Regina International Film Festival

The Regina International Film Festival and Awards (RIFFA) is an annual Canadian film festival, staged in Regina, Saskatchewan.^[1] RIFFA is considered the largest film festival in Saskatchewan. ^[2]

Founded by John Thimothy, the event was launched in 2015, and concentrated solely on short films in its first year.^[3] It was not held in 2016, with its second iteration instead taking place in 2017,^[4] but has been staged annually since then and has expanded to include feature films.^[5]

The festival also presents an annual program of awards to the films deemed to be the best in that year's festival.^[6]

Festival format and programming

The festival typically takes place in August, with six days of online screenings followed by five days of in-person events, culminating in an awards ceremony. Screenings are held at venues such as the RCMP Heritage Centre, MacKenzie Art Gallery, and Darke Hall. RIFFA programs films across 15 categories, including:

• Canadian Feature
• International Feature
• Documentary Feature
• Indigenous Short Film
• Saskatchewan Short Film
• Animated and Student Shorts

In 2024, RIFFA received 521 submissions from 66 countries, ultimately selecting 112 films in 27 languages, including 45 directorial debuts and works by 31 female and six genderqueer or nonbinary filmmakers.^[7]

Awards and recognition

RIFFA presents awards in multiple categories, recognizing storytelling, direction, cinematography, and social impact. In 2018, the festival introduced a gender-neutral trophy and logo.^[7]

Notable films and filmmakers

RIFFA has showcased a wide range of acclaimed films, including:

• The Strangers’ Case – a refugee drama that premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and won the Amnesty International Award
• Analogue Revolution: How Feminist Media Changed the World – a Canadian documentary exploring feminist media history
• Look At Me and Daughter of the Sun – standout Canadian features from recent editions
• Short films like Still Here/Immerdar, Fear and Trembling, and Ninja Grandma also received critical acclaim and audience recognition.^[8]

Community impact and initiatives

RIFFA is operated by the RIFFA Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cinematic arts and social change. The festival supports mental health advocacy, youth education, and marginalized voices through initiatives such as:^{[citation needed][9]}

• The LOOK Program – a creative platform for individuals living with mental health challenges to express themselves through filmmaking^{[citation needed]}
• RIFFA Academy Gala – a fundraising and networking event supporting educational programming
• RIFFA Industry and Network Series – professional development events for filmmakers and creatives

RIFFA also plays a key role in nurturing Saskatchewan’s film culture year-round.^[10]

Media coverage and reception

RIFFA has received coverage from major Canadian outlets such as CBC News, 620 CKRM, and Polite Canada, with critics praising its curated programming and cultural relevance. Michael Robinson, director of the RIFFA jury, described The Strangers’ Case as “the kind of film that comes along only once in a decade,” emphasizing the festival’s role in spotlighting underseen cinematic gems.^[8]

Organizational structure and sponsors

RIFFA is managed by the RIFFA Foundation Inc., with support from local and national sponsors across Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers. The festival is powered by a team of volunteers, industry professionals, and community partners committed to advancing the arts in Saskatchewan and beyond.^[11]