The $100 Film Festival is a showcase for short films that takes place annually in March in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. With an emphasis on screening Super 8 and 16mm film, the $100 Film Festival is a unique festival that attracts filmmakers from around the world. The Festival provides audiences with an eclectic mix of drama, animation, comedy and
experimental films, and remains one of the few venues where first-time filmmakers to exhibit their work alongside more experienced filmmakers.

The $100 Film Festival is commited to paying artist fees as well as cash awards for the
various categories of the films submitted. A panel of selected artists and community
members choose all awards except for the Audience Favorite. The festival receives
submissions from Alberta, across Canada, and internationally, especially in Europe where the tradition of Super 8 filmmaking is still quite strong. The festival is a hotly anticipated event in Calgary and Alberta, attracting sell-out audiences and critical acclaim.

As the name suggests, the $100 Film Festival started out as a challenge to CSIF members that they could make a film for under $100 using Super 8. The concept proved to be so popular that the festival grew every year, and in its third year the festival allowed 16mm film, foregoing the budgetary restriction of $100 to include innovative works that had a Super 8 or 16mm film print. The $100 Film Festival is now one of the few film festivals that require a film print for screening, leading to a program of unique works.