The Yellowknife International FIlm Festival (YKIFF) continues to grow strong as a hyper local Yellowknife event that considers its place within the circumpolar world. The festival is a 5 day event hosted at the Capitol Theatre in Yellowknife, NT. The festival is the most prestigious event for NWT filmmakers and media artists to premiere their works to a supportive and enthusiastic audience. The festival features short, Mid and feature length Films, video games, music and Digital-media performances.

The festival has a strong professional development component where many different workshops and masterclasses are offered for a wide range of experience levels. These opportunities are a means for the public to engage with professionals and emerging artists. In addition to workshops and classes the festival provides space and events for networking with and celebrating the works of media artists. The screening events enrich the lives of audience members, volunteers and the community at large by showcasing important and engaging topics on-screen and having meaningful discussions off-screen.

The Yellowknife International Film Festival is in its 17th year, and is celebrating continued success and growth. Since its initial run in 2006, the festival has received an increasing amount of community support and has become Western Arctic Moving Pictures’ (WAMP) biggest annual event.

YKIFF is looking for documentaries, and scripted content from the global polar regions. This includes content from (produced in or by) or about the global polar regions including Canada, Russia, Scandinavia, Greenland, Iceland, and the United States (Alaska). Special consideration will be given to content from the Canadian Territories; the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. We are also seeking a strong selection of Aboriginal and Outdoor content. Films can be either of short, mid or feature length. Successful submissions will appear at YKIFF 2023, happening approximately November 1-5th.

The Yellowknife International Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing the work of new and emerging talents, as well as the work of established filmmakers. The festival intends to continue providing a launching pad for new films and filmmakers from the north. The festival features screenings, workshops and discussions with both leading professionals and amateur filmmakers on a wide range of topics and themes.

Settled in Canada's boreal arctic region, just south of the tundra, Yellowknife is a truly unique world for filmmakers. From summer's 24 hours of daylight to the cold and beautiful winter, you've never experienced anything like it.

All films programmed and screened at the Yellowknife International Film Festival are eligible to be nominated for:
- Canadian Screen Award, 
- YKIFF Audience Choice Awards (made possible by: NWT Film Commission), and
- YKIFF Filmmaker Awards (Sponsored by WarnerMedia Access Canada)


Screening fees will be negotiated with the festival organizers using IMAA recommended fee schedules as a basis.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Evan Pitt-Payne

    Great festival with a very dedicated staff.

    November 2022
  • Was part of an online segment of the festival. Not much promotion and communication for that matter but the festival looks great. Was very happy and honored to be selected.

    November 2022
  • Rita Leistner

    I was really honoured to be part of this inredible festival and community. I can hardly wait to go to Yellowknife in person and meet some of the wonderful people involved. Even though the festival was virtual, I felt part of something special in this strange time of life for all of us.

    November 2021
  • Simon Longmore

    Great little festival. Enjoyed being a part of it.

    November 2020
  • Teresa Earle

    A warm northern thank you to YKIFF for your hospitality and generosity! This festival is very supportive of creators in the north - mahsi cho!

    November 2019