This is a festival with a rich history and a loyal following of thousands that continues to grow with each passing year.  Previously branded ‘Local Heroes’, festivities took place each March.  Known as the Edmonton International Film Festival since 2004, and moved to a new autumn timeslot – when Mother Nature is much kinder – the festival is now in-line with the existing Canadian film circuit, making accessibility to films (and filmmakers)a whole lot easier. 

All film festivals are in heavy competition with each other to woo the world’s top filmmakers to their event and Edmonton is no exception.  So we’ve decided to do it one filmmaker at a time.  Over the years we’ve brought in John Waters, Norman Jewison, Arthur Hiller, Werner Herzog, Don McKellar, Jorgen Leth and Deepa Mehta to name a few.  Over twenty-five short filmmakers visit the festival annually as well.  And the comment we hear most often is that ours is among the warmest, friendliest, best-organized film festivals they’ve ever attended.  EIFF organizers are committed to making each and every guest filmmaker  -- whether they’re presenting a feature-length film or a short --  feel like gold.   And it’s working. 

Whatever the genre, we search the world over for the most highly entertaining films that exhibit great storytelling qualities.