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About this Festival
The 2026 Regina International Film Festival, & Awards will take place in AUGUST 2026, with 5 days of online screenings before 5 days of in-person screenings & events, culminating in an awards ceremony. Join us as we celebrate world cinema, champion new voices, and bring you the best of Saskatchewan talent.
ABOUT RIFFA:
The Regina International Film Festival & Awards (RIFFA) is an annual Canadian film festival held in Regina, Saskatchewan and operated by the RIFFA Foundation Inc., a charitable organization dedicated to celebrating global cinema, creativity, and community engagement. Founded in 2015, RIFFA has grown to become Saskatchewan's largest film festival and is widely recognized as "The People's Festival of Canada" for its commitment to accessibility, inclusion, cultural participation, and community wellbeing.
As a Canadian Screen Awards qualifying film festival recognized by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, RIFFA serves as a platform for Canadian and international filmmakers to showcase their work while connecting audiences through the power of storytelling. Each year, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, students, and audiences through film screenings, masterclasses, industry talks, networking opportunities, and special events that foster learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
RIFFA's international programming champions diverse voices, emerging talent, and innovative storytelling from around the world. Through its film exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community outreach programs, the festival is committed to empowering marginalized communities, supporting creative expression, and inspiring meaningful dialogue. By presenting stories that challenge perspectives, celebrate human experiences, and promote understanding, RIFFA continues to use the arts as a catalyst for social change, cultural growth, and community connection.
MISSION:
"Inspire & motivate people to discover the world through the art of motion pictures''
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Submission Categories
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Rules & Terms
RIFFA 2026 SUBMISSION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Submissions to the 2026 Regina International Film Festival & Awards (RIFFA) should be made through FilmFreeway based on the following terms. Any questions about these terms can be directed to programme@riffa.ca.
ARTICLE 1 — SUBMISSION AGREEMENT
1. By submitting a film to RIFFA for the 2026 Festival, the submitter (the "Applicant") guarantees that they have obtained the necessary consent from all owners, creators, writers, producers, third parties (for licensed portions of the film, if applicable) and/or other authorized representatives of the film (the "Film Owners") and have agreed to the terms. By submitting films to RIFFA under any categories, applicants automatically agree that the "Film Owners" will be responsible for any associated legal, financial and ethical implications (claim) associated with a public exhibition at a film festival.
2. The Applicant certifies they have acquired and licensed any and all copyrighted and trademarked material used in the film from all third parties. RIFFA will not be held responsible for the use of unlicensed material in submissions, the Film Owner hereby indemnifies RIFFA for any costs or claims associated with unlicensed materials.
3. Short Film submissions must be at least a Regina Premiere, while Feature Film submissions must be at least a Saskatchewan Premiere; i.e. not have had any public screenings in these territories.
4. The festival deems as private screenings in which:
a. Tickets are not freely distributed (restricted to cast, crew, and test audience);
b. A work-in-progress was screened and
i. all parties signed confidentiality agreements;
and/or
ii. the final submission to RIFFA is significantly different to the previously screened work (e.g., fundraising work-in-progress screenings);
c. Exception is given to works that are fruit of an academic program (post-secondary bachelor's degree, diploma, certificate, or secondary education diploma) and must be screened as part of the course's requirements.
d. Any screening that is not in compliance with the above terms is considered public by RIFFA and the submission, therefore, ineligible.
5. Films that have aired on a streaming or OTT service in Canada already are ineligible.
6. RIFFA may disqualify or reject submissions that it determines are not in compliance with the above terms, and may do so without refunding submission fees.
7. If selected, the Applicant grants RIFFA a free of charge use of the "Film Deliverables" (Article 3.1) for its festival screening.
8. The determination of the private or public nature of the screening is at RIFFA’s sole discretion. RIFFA does not have a process to appeal any decision made with regard to a submission being deemed "public" and thus ineligible and RIFFA’s decision is final in all cases.
ARTICLE 2 — GENERAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION
1. Films submitted to RIFFA for Festival consideration must be entered in ONE of the categories set out below. Please read the individual category descriptions below before submitting. Films that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be considered by RIFFA.
a. CANADIAN FEATURE
Any narrative fiction film of any genre, on any subject directed by a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident of Canada and produced or co-produced in Canada. The submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction. Submissions must have a minimum running time of 50 minutes or more. Any films completed prior to May 2025 are not eligible for RIFFA's competition categories. RIFFA 2026 must be the first public screening in Saskatchewan for films in this category. Preference will be given to films with World, International or Canadian premiere status provided to RIFFA 2026. Selected films may be available-on-demand online during the festival (1-5 days).
b. INTERNATIONAL FEATURE
Any narrative fiction film of any genre, on any subject of international origin, produced and filmed outside of Canada. The submitted project must be either scripted or improvisational fiction. Submissions must have a running time of 50 minutes or more. Any films completed prior to May 2025 are not eligible for RIFFA's competition categories. Preference will be given to films with World, International or Canadian premiere status provided to RIFFA 2026. Selected films may be available-on-demand online during the festival (1-5 days).
c. DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Any documentary film (of international or Canadian origin) on any subject. Submissions must have a running time of 50 minutes or more. Entirely scripted or improvised fictionalization of actual events are not eligible in this category. If your documentary contains minimal dramatization of actual events, you may submit to this category. Any films completed prior to May 2025 are not eligible for RIFFA's competition categories. Special consideration will be given to Canadian documentary films and a select number of spots will be reserved for documentaries made by Canadian filmmakers. Preference will be given to films with World, International or Canadian premiere status provided to RIFFA 2026. Selected films may be available-on-demand online during the festival (1-5 days).
d. CANADIAN SHORT FILM
Any narrative fiction or experimental film directed by a Canadian or permanent citizen, produced or co-produced in Canada. Submissions must have a running time of 30 minutes or less, including end credits. Any films completed prior to May 2025 are not eligible for RIFFA's competition categories. Preference will be given to films with World, International, Canadian or Saskatchewan premiere status provided to RIFFA 2026. Selected films may be available-on-demand online during the festival (1-5 days).
e. INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM
Any narrative fiction or experimental film of international origin, produced and filmed outside of Canada. Submissions must have a running time of 30 minutes or less including end credits. Any films completed prior to May 2025 are not eligible for RIFFA's competition categories. Preference will be given to films with World, International, Canadian or Saskatchewan premiere status provided to RIFFA 2026. Selected films may be available-on-demand online during the festival (1-5 days).
f. DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
Any documentary short (either of international or Canadian origin) on any subject. Submissions must have a running time of 40 minutes or less, including credits. Entirely scripted or improvised fictionalization of actual events are not eligibl
Awards & Prizes
The Award Ceremony celebrates excellence in multiple categories of film worldwide.