The Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards (SIFA) are designed to showcase and celebrate films made by Saskatchewan independent filmmakers. The tenth annual event will take place on Saturday, November 25th, 2023 in Regina, Saskatchewan, on Treaty 4 Territory.

SIFA is presented by the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative, a non-profit, artist-run centre supporting and assisting independent, visionary, film production in Saskatchewan.

Awards & Prizes

All award winners will receive a $250 cash prize and trophy at the award ceremony.

Best Short
To qualify for this category, projects must not exceed 50 minutes. A web-series with a total running time of under 50 minutes is eligible in this category.

Best Long-Form
To qualify for this category, a film or web-series must be over 50 minutes.

Best Student Film
To qualify for this category, the director must be a current post-secondary student.

Best Music Video
To qualify for this category, the director must have retained creative control of the work. Submissions must include proof that the musician(s) have permitted the submission, and that the director had creative control over the music video.

Best Performance
This award is given to an outstanding performance by on-screen talent in a submitted film. All nominated films will be considered for this award.

Best Technical Achievement
This award recognises achievement in the technical aspects of a nominated film, including cinematography, sound design, editing, and post-production. All nominated films will be considered for this award.

Audience Choice
The recipient of this award is chosen by the audience on the evening of the awards ceremony.

Best Youth Film Award
Open to filmmakers ages 18 and under. Young filmmakers who participated in the Filmpool’s summer youth program, YFAIR, are strongly encouraged to apply!

Best Experimental Moving Image Award
Films submitted in this category can range from video art and expanded cinema to experimental short films, or any other type of moving image.

Trudy Stewart Award for Indigenous Filmmaker
The Trudy Stewart Award is named after our late great member, Trudy Stewart as an extension of our Trudy Stewart Prize we offer every spring. This award is open to Indigenous filmmakers at any stage of their career. All eligible submitted films can be considered for this award.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility
• The Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards are only open to Saskatchewan residents living in the province for one year or longer, and Saskatchewan Filmpool members living outside of the province who have held membership for at least one year.
• Jury preference will be given to independent productions that reflect the Filmpool's mandate.
• The term “Independent” is defined as a project in which the filmmaker retains 100% creative control.
• Projects in all genres are eligible (i.e. documentary, dramatic, experimental, animation, etc.).
• Projects must have been completed in the past three years and not have been submitted to any previous SIFA.
• Long-form projects are not eligible for the Audience Choice award.

All submissions MUST INCLUDE:
- a short synopsis
- a still image from the film
- a short bio of the filmmaker
- a screening quality video file or downloadable link
- a trailer (30 seconds - 2 minutes)
- due to limitations of the FilmFreeway platform, web-series submissions can only submit a single episode. Links to 2 additional episodes must be provided, in order for the jury to properly assess the project.
-submissions in the Music Video category must be able to provide proof that the director retains creative control of the music video, and that the musician(s) involved have permitted the project to be submitted.

By submitting, the filmmaker warrants that they are the rightful owner of the submission (or have the permission of the copyright owner) and do not violate or infringe on any trademark, trade name, copyright, literary, dramatic, musical, artistic or other intellectual property or personal rights.
Nominated films will be selected by the Jury.
By submitting your film, you are agreeing to allow the Filmpool and its affiliates to screen your film (in-person, and/or online) as part of the SIFA event, as well as use footage and stills in promotional material for the Filmpool and SIFA screening.
All submitted films may also be considered for future Filmpool screenings.
All SIFA awards will be given at the discretion of the SIFA Committee based on submissions received.
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  • narges rezaian

    Such a great experience and a fun night! Thanks to all SIFFA team.

    April 2024
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  • Marcel Petit

    Great Festival Great time Great Films

    December 2023
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  • Esperanza Sanchez Espitia

    Great Festival!
    I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary effort and dedication that went into organizing the recent Saskatchewan Independent Film Awards. From the meticulous planning to the seamless execution, it was evident that a tremendous amount of hard work and passion went into making the festival a resounding success. The attention to detail was truly commendable, and every aspect, from the lineup of the hostess, the ASL interpreters, collecting subtitles and closed captions to make Saskatchewan film as accessible to as many audiences, to the ambiance of the venue, reflected a commitment to excellence.
    The opportunity to witness such a diverse display of talent was both inspiring and humbling. Thank you for creating an unforgettable experience and providing a platform for artists to shine. Being a part of this prestigious festival was an absolute honor. Bravo, shimby, Hilarey, and Calic, awesome work!
    Best regards, Esperanza Sanchez Espitia

    December 2023
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  • Michelle Grodecki

    A great local festival. The organizers are ahead of the game in terms of accessibility. Without needing to be asked, they booked ASL interpreters knowing there would be several Deaf people in attendance. Thank you to Shimby and crew for a stellar award show!

    December 2023
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  • Marzia Kamyabi-Chambers

    Great experience! Highly recommended to any emerging filmmaker!

    June 2021
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