Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival 2024: Full Event Schedule

You may think you know the power of cinema, but the Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival is proving that film is more than entertainment—it is a vital vessel for cultural reclamation and community healing. As British Columbia prepares for National Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival returns for its fifth annual edition, bringing a powerhouse lineup of Indigenous storytellers and visionaries to the heart of downtown Kamloops.

Scheduled to run from September 25 through September 27, this immersive three-day experience is hosted at the historic Paramount Theatre. This year’s event represents a significant milestone in the partnership between the Kamloops Film Society and the Tkʼmúplps te Secwépemc, offering a platform where the diverse voices of Indigenous communities can be heard, seen, and celebrated by a wide audience.

Whether you are a cinephile, a student of history, or a local resident looking to engage with the deep roots of the Secwépemcú7ecw region, this festival offers unparalleled access to modern Indigenous narratives. From gritty documentaries exploring food sovereignty to haunting Māori gothic horror, the 2024 lineup is designed to challenge perceptions and foster deep cross-cultural understanding through the lens of world-class filmmaking.

Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival: 2024 Event Overview

The fifth annual Stseptékwles re Sk’elép (Coyote Stories) Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival is not merely a screening series; it is a cultural intervention. By placing Indigenous filmmakers and performers at the forefront, the festival aims to dismantle colonial narratives and replace them with authentic, self-determined stories. This year, the curation committee—comprising entirely Indigenous members—has selected a wide array of genres, ensuring that the festival appeals to every demographic, from families to academic film scholars.

The opening night sets a high bar for the weekend, featuring the documentary Tea Creek. This film delves into the critical issue of food sovereignty, following the work of Jacob Beaton. To further support the cause, the festival has committed to donating one dollar from every opening night ticket to the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association. This tangible link between art and activism is a hallmark of the festival’s mission to drive real-world change within the community.

Beyond the screen, the festival serves as a hub for professional development and artistic networking. The inclusion of 20 Indigenous filmmakers and artists ensures that the Paramount Theatre will be buzzing with creative energy. Attendees have the chance to engage directly with the creators during Q&A sessions, red carpet receptions, and the newly introduced masterclasses, making this one of the most interactive cultural events in the region.

The Significance of Coyote Stories

The festival’s traditional name, Stseptékwles re Sk’elép, translates to “Coyote Stories,” a nod to the central figure of transformation and teaching in Secwépemc oral traditions. In many Indigenous cultures, Coyote is a trickster, a creator, and a messenger whose stories carry essential life lessons. By naming the festival after these oral traditions, the organizers are bridging the gap between ancient storytelling methods and the modern medium of cinema.

According to Laura Michel, an IFF committee member and KFS board member, storytelling in the Tkʼmúplps region is an essential way to share knowledge and culture. Film provides a unique opportunity for Indigenous people to see themselves reflected on the screen, which is a vital part of the healing process and identity formation for younger generations who may have felt excluded from mainstream media for decades.

Feature Films and Masterclasses: 2024 Highlights

The 2024 Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival boasts an impressive international and local reach. One of the most anticipated international entries is Mārama, directed by Taratoa Stappard, a filmmaker of Māori and British descent. This feature film is described as a Māori gothic story of retribution, following a young woman who travels to Victorian England only to discover the horrific reality of her colonial heritage. It is a stark, stylistic exploration of the global impacts of colonialism, far beyond the borders of North America.

On the local front, the documentary təm kwaθ nan (Namesake) brings the conversation back to British Columbia. Directed by tˀagəm Eileen Francis and featuring ƛɛsla Dr. Evan Adams, the film documents the City of Powell River’s struggle to reconcile with the Tla’amin Nation after a request was made to change the city’s name. This film serves as a microcosm for the larger national dialogue surrounding reconciliation, naming rights, and the recognition of Indigenous land sovereignty.

For those interested in the technical and narrative construction of these works, the festival is introducing two masterclasses. These sessions are specifically designed for aspiring and early-career filmmakers but are open to anyone curious about the craft. Taratoa Stappard will lead a session on transitioning from short films to features, while the legendary Doreen Manuel, a Secwepemc/Ktunaxa filmmaker and respected educator at Capilano University, will share her deep expertise in the industry.

