Kitchener-Waterloo International Film Festival (KWIFF)
KITCHENER-WATERLOO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (KWIFF)
About KWIFF
Welcome to the Kitchener-Waterloo International Film Festival (KWIFF), a dynamic celebration of cinema that brings people together through the power of storytelling. Presented by the Canadian Screen Award-qualifying Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) as part of the TINFF Ecosystem, KWIFF celebrates diverse voices while showcasing the culture, creativity, innovation, and tourism potential of the Kitchener-Waterloo Region to audiences across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada, and internationally.
KWIFF is a live international film festival dedicated to enriching, inspiring, and promoting filmmakers, artists, and audiences. Through live theatrical screenings, filmmaker Q&A sessions, industry workshops, conferences, roundtable discussions, networking events, and keynote presentations, the festival creates opportunities for Canadian and international filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and reach new audiences. While proudly representing the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, KWIFF's programming is presented across the GTA, expanding its reach while promoting the region as a vibrant destination for arts, culture, film, and tourism.
10-12 SEP|2026
Join Us
KITCHENER-WATERLOO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (KWIFF)
Our Mission
At KWIFF, our mission is to champion diverse storytelling through live cinema while creating opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work, develop professionally, and engage with audiences. We are committed to promoting creativity, cultural exchange, and meaningful dialogue while positioning the Kitchener-Waterloo Region as an emerging destination for film, arts, culture, tourism, and the creative industries.
A Showcase of Diversity
Diversity is at the heart of KWIFF. From compelling documentaries and inspiring feature films to experimental works, animation, music films, and short films, KWIFF presents an inclusive selection of multicultural stories from Canada and around the world. Our live screenings celebrate the richness of global perspectives while encouraging understanding, representation, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Engaging Experiences
Beyond the screenings, KWIFF offers a vibrant program of educational and industry events designed to inform, inspire, and connect. Filmmakers and audiences can participate in workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, networking sessions, and filmmaker Q&A sessions, creating opportunities for learning, mentorship, and meaningful industry relationships.
Celebrating Community
KWIFF is more than a film festival—it's a celebration of community, culture, and collaboration. Working alongside local businesses, tourism organizations, cultural institutions, artists, and community partners, the festival helps promote the Kitchener-Waterloo Region by bringing its stories, innovation, and creative spirit to audiences throughout the GTA and beyond. Through these partnerships, KWIFF contributes to cultural tourism, economic development, and increased visibility for the region.
KWIFF 2025 Official Screening Schedule
Screening Schedule – Thursday, September 11
Venue: Fairview Library Theater
Address: 35 Fairview Mall Dr, North York, ON M2J 4S4
KWIFF 2025 Closing Film is a Canadian feature HOME FREE
KWIFF 2025 opens with the acclaimed Canadian feature Home Free, setting the tone for a bold and diverse lineup of international and local films. This year’s program celebrates powerful storytelling and fresh voices from around the world. Visit the Screening Schedule page for full details on all featured films and screening times.
KWIFF 2025 Closing Film is the Canadian feature HOME FREE
"Herb and Audry have had a near perfect relationship for over fifty years. This anniversary, Herb has a few surprises in store for his three estranged daughters; Daisy, the youngest, Ivy, the middle child, and Rain, the eldest. Herb, having recently been diagnosed with a fatal brain tumour, announces that he is choosing to die on his own terms and is not seeking treatment. Not only that, but he wants to spend his remaining hours with them getting to know their inner most secrets and finding a way to clear the air between the three.
Join Us
Whether you're a filmmaker, industry professional, film enthusiast, or first-time festival attendee, we invite you to experience KWIFF. Join us as we celebrate outstanding cinema, discover new voices, build lasting connections, and showcase the Kitchener-Waterloo Region through the universal language of film.
Following the announcement of the Official Selections, selected films will advance to the next stage of judging, where KWIFF Festival Finalists will be announced to compete during the live festival. The names of all finalists will be published on the KWIFF website and official social media platforms.
KWIFF is an international film and music festival with an annual awards program dedicated to recognizing excellence in filmmaking while promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, multiculturalism, social justice, non-discrimination, and artistic achievement through the power of cinema.
Welcome to the Canada Black & Diversity Film (CBDF) Market Summit
Presented by the Kitchener-Waterloo International Film Festival (KWIFF) Co-presented by subsidiaries TINFF & BINFF
We are proud to introduce the inaugural edition of the CBDF Market Summit, a premier global platform celebrating the best in film, music, and the performing arts. Hosted as part of the Kitchener-Waterloo International Film Festival (KWIFF 2025), this summit brings together industry professionals, creatives, and change-makers from across the entertainment world.
Exhibitors, Workshop Presenters, Panelists
Event Dates:
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Online Edition: September 9, 2025
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In-Person Edition: September 10–11, 2025
As a special invitation, all official selections and nominees of KWIFF 2025 are welcomed to attend the Market Summit for free.
What to Expect:
The CBDF Market Summit is your gateway to invaluable industry insights, networking, and collaboration opportunities. Attendees will experience:
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Curated panels and sessions on global film production and distribution
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Industry matchmaking and networking events
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Social mixers, red carpet moments, and access to the annual awards gala
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Live conversations with top talent and thought leaders in the content ecosystem
Join Us
As one of Canada's leading festivals for diversity, inclusion, and multicultural storytelling, TINFF is proud to help spotlight global voices and connect creatives through this vibrant marketplace of ideas and opportunities.
Join us and be part of this dynamic celebration of the art and business of filmmaking on a world stage.
2025 Nominees
KWIFF 2025 Inaugural Award Nominees Announced
The Kitchener Waterloo International Film Festival (KWIFF) is proud to announce the nominees for its 2025 Inaugural Awards. This landmark moment celebrates exceptional voices in film, television, and digital media, marking a new chapter in KWIFF’s mission to spotlight global storytelling and innovation. The 2025 nominees reflect the creativity, diversity, and vision of artists from around the world.
More details on the awards ceremony and official programming will be announced soon.
KWIFF 2025 OFFICIAL SELECTION & AWARD NOMINEES
The Kitchener Waterloo International Film Festival proudly presents its 2025 Official Selection and Inaugural Award Nominees. This year’s lineup showcases bold, diverse, and visionary storytelling from across the globe — celebrating the creative voices shaping the future of film and media.
KWIFF News
Opening Night
KWIFF Opening Night kicks off in Toronto with an unforgettable evening of film, culture, and connection. Join us for a red carpet reception, the premiere screening, and a post-film Q&A with the filmmakers. Celebrate the start of the festival with artists, industry guests, and film lovers from across Ontario.
Winners
The winners of KWIFF will be revealed at the Gala Awards – a night dedicated to celebrating outstanding films and filmmakers.
Join us for a memorable evening of recognition, achievement, and cinematic excellence.
NewTrailers
Screening + Q&A Sessions
Enjoy thought-provoking films followed by in-depth Q&A sessions with filmmakers, offering exclusive insights into their creative journeys.
Market Summit
The Market Summit brings together industry experts and filmmakers for powerful networking opportunities, discussions, and collaborations in the world of independent cinema.
Festival Ticket and Pass
Get your Festival Ticket or Pass for full access to screenings, workshops, panels, and exclusive events, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Gala Awards
Join us for the KWIFF Gala Awards, a spectacular evening celebrating the best in film, where the most outstanding filmmakers and films are honored.