Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF)
Alberta's most important film festival, held annually in October in Edmonton, presenting competitive international and Canadian cinema to one of Canada's most culturally ambitious prairie cities.
Overview
The Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) is Alberta's most important film festival. Founded in 1998 and held annually in October in Edmonton, the festival presents competitive international and Canadian cinema to one of Canada's most culturally ambitious prairie cities.
Edmonton's identity as Alberta's capital and a city with an extraordinary arts and festival culture -- home to one of the world's most prestigious fringe theatre festivals and a thriving street performance and arts scene -- gives the film festival a receptive cultural environment. The city's long winter provides powerful motivation for indoor cultural activities, and cinema has flourished in this context.
Alberta's oil wealth and its complex relationship with environmental politics give the festival a distinctive context for films addressing energy, environment, and Indigenous land rights.
Key Sections
- International Competition -- films competing for jury prizes
- Canadian Films -- new Canadian features and shorts
- Alberta Film -- films by Alberta-based filmmakers
- Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
- Short Film Competition -- competitive short programs
What Filmmakers Should Know
EIFF accepts open submissions. For Alberta filmmakers, the festival provides the most important provincial platform. For Canadian filmmakers, Edmonton provides an important prairie market alternative to the Toronto and Montreal-dominated Canadian festival circuit.
Major Awards
- Best Film -- jury prize
- Best Canadian Film
- Best Alberta Film
- Audience Award
Festival History
EIFF was founded in 1998 and has grown into Alberta's most respected film event.
See Also
For Canadian cinema, see International Film Markets. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