Expert Take: The Rise of Indigenous Gothic Cinema

Film historians have noted a significant shift in how Indigenous creators are utilizing the “Gothic” genre to process historical trauma. By using the aesthetic of horror and retribution, as seen in Mārama, filmmakers can represent the psychological weight of colonialism in a way that traditional documentaries cannot. This “Indigenous Gothic” movement allows for a cathartic exploration of the past, turning the colonizer’s gaze back upon itself. The Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival is at the vanguard of this movement, providing a platform for these visceral, high-concept narratives that are gaining traction in global markets like the international festival circuit.

Event Logistics: Tickets, Schedule, and Pricing

To ensure the festival remains accessible to all members of the community, the Kamloops Film Society has structured a variety of pricing options. Whether you wish to attend a single screening or immerse yourself in the entire weekend, there are several ways to participate. Below is a breakdown of the 2024 festival’s core financial and scheduling details to help you plan your visit.

Ticket Category	Standard Price	Student/Senior Rate
Full Festival Pass	$55.00	N/A
Individual Movie Ticket	$16.00	$13.00
Masterclass Admission	$21.00	$21.00
KFS Member Discount	-$2.00	-$2.00

Tickets are available for purchase both online at thekfs.ca/IFF and in person at the Paramount Theatre box office. It is recommended to book in advance for high-profile events such as the opening night red carpet and the closing Two-Spirit Drag Show, as these often reach capacity early. The festival is a prime opportunity for residents to support local Indigenous culture and arts initiatives while enjoying world-class cinema.

Background and Context: Cinema as a Tool for Reconciliation

To understand the weight of the Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival, one must look at the broader historical context of Indigenous representation in Canada. For over a century, Indigenous people were largely depicted through a colonial lens, often relegated to stereotypes or secondary characters in Westerns. The shift toward Indigenous-led production companies and festivals like IFF is a relatively recent but explosive phenomenon that is redefining the Canadian cultural landscape.

This festival takes place just days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, often referred to as Orange Shirt Day. This timing is intentional. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established to honor the survivors of residential schools and their families. By showcasing Indigenous joy, resilience, and creative excellence, the festival offers a constructive path forward for the community to engage with this difficult history in a space of celebration and mutual respect.

The location of the festival is equally significant. Kamloops, or Tkʼmúplps, is a place of profound historical importance for the Secwépemc people. The partnership between the Kamloops Film Society and the Tkʼmúplps te Secwépemc ensures that the festival is grounded in the protocol and traditions of the territory. This respect for local land and leadership is what elevates the Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival from a simple arts event to a major pillar of regional reconciliation efforts.

By The Numbers: The Growing Reach of IFF

Since its inception five years ago, the festival has grown exponentially. Starting with a modest selection of local shorts, the 2024 edition now features 18 shorts and 5 feature-length films. This 300% increase in content density reflects the surging global interest in Indigenous cinema. Furthermore, the inclusion of international directors like Taratoa Stappard demonstrates that Kamloops is becoming a recognized destination for Indigenous artists worldwide. The economic impact on downtown Kamloops, particularly for the Paramount Theatre and surrounding hospitality businesses, highlights the role of arts festivals in driving regional growth.

Conclusion: The Future of Indigenous Cinema

As the curtains close on the final night of the 2024 Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival, the impact of the stories shared will continue to resonate throughout the Secwépemcú7ecw territory. This festival has successfully demonstrated that cinema is not just a reflection of reality, but a powerful tool to shape it. By highlighting the resilience of queer Indigenous youth in Starwalker and the critical importance of land stewardship in Tea Creek, the festival provides a roadmap for a more inclusive and empathetic future.

For those who attended, the experience is more than just a series of movies; it is a shared journey of learning and listening. The Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, proving that when Indigenous voices are given the platform they deserve, the entire community benefits. We encourage you to keep the conversation going long after the credits roll and to continue supporting Indigenous artists who are bravely telling the stories that need to be told.

As we look forward to next year’s Kamloops Indigenous Film Festival, the momentum is clear. Indigenous cinema is no longer a niche genre; it is a global powerhouse of innovation and truth. Whether through the lens of a camera or the words of a storyteller, the Coyote Stories of the 21st century are here to stay, ensuring that the history, culture, and future of the Tkʼmúplps te Secwépemc and Indigenous peoples worldwide remain center stage.

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