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.

Please find more information about the festival on our website at www.peaksfilmfestival.com

Rules & Terms

APPLICATION CRITERIA:

All films that meet requirements 1 & 2, and at least one of requirements 3-5 listed below are welcome to submit regardless of their premier status. Please note that each applicant can only submit ONE film per year.

1. Year of Production:
Submissions are open to films made after 2010; however, films made within the last two years (2023-2025) will be given selection priority. Films made in any year that have not been previously screened in Canada will also be given priority.

2. Film Length:
Films must be no longer than 30 minutes in length.

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

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

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

SUBMISSION DEADLINES & FEES:
Submission deadline: March 2, 2025 (11:59 pm EDT)
Fee: Free

SUBMISSIONS PROCESS:
The submission period for PEAKS 2025 opens on January 20, 2025. All submissions to PEAKS must be made only via FilmFreeway (https://filmfreeway.com/PeaksCentralAsianFilmFestival-2025)

Screening Formats:
All selected films must supply PEAKS with an exhibition copy of the film by March 2, 2025, in a Theatrical Screening Format and/or Online Screening Format.
All non-English-language films are required to provide content with English subtitles and a description of audio cues.
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.
Films that contain no dialogue are required to have closed captions stating that there is no audio and include any description of audio cues.

OPTIONAL: In 100 words, please explain how your film is related to Central Asia.

SCREENING:
The films will be screened at two physical venues: Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto and the Niagara Artists Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario, between April and June 2025 with exact dates to be determined.

Events will be held in accordance with health and safety guidelines and recommendations made by government health officials at the time of planning.

We appreciate your interest in Peaks. Please feel free to reach out to us at peaksfilmfestival@gmail.com if you have any questions. Please note that responses to emails may take up to three business days.

For more information on how to submit works on FilmFreeWay, please visit our website at www.peaksfilmfestival.com