Skoden Indigenous Film Festival is back for its fifth-year and will once again take place in the beginning of April 2023 within the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), Qayqayt, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen Nations. Formed by the School of Contemporary Art at Simon Fraser University (SFU), this festival aims to create an inclusive space for Indigenous filmmakers. Indigenous writers, directors, producers, and lead performers of all ages and experience levels can represent their films on the big screen in 2023.

Additionally, our goal is to Indigenize the SFU community and amplify the voices of Indigenous artists. The Festival will be organized by students at SFU, in the Skoden Course taught by festival co-founder Carr Sappier, and mentor Kathleen Mullen. We want to create more proactive conversations and spaces for Reconcili-Action. Skoden!

Awards & Prizes

Best Film: An award selected by the judges as the best all-around film.

Audience Favourite: An award chosen by the audience for their most favourite film.

Trickster Award: An award for the most innovative filmmaker who bucks conventions and redefines style. This award values creativity over experience.

Rules & Terms

Must be Canada-based and have an Indigenous key creative (director, producer, writer, lead actor).

The films can be about anything! Films can be a maximum of 40 minutes long and can be narratives or documentaries.

All ages and experience levels are welcome to submit.

7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Simon Garez

    Wonderful staff and programming! It's amazing to see film festivals like this one happening in Canada! Keep up the good work and I hope this festival continues in the years to come!

    April 2023
    Helpful
  • howie summers

    Fantastic experience, proud to have been a part of this perfect indigenous Film Festival.

    April 2023
    Helpful
  • KJ Edwards

    I had the most wonderful and inspiring time both screening and attending this year's Skoden Indigenous Film Festival (2022). The programmers, coordinators, staff and volunteers were all so incredibly kind and passionate about the work. As a filmmaker, it was an honour to participate in a talk back session. The audience was warm and inviting. Niá:wen to everyone involved. Looking forward to attending and screening again in the future.

    April 2022
    Helpful
  • Mission and Theory Inc.

    Words can not explain how wonderful this festival is. There is true thought and care that is given to each filmmaker, and I commend them on their dedication to bringing awareness to Indigenous stories. A very rewarding experience.

    April 2021
    Helpful
  • Hayle Gallup

    Given the current climate for hosting a film festival, I was very surprised that these dedicated individuals pulled this together in such a good way! They situated themselves according to place by acknowledging the territories, and deeply shared their "why" for showcasing Indigenous film. I was blown away by the submissions!

    COVID could have cancelled this event, but you pushed through in a creative way!

    Mēduh | Thank you!

    May 2020
    Helpful