The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF) is a three day event with screenings and mixers designed to provide opportunities for both local and international filmmakers to showcase their work and build contacts for future collaborations.
Ever had your films screened to empty theatres? Ever experienced going to a festival and feeling short changed? At CIFF our sole focus is the films and the filmmakers that make it possible. Our first two years saw filmmakers from as far as Mexico and Chicago to across BC descend onto Chilliwack as their films screened to eager audiences. With a heavy focus on quality films and a great vibe, we encourage filmmakers to partake in Q & As and mixers over the course of the weekend as we build relationships that last.
At CIFF you'll find a fun loving intimate atmosphere that sees filmmakers leave with plenty of new connections, experiences and friends. Our sponsors provide events and mixers every night as we provide an arena for filmmakers to screen their films in public and experience some incredible cinema from across the world.
CIFF also has a special focus on local BC filmmakers with an eye on promoting filming opportunities in the Fraser Valley. We're looking for films with a powerful story and distinct voice. Films that dare to challenge, move and inspire.
We accept Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Music Videos and Animations from emerging artists and students to established professionals. CIFF is committed to the celebration of independent film and bringing it to wider audiences.
SCRIPT TO SCREEN COMPETITION
This year we will also be hosting a Script to Screen competition (10 pages max) with the winner being announced at our fourth edition late in 2020. We will then provide guidance and in-kind support to help the winning filmmaker complete their short in time for its world premiere at the following edition of the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival. Note: The short can be about anything but must be shot in Chilliwack.
The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival runs every year in November at the Cottonwood Cinema located in the beautiful Fraser Valley.
The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival closes its final night with an illustrious award ceremony (and of course after party) to celebrate. Along with "Official Selection" laurels for your films promotional purposes, there will be awards handed out on the night for:
– Best of Fest
– Best Feature Film
– Best Short Film
– Best Documentary
- Best of BC
- Chilliwack Spirit Award (handcrafted by a local artist)
Other technical awards will be handed out for:
– Best Director
– Best Actor
– Best Actress
SCRIPT TO SCREEN WINNER
- Our panel of industry professionals will choose one short script to be developed and made into a short film. With our guidance and in-kind support from local businesses and professionals, we will help the winner take their idea to the screen. The film will premiere at the following Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (afterwards filmmakers are free to submit to freely to other festivals and retain all rights to their film). Note: Film can be about anything but must be filmed in Chilliwack/Fraser Valley.
(Note: Awards subject to change. You must be present at the ceremony to receive the physical award).