A Festive celebration in Okotoks, Alberta to ring in the Holidays. Many films are watched by the whole family during the holiday season, but we want to bring families something new. Instead of rewatching the same Holiday films each year we want to introduce independent and new film filmmakers. Help us bring festive cheer to our town and share your holiday-themed or winter-themed films with us!

A one-day festival jam-packed with festive cheer. This is a holiday film festival. Any year-end themes are welcome: Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter, Kwanzaa, New Year, etc.. We will select about 1.5 hours worth of short films and one feature film to screen at the event.

There will be a Live-in theatre screening and then the short films will be added to our secure online screening system to be watched On Demand. This will be accessible to ticket holders only. If you do NOT wish to be included in the online portion, simply let us know when you submit. IT WILL NOT affect our choice in selecting you for the in-person screening.

Filmmakers are welcome to participate in a live Q&A that will happen at the venue. Filmmakers can join over Zoom or on the stage. Filmmakers are also invited to attend the festival in person at their own travel expense (However, we can cover hotel accommodations if you get here); up to 6 tickets will be provided by the festival.

We have two small awards for this festival. A Juried Best Picture award and an Audience Choice award will be announced at the Live in Cinema screening.

Awards & Prizes

Audience Choice - $500
Best Picture - $500

Rules & Terms

**Films MUST contain content relating to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other holiday theme. Films not in line with this theme WILL be disqualified.**

Filmmakers are responsible in securing ALL copyright clearance to film content.
Completed works only. If selected the festival will only accept the same film as was submitted and not an updated version.
Films should be completed after Jan 1, 2022
OFFF! has no premiere status requirements. Films shown prior to the festival or films online are welcome to submit.
Films in a language other than English are required to provide English subtitles.
Only 3 films will be watched from one director by our programmers; please do not submit more than 3 films from one director. If more than 3 films are submitted, films will be disqualified at random until only 3 remain.
Absolutely NO pornographic or Illegal content will be tolerated.
Filmmakers are responsible for submitting material.
Submissions are non-refundable. Refunds will not be made if you submit a non-holiday film and are disqualified.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • PaweÅ‚ Olearczyk

    Even though I only attended via Zoom call, I could still feel the incredible Christmas cheer! Great people!

    December 2025
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  • Adam Raynes

    Incredibly kind and responsive festival organizers. They were extremely receptive to filmmakers taking part in Q&As, even if they couldn't be there in person (I was happy to attend via Zoom.) As a Festival that plays Christmas films, they truly embody the kind and warm nature of the holiday spirit.

    December 2024
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  • Martin Bowman

    Such a kind and friendly festival with lovely staff! So happy that one of our animations (Shine On) from the University of Hertfordshire was shown. Definitely worth submitting your Christmas film to!

    December 2024
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  • Lauren B. Leigh

    Thank you to Katie and the entire Okotoks Festive Film Festival team for a fantastic experience. Communication was clear and detailed. I was thrilled to be able to join them in person and everyone was incredibly welcoming. They curated a fantastic program and it was a honor to be a part of it. Additionally, Okotoks was an incredibly charming town, I would highly recommend a visit! Thank you for creating a festival to highlight holiday films!

    December 2024
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  • Adam Benish

    This festival is really special. A great venue and excellent organization by the festival director. If you apply to their seasonal specialty or go for the main festival just know your film will be treated with the utmost respect. I look forward to returning.

    December 2024
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