Okanagan International Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 15 October 2026      Festival end: 18 October 2026

Okanagan International Film Festival (OKIFF) is dedicated to bringing the world to the Okanagan through film and sharing that experience with the community that calls it home. This will be a Gathering of Cinema, Culture and Creativity.

Set in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, OKIFF curates a dynamic selection of international and Canadian independent cinema, showcasing bold storytelling across narrative, documentary, short-form, and experimental categories. The festival is built on the belief that film connects cultures, sparks conversation, and strengthens community.

Within the festival is the Okanagan TV &Film Industry Forum. Through screenings, filmmaker Q&As, masterclasses with industry leaders, workshops and community-driven events, OKIFF creates space for global voices to meet local audiences, fostering meaningful dialogue between creators and viewers alike.

OKIFF is not only a platform for filmmakers, but a cultural bridge, expanding perspectives while cultivating a vibrant and growing film community in Western Canada.

Okanagan International Film Festival (OKIFF)


Rules & Terms

1. General Eligibility

All genres are accepted unless otherwise specified within category descriptions.

Non-English language films must include English subtitles.

Films previously submitted to OKIFF may not be resubmitted unless a new cut has been completed.


2. Submission Categories

Narrative Feature (40+ minutes)

Documentary Feature (40+ minutes)

Narrative Short (under 40 minutes)

Documentary Short (under 40 minutes)

Experimental / Art Film

Student Film

Canadian Film

BC Films

International Film


3. Premiere Status

OKIFF does not require premiere status; however, premiere screenings (Okanagan, BC, Canadian, or World) will be given priority consideration.


4. Screening Format

Selected films must provide:

A high-quality digital screening file (ProRes 422 HQ preferred)

Or DCP (if available)

Backup H.264 file may be requested

Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring playback compatibility.


5. Rights & Permissions

By submitting, the filmmaker confirms that:

They hold all necessary rights, clearances, and permissions for exhibition.

All music, images, and third-party materials are properly licensed.

The festival is indemnified against any copyright or legal claims.

OKIFF is not responsible for any unauthorized use of submitted materials.


6. Promotional Use

By submitting, the filmmaker grants OKIFF permission to:

Use film stills, trailers, and excerpts (up to 60 seconds) for promotional purposes

Promote selected films across OKIFF website, social media, and press materials

Full films will never be shared publicly without written consent.


7. Selection & Notification

All submissions are reviewed by OKIFF programming staff and jurors.

Selected filmmakers will be notified via Festhome.

Programming decisions are final.


8. Attendance

Filmmakers are encouraged but not required to attend.
Q&A participation (in person or virtual) may be requested.


9. Refund Policy

Submission fees are non-refundable.


10. Festival Authority

OKIFF reserves the right to:

Reassign films to appropriate categories

Disqualify entries that do not meet eligibility criteria

Make necessary schedule changes


11. AI Transparency & Disclosure

OKIFF recognizes the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in film production, including its use in writing, visual effects, editing, sound design, animation, and post-production workflows.

Filmmakers must disclose the use of AI-generated content if:

AI was used to generate significant narrative elements (e.g., screenplay, dialogue, story structure)

AI was used to generate primary visual or audio performances (e.g., synthetic actors, voice replication, deepfake likenesses)

AI was used to replicate or simulate identifiable individuals (living or deceased)

The use of AI as a production tool (e.g., rotoscoping, upscaling, noise reduction, VFX assistance, color grading, editing tools) does not require disclosure unless it materially affects authorship or performance.

All AI usage must comply with:

Applicable copyright laws

Performer consent requirements

Likeness and image rights laws

Union and guild regulations where applicable

OKIFF reserves the right to request clarification regarding AI usage and may disqualify submissions that violate legal or ethical standards.