Industry Events + Schedule
(Virtual Industry Events)
(In-Person Industry Events)
Connect, collaborate, + create at the 6th edition of the Abbotsford Film Festival’s industry events. Designed for filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters, these sessions offer engaging panels, practical workshops, and networking opportunities with leading voices in film and media. Whether you're breaking into the industry or looking to take your next big step, AFF’s industry events are where creative careers begin and grow.
Industry Schedule Below.
Wednesday September 3rd
How To Make Short Films That Get Into Festivals
6pm @ Virtual Panel
Kicking off our industry events is this virtual panel free to all! Every year, thousands of short films are submitted to festivals around the world—but only a small percentage make the cut. What separates the films that get in from the ones that don’t? How can emerging filmmakers increase their chances of standing out in an increasingly competitive field?
Learn the inside scoop on what programmers look for when curating their lineups at some of the most successful festivals in BC as we explore key elements that make a short film festival-worthy. Hear directly from the Co-Festival Director of Run N Gun, the Director of Programming for the Vancouver Short Film Festival, and the Festival Director of the Kelowna Independent Film Festival, guest moderated by the Co-Founder and CEO of Toronto's own Future of Film Showcase.
Friday September 5th
How To Pitch Your Feature Film
5pm @ Virtual Panel
An informative panel on how to craft + develop your pitch for your feature film. Learn from Telefilm Talent To Watch nominee Tanya Jade, the winner of the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival’s PITCH SESSIONS in 2024, as she discusses her methods + process when pitching her films.
Taking Place At The Reach
Saturday September 6th
Storytelling On Screen
(Workshop)
12pm @ The Reach
In the world of filmmaking, every frame tells a story — but how do you craft a compelling narrative that resonates from the page to the screen?
Led by industry professionals, Abbotsford's own Colla Films, this workshop will examine how storytelling decisions evolve throughout each stage of production.
Storytelling on Screen is an immersive workshop designed for filmmakers, writers, and editors who want to deepen their understanding of visual storytelling. From the initial spark of a script to the final cut in the editing room, this session explores the creative and technical journey that transforms an idea into a powerful cinematic experience.
Documentary + Commercial Filmmaking
(Workshop)
2pm @ The Reach
Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard lighting, camera techniques, and storytelling strategies.
Learn from seasoned filmmakers, enhance your visual style, and develop production-ready skills that will enable you to tell the stories you want. Ideal for aspiring creators seeking practical training and real-world insights into film production and visual storytelling.
Presented by one of Abbotsford’s original production companies Cassiar Film Co, this hands-on workshop dives into the craft of documentary and commercial filmmaking — and the powerful space where the two intersect. Whether you’re telling real stories or building branded content, this session is designed to give filmmakers practical tools and on-the-ground techniques to elevate their work.
How To Make Films Look Big Budget
(Panel)
4pm @ The Reach
Creating a cinematic masterpiece doesn’t always require a Hollywood-sized budget—just the right tools, techniques, and creativity.
In this insightful panel, seasoned filmmakers and industry professionals will break down the secrets behind making indie films look like million-dollar productions. From lighting hacks and camera tricks to strategic location scouting and post-production finesse, attendees will learn how to elevate production value without breaking the bank.
Join us for a candid, inspiring conversation that proves great cinema isn't defined by budget—it's driven by vision, skill, and innovation. Perfect for emerging filmmakers, students, and creators looking to punch above their weight in visual impact.
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How To Make Short Films That Get Into Festivals
Virtual Panel
Featuring Run N Gun, VSFF + Kelowna Independent Film Festival -
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How To Pitch Your Feature Film
Virtual Panel
Featuring Tanya Jade -
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Storytelling On Screen
Workshop
Hosted by Colla Films -
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Documentary + Commercial Filmmaking
Workshop
Hosted by Cassiar Film Co -
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How To Make Films Look Big Budget
Panel
Featuring Josh Aries, Phil Planta + Brendan Taylor
