Peaks Central Asian Film Festival is a celebration of stories from the heart of Central Asia. This unique festival is dedicated to showcasing films that originate within Central Asia, delve into Central Asian stories, or are crafted by Central Asian filmmakers.

Our mission is to bring the rich tapestry of Central Asian stories to the forefront, challenging misrepresentations and filling in the gaps left by Western media. Born from a desire to correct the narrative and provide a true representation of Central Asia, Peaks emerges as a platform for authentic storytelling. We recognize the power of film as a medium that transcends borders, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant cultures of the Central Asian region.

Rules & Terms

APPLICATION CRITERIA:

All films that meet one of the requirements listed below are welcome to submit regardless of premier status and year of completion. However, films made within the last two years (2022-2024) will be given selection priority. As well, films made in any year that have not been previously screened in Canada will be given priority.

Production and/or Filming Location:
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western China, Central and Eastern Russia, Eastern Iran, Northern Pakistan and Western Mongolia

Filmmaker nationality (includes diaspora):
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China, Central and Eastern Russia, Eastern Iran, Northern Pakistan and Western Mongolia

Actor nationality (includes diaspora):
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western China, Central and Eastern Russia, Eastern Iran, Northern Pakistan and Western Mongolia

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES & FEES
Submission deadline: March 15th, 2024 (11:59 pm EDT)
Fee: NONE

SUBMISSIONS PROCESS:
The submissions period for PEAKS 2024 opens February 19th, 2024. All submissions to PEAKS must be made via FilmFreeway (https://filmfreeway.com/PEAKS).

SCREENING FORMATS:
All selected films must supply PEAKS with an exhibition copy of the film by March 15, 2024, in a Theatrical Screening Format and/or Online Screening Format.
Theatrical Screening Format: applicable to Theatrical Screening Copies of feature films and short films that are scheduled for presentation in cinema.
All non–English-language films will be required to provide content with English subtitles.
All English-language films will be required to have closed captions in English, providing a transcription of spoken dialogue and a description of audio cues.
Experimental and short films that contain no dialogue are required to have closed captions provided. Silent films require a closed caption stating that there is no audio.

SCREENING PROTOCOL:
The film will be presented in a physical screening venue (i.e., a cinema) in accordance with health and safety guidelines and recommendations made by government health officials at the time of planning.