production tool (e.g., rotoscoping, upscaling, noise reduction, VFX assistance, color grading, editing tools) does not require disclosure unless it materially affects authorship or performance.
All AI usage must comply with:
Applicable copyright laws
Performer consent requirements
Likeness and image rights laws
Union and guild regulations where applicable
OKIFF reserves the right to request clarification regarding AI usage and may disqualify submissions that violate legal or ethical standards.
