The Vancouver Kurdish Film Festival (VKFF) is a bold celebration of culture, cinema, and identity. As the first and only Kurdish film festival across Canada, VKFF provides a rare and powerful space for stories rooted in the diverse voices, lands, and languages of Kurdistan and its global diaspora.

Held annually in Vancouver, VKFF showcases films that challenge, inspire, and connect. It is a space where Kurdish filmmakers and storytellers are given the spotlight they deserve, and where Canadian audiences are invited to discover the richness of Kurdish life, memory, and imagination through cinema.

Awards & Prizes

- Best Feature Film
Awarded to an outstanding fiction, documentary, or animation feature (60+ minutes) that exemplifies excellence in storytelling, direction, and cultural relevance.

- Best Short Film
Awarded to a compelling short fiction, documentary, or animation (up to 30 minutes) with strong narrative, innovation, or emotional impact.

- Audience Choice Award
Voted by festival attendees, this award celebrates the most beloved film across all categories.

- Special Jury Mention
A flexible recognition that honours a performer who made a significant impression outside the main award categories.

Rules & Terms

Vancouver Kurdish Film Festival (VKFF) – Rules & Terms

1. Organizers
The Vancouver Kurdish Film Festival (VKFF) is organized by the Kurdish Canadian Cultural Society (KCCS), a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, Canada. The festival is dedicated to showcasing Kurdish cinema and promoting Kurdish culture through film, with the support of local sponsors, partners, and the community.

2. Festival Dates
The third edition of VKFF will take place on October 22, 23, 24 and 25, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The venue is (Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas).

3. Program Categories
VKFF exclusively features Kurdish Cinema and accepts submissions in the following categories:
- Feature Fiction Films (60 minutes or longer) July 2024-2026
- Short fiction Films (up to 30 minutes) July 2024-2026
- Documentary Films (any length) July 2024-2026
- Animation Films (any length) July 2024-2026

4. Competition
The competition is open to all categories, with the exception of the In Focus section, which is curated by the festival programmer and is not eligible for competition.

5. Eligibility
- Films must be written, directed or produced by Kurdish filmmakers, or they must significantly explore Kurdish culture, identity, or themes.
- Films in any Kurdish dialect are welcome.
- All non-English films (including Kurdish-language films) must include English subtitles.
- Only films completed in/after July 2024, 2025, and 2026 are eligible for submission and competition.
- While a premiere status is not required, Canadian premieres are prioritized in programming.

6. Submission Guidelines
- All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway.
- A private Vimeo link or FilmFreeway upload is required for review purposes.
- Each film must be submitted separately, even if submitted by the same filmmaker.
- English subtitles must be burned in or embedded.
- Works-in-progress are not accepted.

7. Screening & Format Requirements
- Selected films must provide a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) for theatrical screenings.
- If a DCP is not available, a high-quality digital file (ProRes or MP4) is acceptable.
- The festival reserves the right to screen selected films in-person and/or online, depending on the final format of the event.
- Selected filmmakers will be required to provide press kits, stills, and promotional materials upon acceptance.

8. Rights & Permissions
- By submitting, the applicant confirms they have full rights to the film, including music and any copyrighted material.
- VKFF is granted permission to use excerpts (up to 30 seconds), stills, and trailers for promotion, press, and media coverage.
- The submitter agrees that their film may be included in festival-related discussions, educational panels, and public events.

9. Fees & Waivers
- Submission fees (if applicable) are non-refundable.
- VKFF may grant fee waivers at its discretion in specific cases.
- No screening fees will be paid to selected films.

10. General Terms
- The festival reserves the right to determine the program, section, screening time, and venue for each selected film.
- Once a film is selected, it cannot be withdrawn from the program.
- VKFF is not responsible for lost, damaged, or misdirected materials.
- By submitting a film, the applicant agrees to all the terms and conditions listed above.

ئەگەر لە ناردنی فیلمەکەت دا هەر کێشەیەکت هەبوو، تکایە پەیوەندی بەو ئیمەیلەی خوارەوە بکە بۆ ئەوەی کێشەکە چارەسەر بکەین.
Eger hûn rû bi rûyê her pirsgirêkekê bibin ji bo beşdarbûnê, ji kerema xwe me haydar bikin bi rêya E-mailê li xwarê dîyar kirî - em ê pirsgirêkan çare bikîn.

programming@kurdishccs.org