The Locals Film Contest is a key event of the Sun Peaks Festival!
Two categories & endless creativity. Pick your style and jump in.
Locals Night is a signature event of the Sun Peaks Festival, celebrating storytelling, creativity, and the unique perspectives within our community. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker, an emerging creator, or someone with a great story to share, this festival is your opportunity to shine.
This year’s festival features two creative categories: the Short Film Showcase (2–15 minutes) and the 60-Second Shredit. Both celebrate story first—your ability to capture attention, evoke emotion, and leave an impact.
Join us after the screenings for an after-party to keep the celebration going.
Read on for full category details, submission deadlines, and everything you need to know.
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Overview
Create a short film between 2 and 15 minutes on any topic, from any place. Your film does not have to be about Sun Peaks. What matters most is story—your unique take on a moment, a person, an idea, or an experience.Story Guidelines
Capture our interest with a strong concept.
Pace your story to keep us engaged.
Deliver a clear, meaningful ending.
Consider showcasing the beauty of the world around you—Sun Peaks or beyond.
Technical Requirements
Format: Horizontal, 1080p minimum
Use any equipment: phones, GoPros, DSLRs, mirrorless, or cine cameras
Focus on a clean, easy-to-watch edit rather than fancy gear.
Clear audio with no copyrighted music unless you have rights
Prizes:
Prizes and recognition will be awarded in the following categories:Best Overall Film
Audience Choice Award
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A fast, creative challenge designed to test your storytelling skills within one minute.
Film Length
Maximum: 60 seconds (including titles and credits)
Minimum: 45 seconds
Theme
Films must interpret the annual theme: Connection
Technical Specs
Format: MP4 or MOV
Resolution: 1080p preferred (720p minimum)
Orientation: Landscape (16:9) unless otherwise approved
Clear audio with no copyrighted music unless you have rights
Prizes
Prizes and recognition will be awarded in the following categories:Best Overall Film
Youth Award (8-16yr)
Audience Choice Award
All Categories:
Submission Requirements
Deadline: January 2, 2026
Include all participant names, supporters, funders, and filming locations
Limit: 1-2 submissions per filmmaker/team
Our festival is rooted in community storytelling and celebrates films created at a grassroots level. To keep the competition fair, only films made without outside funding or professional production services are eligible for prizes. However, we warmly welcome all films—funded or not—for non-competitive screening as part of the showcase.
Filmmakers must reside within 100 km radius of Sun Peaks
Content Guidelines
Must be suitable for a general audience (PG)
No hate speech, discrimination, or explicit content
Culturally respectful storytelling required
Indigenous themes must be approached respectfully and with permission where needed
Originality & Permissions
Must be an original film
No recycled footage unless you own it
AI tools may be used if disclosed and not replacing core creative work
All actors, locations, and collaborators must provide permission
By submitting, filmmakers grant permission for screening and promotional use
Helpful Tips
Outline your story in bullet points before filming
Use a storyboard if you're a visual planner
Collaborate with other local creatives
Reuse your own archived footage if it fits
“Done is better than perfect”—start early
Judging Criteria
The judging panel will score submissions on the following criteria:
Storytelling clarity and impact
Creativity and originality
Cinematography and sound quality
Effective use of the theme (60-second category)
Emotional resonance
