About Western Arctic Moving Pictures (WAMP)

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.

Western Arctic Moving Pictures is a membership-based non-profit Canadian arts organization based in the city of Yellowknife. Our mission is to produce, support, and promote independent film, video, and digital media arts made in the Northwest Territories, and to showcase it to audiences at home, across Canada, and internationally.

The Yellowknife International Film Festival is in its 20th 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 WAMP's biggest annual event.

About The Yellowknife International Film Festival (YKIFF)

The Yellowknife International Film Festival (YKIFF) is a vibrant five-day celebration of cinema held annually in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the globe, YKIFF offers a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers to share their stories and perspectives. We are dedicated to showcasing the work of new and emerging talents, as well as the work of established filmmakers.

Our programming includes a rich tapestry of Indigenous, Canadian, circumpolar, and Northern content, reflecting the cultural and geographical diversity of the region. The festival features screenings, discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, fostering cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. From compelling narratives to groundbreaking documentaries, YKIFF highlights the richness and diversity of contemporary cinema while promoting the unique northern experience. With its inclusive atmosphere and engaging programming, YKIFF continues to captivate audiences and contribute to the thriving film community of Yellowknife.

YKIFF is looking for a wide range of content including documentaries, and scripted content of various lengths. Successful submissions will appear at the 20th annual Yellowknife International Film Festival from November 4-8, 2026

The following awards and prizes will be awarded at the 2026 Festival. This list includes awards and prizes granted or determined by independent organizations and/or juries. Awards and prizes are subject to change:

YKIFF Audience Choice Award & Northern Filmmaker Award presented in partnership with the NWT Film Commission.

All films must be fully completed in order to screen at the 2026 festival. Works in progress can be submitted, but they will not be selected if they are not complete by the program release date (promotions begin).

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

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alice Shin

    It was truly an honour to be part of the Yellowknife International Film Festival this year with my documentary "Landscapes of Home." The festival team communicated wonderfully throughout. I’m sure the networking opportunities were fantastic, and I sincerely hope to attend in person next time!

    November 2025
  • Renate Zylla

    As a festival agent, I successfully submitted the German documentary GIRLS DON'T CRY here. 2025 was my first contact with this festival. The festival is characterized by excellent communication, friendliness, and above all, its commitment to the films selected for the program. I am very grateful for this and hope to be able to collaborate with this dedicated festival again in the future.

    November 2025
  • Tova Krentzman

    I love Yellowknife, the people and the festival. The festival hosted great workshops and events. The people who run the festival and support it were so incredibly friendly. I felt tempted to move there just to be a part of their community. I highly recommend checking out this festival and Yellowknife as well.

    December 2024
  • Michael Stasko

    Many thanks for including "Vampire Zombies...from Space!" at this year's festival! Hope to play with you again in the future!

    November 2024
  • Evan Pitt-Payne

    Great festival with a very dedicated staff.

    November 2022