Event Details

KCFF was launched in 2001 by Alex Jansen, then a film student at Queen’s University.

It began as a three-day event at the Screening Room Movie Theatre, a two screen repertory cinema which Jansen was managing at the time. Fifteen of the twenty original screenings sold out.

In 2002, the festival added a second venue, increased the number of screenings substantially and added a fourth day to the event, becoming the largest showcase of feature films from across Canada.

Over the years the festival has continued to develop, launching the Local Filmmaking Initiative to provide educational and networking opportunities for local filmmakers, presenting a high school outreach program, guaranteeing the inclusion of French language films at each festival, and adding retrospective screenings and a Master class.

2014 was a strong year as the KCFF festival broke attendance and box office records. This is exciting news as the KCFF prepares for an important milestone year in 2015: the 15th anniversary celebration!

This application is for “the 25th Anniversary of the Kingston Canadian Film Festival”, taking place February 26 to March 2, 2025. The 25th Anniversary Festival will include over 70 screenings of 35 to 40 new Canadian feature films, four distinct short film programs, workshops, receptions, awards ceremonies, industry guest appearances, and special events that connect film to television, music, comedy, and interactive gaming. Most events are ticketed, but workshops, outreach and a selection of films are offered free of charge to keep the Festival accessible and to welcome as many newcomers as possible.

Programming details include:

(1) An “In Conversation With…” Series at the 775-seat Regina Rosen auditorium featuring Mark McKinney, Sarah Polley, Rachel McAdams, and Denis Villeneuve (all TBC);

(2) “Feature Film Program”: the Festival will showcase 25-35 films exhibited over the course of 70+ screenings;

(3) “French Film Program”: between five and seven titles with translated film synopses;

(4) “Industry Day”: This program provides workshops, master classes and career events led by film industry professionals;

(5) “Local Shorts Programs”: a dedicated showcase of the works of local filmmakers that includes a dedicated “Youth Shorts Program” for local secondary school students, and a screening of the work of participants of an “18 MM Program”, a free year-long youth filmmaking workshop; and

(6) “Multidisciplinary Programming”: multidisciplinary programming related to film, like live music, stand-up comedy, and hands-on storyboarding workshops.