United Way Social Impact Film Festival

The United Way Social Impact Film Festival is more than just a collection of films—it's a platform for storytelling that challenges the status quo and inspires action. This year’s first festival will feature a diverse lineup of compelling films, each one capturing the powerful experiences of individuals and communities working to create positive social change. From the streets of our cities to the remote corners of the globe, these films highlight the resilience, innovation, and activism that are shaping a better world for all.

Throughout the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Witness Powerful Films: Watch a range of thought-provoking documentaries, short films, and feature films that shed light on critical social issues affecting people across the globe. Each film will offer a unique perspective on how we can collectively address challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and human rights.

Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Participate in Q&A sessions with filmmakers and community leaders. These discussions will dive deeper into the topics raised in the films, offering insights and exploring actionable ways for you to get involved and create lasting impact in your own community.

Discover Community Solutions: Learn about innovative, community-driven solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems. The festival will highlight local and global organizations, initiatives, and individuals that are making a tangible difference. From grassroots movements to large-scale programs, you’ll see how collective action is driving progress.

Build Connections for Change: The United Way Social Impact Film Festival is a gathering of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of film to inspire social change. Whether you're a filmmaker, philanthropist, activist, or community member, this is an opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for creating positive change.

The festival is also dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to the powerful stories being told. A portion of the festival funds raised will be dedicated to outreach programs.

This event is a celebration of the transformative power of film and storytelling. It’s an invitation to reflect, learn, and take action on the issues that matter most. Whether you come for the films, the conversations, or the chance to be part of a movement, the United Way Social Impact Film Festival is where change begins.

Be part of something bigger—join us for an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired, motivated, and ready to make a difference. Together, we can amplify the voices that are shaping our future.

Awards & Prizes

Honorariums are awarded to Film Makers whose films are shown at the Festival and will be awarded in Canadian Dollars. Selected film makers will receive an honorarium as follows for films featured:
60+ minutes - $254
30 - 60 minutes - $212
15 - 30 minutes - $172
less than 15 minutes - $125

Rules & Terms

By submitting your film you agree to allow your film to be screened at the United Impact Film Festival.
United Impact Film Festival & United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta Society is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted for exhibition at the Festival for promotion purposes without remuneration or honorarium.
The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening for the purposes of the United Way Impact Film Festival, and understands and accepts these regulations and requirements.
All statements the individual or corporations submitting this film in this online form are true, and you certify that you have cleared all rights for this film, and understand that no employees, agents, officers or directors of United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta Society can be held liable for the contents of or damage to the film.
The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta Society and The United Impact Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screenings, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
The Selection Committee selects and invites the films that will be presented at the film festival.
Only films that meet the following criteria may be selected and invited to be a part of the Official selection:
- must have been completed after January 1, 2023
-must not have previously been distributed and/or released in Alberta theatres or Alberta Film Fests (unless an exception is made by the Festival) or will be releasing on or before the scheduled date of the United Impact Film Festival
-Priority will be given to previously unreleased works
- Must not have been released on the market on VOD, Blue-Ray, DVD, or VHS cassette
-must respect the goal of the Festival
By submitting or sending a film to the Festival implies that the producers or their representatives agree to these rules and regulations.
Films that have been registered and selected may not be withdrawn from the Festival.
The Management of the Festival has the right and power to settle matters and cases that are not covered under these rules and regulations.
Once selected, the submitter of the film will be notified and no withdrawal from the program during the Festival will be accepted.
Invited films will only be shown at the Festival.
Racist, pornographic, violent, and political propaganda films are not eligible to submit or be accepted as part of the Festival.
Members of the Festival Committee and their immediate family are not eligible to submit a film.
You may submit more than one film but you must complete a separate entry form for each film.