Kamloops Independent Short Shorts (KISS) Film Fest 2025

KISS Fest – Free Screenings


Sunday March 9th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Paramount Theatre

The KISS Film Fest is a celebration of the short film format and local filmmakers.

The Kamloops Film Society has been encouraging local filmmakers through the KISS Festival for a number of years. Talented local directors and the audience are annually treated to the excitement of seeing the 5 minute long (or shorter) films on the big screen at the Paramount Theatre (503 Victoria Street) as part of the Kamloops Film Festival held in March. Cash prizes for winners are awarded by the KISS Committee, the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission, and the Kamloops Arts Council.

This event is our way of celebrating the hard work and passion of our regional talent. Come support these films and filmmakers from our community by attending the FREE screenings. Plus, vote for the Audience Awardss Submitting Film For KISS Festival.

KISS Fest – Filmmaker Reception

Sunday, March 9th, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Paramount Theatre
Free, space limited

Come celebrate the achievements of our local filmmakers over complimentary refreshments in a relaxed social setting. It’s a great way to learn from fellow creators and spark new creative collaborations.

KISS FEST 2025

AMATEUR AWARDS

  • 1st Prize – The Travel Agency. Directed by Logan Gauley.
  • 2nd Prize – Hungry One. Directed by Chris Bose.
  • 3rd Prize – The Unholy Trade. Directed by Debleen Majumdar, Tanmita Mukherjee, Bonney Dey.
  • KAC Youth Prize – Eloise. Directed by Mirela Cardozo.

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

  • 1st Prize – The Triumph and Tragedy of Lickedy-Split. Directed by Brandon Giddens, Kazia Poore.
  • 2nd Prize – Crimson Pawprints. Directed by Christo Vutev.
  • 3rd Prize – Value of Gold. Directed by Richard Wright.
  • TNFC Award – Value of Gold. Directed by Richard Wright. (For the best representation of the TNRD.)
  • Jury – Best visual storytelling – Empty Horizon. Directed by James Twemlow.
  • Jury – Best location – Bubbles the Killer Llama. Directed by Geordie Stenner.
  • TNFC Lottery Prize – $50 (Drawn randomly from all entrants who have not won a Juried prize.)

Prizes will be awarded by the KISS Jury, assembled by the Kamloops Film Society, with the exception of the Audience Award in each category, which will be voted on by the attendees; and the TNFC Lottery Prize, which will be drawn randomly. Award sponsors include The Thompson Nicola Film Commission and the Kamloops Arts Council. If you enter your film for consideration for the Youth Prize, but the Jury awards you one of the 1st to 3rd prizes, you may be disqualified from winning the Youth Prize. Please contact us at [email protected] should you have any questions about your eligibility.

2025 Jurors

Jeff Poole – Committee Member, Thursday Film Series
Terry Hadwin – Film Commissioner, Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
Aaron Arseneau – Postie and Co-Chair, Thursday Film Series
Daniel Akinshola – Creative Consultant and Founder, Kamloops Afro Films Society.
Shay Paul – Freelance Artist, Ambush Art
Tanya Nielsen – Executive Director, Kamloops Arts Council
Sam Theriault – Programming Manager, Kamloops Film Society

OTHER INFO

Previous Winners: HERE
Filmmaking Resources: HERE
Contact: HERE