Grand River Film Festival

Grand River Cineseries 2023-24 begins now!

A theatre of people watching a movie

Welcome To The Grand River Film Festival

Celebrating and inspiring community through the shared experience of film, the Grand River Film Festival (GRFF) hosts both an annual festival and year-round film programs dedicated to bringing bold, reflective and inspiring films to Waterloo Region (Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo).

The festival hosts local, Canadian, and international films, pairing screenings with panels consisting of directors, film professionals, local interest groups and notable guest speakers. GRFF recognizes the power of film to connect people and is thrilled to act as a vehicle for the community to build relationships and host meaningful conversations within the Waterloo Region.

Upcoming Events

GRFF isn’t just an annual festival. The Grand River Cineseries brings events to the community throughout the year. New events now announced!

Phantom of the Opera presented by the RCCO at Wesley United Church. Silent movie with live musical accompaniment

The Phantom of the Opera
In partnership with the RCCO
Oct 28, 5pm (Dinner) and 7pm (Movie)
Wesley United Church
6 Cambridge St, Cambridge, ON

Spinster movie poster, featuring Chelsea Peretti sitting with a fishbowl cocktail

Spinster
2019 Comedy
dir. Andrea Dorfman
Nov 18, 4:30pm
Princess Twin Cinemas

GRFF Coming Soon to Theatres

Save the Date
Jan 20, 2024

4th Annual YODO Contest is Open!

Grand River Film Festival is thrilled to partner once again and announce the the launch of the fourth annual Hospice of Waterloo Region short film competition!

This short film contest calls on filmmakers and storytellers to focus on death as a part of living. We want you to use your artistic expression to create a film of 5 minutes (excluding credits) in length that explores and educates others about the personal journeys through death, dying and bereavement in an authentically unique way that has a positive influence on the community. And this year we are expanding outside of Waterloo Region! We welcome filmmakers and storytellers in the Region of Wellington to also submit their proposals. Learn more about the YODO contest and how to enter.

Winners of the YODO contest, with three small movie posters: Lola's recipe, featuring a mother hugging a daughter; Free Coffee, with a man and a woman sitting drinking a coffee in front of a large window; and Gift of Life, a profile of a black woman's smiling face.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Our Festival would not be possible without the generous support of our Sponsors.

At more than any time in GRFF’s existence, the previous isolation required to survive the COVID-19 crisis made more necessary our core mission of fostering communities through the shared experience of film.

We are calling on businesses and business owners – especially those in the Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge areas – to join us in realizing that mission with our first fully in-person film festival (since COVID-19) in May and our all year programming. GRFF has a customizable sponsorship package as well as unique offerings designed to connect you and our community in unforgettable ways.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Peter West.