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Film Fest back in Okanagan after nearly 10 years
The revived event drew about 150 submissions from 20 countries and will add a first-ever co-production market for filmmakers.
After an almost 10-year hiatus, the Okanagan International Film Festival returns Oct. 15-18, celebrating Canadian, international, and Indigenous films under new leadership.
The Okanagan has emerged as a major production hub in recent years, hosting projects like Fido, Until Branches Bend, Tracker, and Stick, prompting the festival's revival.
Film and new media generated $227.5 million in economic output for Kelowna, according to the Creative Sector Economic Impact Report, while the festival received approximately 150 submissions from 20 countries.
Screenings occur at Landmark Cinemas in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Penticton, and the Galaxy theatre in Vernon, while The Festival hosts its first-ever "co-production market" for international collaboration.
OKIFF director Damon Gregory said, "It is the right time to bring back an international film festival," aiming to connect local talent with industry leaders to strengthen the regional creative economy.