Experience the 7th edition of the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival in-person November 17-19 at the Cottonwood Cinema. Explore the schedule below to see each screening block and purchase your tickets today.
Join filmmaker and Future of Film Showcase CEO Eric Bizzarri as he shares his journey in the film industry, from his beginnings to leading a renowned platform for emerging creators. This talk dives into navigating the film festival circuit, refining pitching techniques, and understanding diverse directing styles. Tailored for up-and-coming filmmakers, it offers essential insights and strategies to elevate their craft and succeed in a competitive industry. Following the talk will be time for questions
Want to learn the secrets behind selling your independent feature film? Discover the ins and outs of marketing + selling feature films from leading industry experts. Featuring representatives from Elevation Pictures (Anora, The Brutalist), The Coven (Terrifier 3), + filmmaker Reese Eveneshen, whose feature "FOR THE SAKE OF VICIOUS" was a Shudder Exclusive.
Ever wondered how top festivals select and program feature films? Peek behind the curtain as we look to eliminate gatekeeping once and for all. Learn the inside track on what makes feature films “hit” by leading experts from Academy Award Qualifying film festivals such as, the Toronto International Film Festival, Calgary International Film Festival + Slamdance. Discover through the lens of top film festival directors and programmers the do’s and don’ts of making a feature film, the decision making processes that go into programming, + how best to ensure you make a feature that will explode on the festival circuit.
A fireside talk with the mind behind one of the biggest films of the year, "LONGLEGS". Writer-Director Osgood Perkins discusses the creative processes behind "LONGLEGS" + its journey from script to screen, directing Nicolas Cage in a career defining performance, + what the future holds.
Ever wondered how to pitch your own feature film projects? Come watch our final 10 teams pitch their feature films, live in front of a studio audience, for a chance at becoming our Telefilm Talent To Watch Nominee + $250,000 in funding for their first feature film. Each team will pitch their film + receive feedback afterwards. The perfect opportunity to learn how to pitch your own projects in the future.
Understanding how to pitch your feature film + the methods behind selling it to markets is one of the best important skills as a filmmaker... so how do you do it? Industry expert Anelle Dehghani, Head of Sales at The Coven + the team behind the No 1 domestic hit Terrifier 3, discusses the art of pitching your film, selling + marketing your film internationally, + getting the attention of producers and distribution companies from across the world.
Learn how to take the next steps in your career + progress from shorts to feature films. Avoid making costly mistakes + discover the best methods to take the leap from shorts to features from award winning filmmakers that have done it. Featuring Blumhouse director, Gigi Saul Guerrero, with several feature films + a host of award winning shorts under her belt, Jason Karman, whose debut Telefilm funded feature "GOLDEN DELICIOUS" had an incredible global festival run, + Lawrence Lam, whose debut Telefilm funded feature film CHINATOWN DINER is deep into post production.
So your short film finished its festival run... now what? Learn from industry experts on what to do with your short films, the best methods in marketing them + how to get your shorts on platforms to ensure they find audiences long after the festival screenings finish. No more uploading to YouTube from this point forward.
Our first "Craft In Focus" panel shines a light on arguably one of the most important and unique aspects of filmmaking... the editing process. Aka "Sculpting in Time". What makes the final picture, what ends up on the cutting room floor + the infinite choices in between are overwhelming for most. Our panel of experienced editors from the biggest films of the year, "LONGLEGS" + "HERETIC", reveal their techniques + processes, how they collaborate with directors, + how to overcome those seemingly insurmountable challenges in post-production.