Canada’s independent film scene is getting ready for an exciting 2025. Many indie film festivals will show new talent and great stories from across the country.
Filmmakers in Canada are finding their own unique style in the world of movies. These festivals will highlight diverse stories and give a stage for both local and international creators.
The first festival of the year is the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF), running from February 26 to March 2 in Kingston, Ontario.
This is the largest festival in the world that is only about Canadian movies. The event will take place at the Broom Factory and will feature a mix of feature films, short films, and documentaries.
There will also be workshops and networking events to celebrate and connect local filmmakers.
In March, the Canadian Film Festival (CFF) will take place in Toronto from March 24 to 29, at locations that are yet to be announced. This festival is known for supporting indie filmmakers and will include different types of films, from comedies to thrillers.
CFF also focuses on helping filmmakers develop professionally with its Industry Series. The organizers expect many film lovers to attend, continuing its tradition of connecting audiences with Canadian talent.
In April, the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) is set for April 17 to 27 at Globe Cinema in Calgary, Alberta. This festival is known for showing bold and varied films, including many unique indie movies from around the world.
Festival Director Brenda Lieberman has promised an “absurd and unforgettable” lineup that will attract those looking for unusual storytelling.
Also in April, the Toronto Independent Film Festival (T.O. Indie) will focus on filmmakers with small or no budgets. The exact dates are still to be confirmed, but it usually happens in late spring or early fall.
This festival, held at Paradise Cinema, is important for new talent to connect with industry professionals, providing a grassroots option compared to larger festivals like TIFF.
In the west, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)—one of the largest in Canada—will take place in late September to early October, but the exact dates for 2025 will be announced later.
VIFF aims to showcase Canadian and Indigenous filmmakers and will also highlight East Asian cinema, drawing movie lovers to the West Coast for its diverse presentations.
Other important festivals include the Montreal Independent Film Festival (MIFF), which will hold its event in March at Cinema du Parc, and the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, scheduled for June 3 to 8 in Toronto, focusing on Indigenous film content.
Both aim to lift up voices that are often not heard, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to telling inclusive stories.
Experts say that the 2025 indie festival circuit shows a growing demand for genuine, homegrown stories as the film world recovers from the pandemic.
With online and in-person screenings, these festivals are set to reach more audiences while nurturing a new generation of Canadian filmmakers.
