Mirror Mountain Film Festival brings the best in independent, alternative and underground cinema to Canada’s capital. We are a diverse and inclusive festival that welcomes all types of films and all types of people to share in the collective cinema experience. Our mission is to promote unique and original creative voices from the Ottawa-Gatineau region and from around the world. Mirror Mountain showcases innovative, groundbreaking and unconventional films in a wide variety of genres, including drama, documentary, animation, experimental, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, dance and music videos. In addition to film screenings, the festival features engaging, community-oriented activities such as live performances, hybrid media presentations, interactive exhibits, parties, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and more. Our events aim to connect filmmakers both with audiences and with one another, and to support artists through educational and professional development opportunities.

Why should I submit?

1. Free festival pass for all filmmakers who submit

Everyone who submits a film to Mirror Mountain, regardless of whether or not it is selected, gets a free pass to attend the entire festival.

2. Free submissions for alumni

If you directed a film that was officially selected to screen in a previous edition of Mirror Mountain, you can submit again at no cost.

3. Your money back

If your film is officially selected to screen in the festival, we’ll reimburse your original submission fee.

4. Fewer restrictions

We have no premiere or completion date requirements. Your film is still eligible even if it has screened in the Ottawa region before, has distribution, has been broadcast on television, or is available to view online.

5. We pay artist fees

If your film is officially selected to screen in the festival, you will also receive an artist fee to thank you for letting us screen your work.

6. Stay in the loop

After you submit your film, you’ll get a notification from the festival to confirm we’ve received your application. Later, you’ll receive a notification informing you of the results, regardless of whether or not your film was selected.

7. Awards for winning filmmakers

Awards are given out in several categories after the completion of the festival. Award winners receive a certificate and a selection of prizes donated by our sponsors.

8. Canadian Screen Award-qualifying

Mirror Mountain is an official qualifying festival for the Canadian Screen Awards as selected by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

9. Friendly and alternative atmosphere

As a community of filmmakers and artists, we strive to cultivate a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where creators and audience members from diverse artistic and cultural backgrounds can come together and grow through shared work and conversation.