GRFF#2024 submissions are now closed

Thanks to everyone who submitted. Our Programming Committee is reviewing all the incredible films we received
and will be making their final decisions later this winter. You will hear from us soon.

Grand River Film Festival proudly accepts entries on FilmFreeway, the world’s #1 way to enter film festivals and creative contests.

Click to submit on FilmFreeway

Please direct questions regarding submissions to GRFF’s Programming Committee.

Submissions

GRFF will once again be presenting independent feature length (longer than 30 minutes) and short (30 minutes or less) films from Waterloo Region and beyond. Filmmakers who are accepted will be invited to introduce their film and answer questions from the festival audience, if they are able to attend the festival.

Exhibiting these films at GRFF provides opportunities for the general public to see a variety of films which may not receive mass distribution, and for independent filmmakers to reach new audiences and explore new opportunities for distribution.

The programming committee will give all submissions equal weight and consideration, though films by/featuring female, black, Indigenous, persons of colour, and minority voices are of particular interest.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING NOTE: This year, due to a partnership with the Hospice of Waterloo Region, we are looking to choose one film on the subject of death and dying. Said film would ideally have a positive message to impart on this theme.

Local Films

GRFF celebrates and champions local filmmakers from the Waterloo Region. Local films have no submission fee.

Feature Films

GRFF showcases several feature films each year at its main festival. GRFF accepts films that have not had a wide release theatrically or virtually. For the main festival, our primary focus is on narrative features, but documentaries will be considered. We accept films from all over the globe, though a preference is given to Canadian films.

Short Films

GRFF showcases short film programmes each year at its main festival. GRFF accepts films that have not had a wide release theatrically or virtually. We accept short films from all over the globe, though a preference is given to Canadian films.

Indigenous Filmmakers

GRFF celebrates the works of Indigenous filmmakers across Turtle Island and around the world. Films by Indigenous artists have no submission fee.