Chilliwack Film Festival 2026 Programming Lineup
Celebrating a Decade of Dreams: Chilliwack Independent Film Festival Returns
Get ready for a cinematic journey! The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF) is gearing up for its tenth anniversary, promising another spectacular run of world-class independent filmmaking later this month. From October 21 to 25, the festival will transform the home city into a vibrant hub of international storytelling, bringing over 110 films to the screen.
This year’s celebration is packed with premieres and discoveries. The lineup features a robust mix of global cinema, including 16 world premieres and 14 Canadian premieres, ensuring there is something for every cinephile. Attendees can look forward to screening compelling titles such as Wicker”>Wicker, Creep 2″>Creep 2, Send the Rain”>Send the Rain, The Debut”>The Debut, Fatherland”>Fatherland, In Alaska”>In Alaska, and The Ascent”>The Ascent, among many other hidden gems.
A particular highlight of the festival will be a special screening of Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, offering an intimate opportunity for viewers to engage directly with the creators. This special event will feature an in-person Q&A session with the talented filmmakers, Jay McCarrol and Jared Raab.
Beyond the dazzling film screenings, CIFF is dedicated to nurturing the future of Canadian independent cinema. Marking a significant new chapter, the festival will introduce the inaugural recipients of the New Wave Collective”>New Wave Collective award. This initiative is a new feature-film grant and mentorship program designed to empower Canadian filmmakers by helping them produce micro-budget features.
The mentorship component is particularly exciting, featuring established talent guiding the next wave of talent. Among the mentors this year is Mark Duplass, celebrated for his work on the acclaimed indie horror film Creep”>Creep, offering invaluable guidance to emerging storytellers.
The festival isn’t just about watching movies; it’s about building a community. CIFF will also serve as a dynamic marketplace for industry professionals, hosting a rich schedule of filmmaker events, workshops, pitch sessions, and crucial networking opportunities. It is an essential gathering place for those who make movies.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate a decade of creativity and witness the exciting stories emerging from around the globe. Find full details about the schedule and how to secure your tickets via the festival’s official site.