Welcome to the Alberta Indie Film Throwdown! *Throwdown your Love Edition*

This time around we want your juiciest RomComs or just straight up Comedy's! Cuz who doesn't want to laugh on Valentine's Day before getting down to the business at hand? For us here at the Throwdown, laughter... is Love. (thats good, someone write that down.)

A place where independent storytellers, bold creativity, and cinematic energy collide! This festival celebrates innovative, boundary-pushing filmmakers and provides a platform to showcase their short films, documentaries, and experimental works to audiences that value originality and artistry.

Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or seasoned storyteller, the Alberta Indie Throwdown is your chance to be seen and to connect. Expect curated screenings and the kind of film community that turns watching into inspiration.

At its core, the Throwdown is more than a festival: it’s a gathering of creative risk-takers. It honours films that defy convention, embrace local Alberta voices, and dare to dream differently. We believe that Indie filmmakers have stories that are bold, weird, emotional, funny, and deeply human and we can’t wait to see yours!

Come Thru!

Rules & Terms

ALBERTA FILMMAKERS - Please email indiefilmthrowdown@gmail.com to receive 100% off fee waiver code... or reach out to Joce or Dallas
1. Eligibility
• The Indie Filmmaker Throwdown is open to independent filmmakers based in Alberta.
• Submissions must be the original work of the applicant and must not infringe upon any copyright or trademark.
• Works-in-progress will not be accepted.
2. Submission Categories
• All genres and styles are welcome, including narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation.
• Please ensure you submit to the correct category. Festival organizers reserve the right to reassign submissions if necessary.
3. Format
• Films must be submitted digitally through FilmFreeway.
• Accepted screening formats may include high-resolution digital files (exact specifications will be provided upon selection).
4. Language
• All non-English language films must include English subtitles.
5. Selection & Notification
• All submissions will be reviewed by a programming committee.
• Selected filmmakers will be notified by email and announced publicly on our official platforms.
• The festival’s programming decisions are final.
6. Exhibition & Promotion
• By submitting, you grant the Indie Film Maker Throwdown the right to screen your film at the festival if selected.
• You also grant the festival permission to use short clips, stills, and promotional materials from your film for marketing and publicity purposes.
7. Fees & Refunds
• Submissions are free of charge (unless otherwise stated).
• Submission fees, if charged in the future, are non-refundable.
8. Awards
• Categories may include Jury Awards, Audience Choice, and Special Mentions.
• The festival reserves the right not to present an award in a category if insufficient entries are received.
9. Legal Stuff
• By submitting, you acknowledge that you have secured all necessary rights and permissions for your film.
• The Indie Film Maker Throwdown is not responsible for any legal claims regarding the ownership, copyright, or trademark of submitted works.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jenna Turk

    This was such a great event! Well programmed, full of kindness -- and free popcorn! A very positive Calgary film community event. Thank you so much for screening Bearcat!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • SCINEMA Crew

    A new staple in the Calgary Indie scene! Super appreciative of all the hard work & effort to bring the community closer, it was amazing to reconnect & meet so many talented people.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Andrew Cooper

    This is just my favourite film screening event. Hands down. It's just the best.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Awww thank you Mr Cooper! We're excited to see the Feature!!

  • Zane Olson

    Honestly, one of the most fun events I've been to. I met so many great people, saw some really great films, and had a wonderful time.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Zane for letting us share your brilliant work!