The film industry continues to grow in the Okanagan and a new marquee event in Kelowna will show that off in a major way.

At this past weekend’s Okanagan TV & Film Industry Forum, organizers revealed plans to launch the Kelowna International Film Festival (KIFF).

Dubbed a “landmark cultural event” for British Columbia, the inaugural KIFF is scheduled to make its debut in October 2026.

A kickoff One Year Out celebration will be held in Kelowna on Oct. 18, 2025.

Photo Credit: Contributed

“This is a natural next step for a region experiencing unprecedented growth in film and television production,” said Damon Gregory, one of the festival’s lead organizers.

Gregory will be joined by co-organizers Dalias Blake and Shannon Owens, while Kelowna Film Studios owner James Alton and FanCon founder Norm Coyne will pitch in as well.

According to Coyne, the KIFF will be a “premier, week-long cinematic event designed to spotlight the Okanagan region on the global stage.”

Attendees can expect a range of programming that includes film screenings, industry workshops, expert panels and a red carpet awards gala.

It will offer both emerging and established creators a platform to connect with audiences and industry professionals.

People can stay up to date with the KIFF as it develops, including information on the One Year Out celebration and early ticket opportunities, by clicking this link.