Industry Training and Networking Opportunities Return to Kamloops Film Festival with Learn About Film and KISS Fest – The Kamloops Film Society
February 25, 2026
The 30th annual Kamloops Film Festival continues its industry programming with the return of Learn About Film (LAF), a two-day seminar taking place Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 2026. Now in its third year, the event is presented by the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission in collaboration with the Kamloops Film Society, with sessions hosted at the Paramount Theatre and Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops.
Learn About Film connects early- and mid-career filmmakers from across British Columbia’s Interior with industry experts, helping participants build practical skills, expand professional networks, and access new career pathways while strengthening the region’s storytelling capacity and film workforce. The program includes hands-on workshops, panel discussions, one-on-one networking opportunities with speakers, and industry receptions designed to foster meaningful connections.
Registration is intentionally priced to remain accessible, ensuring more regional creators can participate without the significant travel costs often required to attend industry training in larger centres.
“Filmmakers in our region often have to travel to Vancouver or beyond to access professional development and industry connections,” said Terri Hadwin, Film Commissioner, Thompson-Nicola Film Commission. “By bringing experienced professionals to Kamloops, we’re reducing those barriers and creating opportunities for local creators to learn, connect, and advance their careers right here at home.”
“We’re proud to continue offering meaningful industry programming as part of the festival experience,” said Colette Abbott, Executive Director of the Kamloops Film Society. “Learn About Film creates space for emerging and mid-career filmmakers to gain practical knowledge, build relationships, and see a pathway forward in the industry, while also strengthening the creative community in our region.”
Learn About Film is supported through grant funding from Creative BC, with the evening Industry Reception sponsored by IATSE Local 891 and the Canadian Media Producers Association / ACTRA.
Featured Speakers Include:
– Mathew Parry – Manager, Creative Industry Programs, Creative BC
– Karen Lam – Award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter (Mrs. Chang’s Perfect Teeth, screening at KFF March 14, before Sirāt)
– Patric Caird – Multi-award-winning composer (The Collector, The Dead Zone)
– Jenn Strom – Filmmaker, editor, and animator (The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes, screening at KFF March 6, with post-film discussion)
– Kevin Eastwood – Award-winning filmmaker and producer (The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes, screening at KFF March 6, with post-film discussion)
– Kat Montagu – Writer, producer, story editor, and instructor at Vancouver Film School
– Michelle Muldoon – Independent filmmaker presenting on crowdfunding (Unfrayed, screening at KFF March 7, before Reflection in a Dead Diamond)
Learn About Film Tickets:
1-Day Pass: $35
2-Day Pass: $50
*Lunch included
Kamloops Independent Short Shorts (KISS) Fest
Festival goers and industry guests are encouraged to attend the FREE Kamloops Independent Short Shorts (KISS) Fest on Sunday, March 8 (3:00–5:00 pm), followed by a Filmmaker Reception (5:00–6:00 pm) at the Paramount Theatre. The showcase celebrates filmmaking talent from the Thompson-Nicola region with films up to five minutes in Youth, Amateur, and Professional categories, with cash awards presented by the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission and Kamloops Film Society. New this year, one filmmaker will receive a $2,000 scholarship to the Centre for Arts and Technology.
Reserve your free KISS Fest ticket here.
View the full festival lineup and get tickets: kamloopsfilmfest.ca
Kamloops Film Society
The Kamloops Film Society is the umbrella organization that operates the Paramount Theatre and runs two main events: The Thursday Film Series and the annual March Kamloops Film Festival, which includes the Kamloops Independent Short Shorts Festival. The KFS has been operating for over 45 years and was officially incorporated under the BC Societies Act on August 17, 1994. In the spring of 2019, The Kelson Group purchased the Paramount Theatre and leased the venue to the KFS. The support of The Kelson Group and Ron Fawcett has made the venture possible as The KFS continues to make the theatre a cultural venue.
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