Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF)
Alberta's second major film festival, held annually in October in Edmonton, presenting a curated international program and supporting independent filmmaking in the Canadian Prairies.
Overview
The Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) is Alberta's second major film festival and one of Canada's respected regional events. Founded in 1999 and held annually in October in Edmonton, Alberta's capital city, the festival screens approximately 100 films over eight days and provides an important cultural platform for international cinema in the Canadian Prairies.
Edmonton's status as Alberta's capital and a major university city gives EIFF an educated, culturally engaged audience. The University of Alberta and other institutions provide a pipeline of student and emerging filmmaker talent that enriches the festival's community context.
The festival has developed particular strength in supporting Canadian and Prairie independent filmmaking alongside its international programming.
Key Sections
- Feature Film Competition -- international and Canadian features
- Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
- Short Film Programs -- competitive and curated short films
- Alberta Film Showcase -- films by Alberta-based filmmakers
- Student Films -- films by University of Alberta and other Alberta film students
What Filmmakers Should Know
EIFF accepts open submissions. For Alberta filmmakers, the festival provides regional exposure in the provincial capital. For Canadian independent filmmakers, EIFF provides a Prairies platform that reaches audiences underserved by Vancouver and Toronto-centric events.
Major Awards
- Best Feature Film -- jury prize
- Audience Award -- across categories
- Alberta Film Award
Festival History
EIFF was founded in 1999 and has operated continuously since then, building a loyal regional audience and supporting Alberta's growing film culture.
See Also
For Alberta film production, see Film Locations. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
