The Nickel Independent Film Festival celebrates and inspires independent film in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 2001 we have been giving people opportunities to see independent short and feature films that are engaging, challenging and which offer fresh perspectives which audiences would otherwise not be able to see. Over the years we have worked hard to help emerging and established local filmmakers develop their skills, offer them platforms to showcase their work, inspire them to explore and develop their own unique voices, and expose them to high quality work from around the world. For more than 20 years filmmakers and audiences have enjoyed the creative, enthusiastic spirit of the festival and they leave feeling a strong connection to local film culture and the filmmaking community.

The Nickel celebrates film during our summer festival and its special screenings and screening partnerships throughout the year. Our week-long festival runs each June at the LSPU Hall, featuring a selection of films from here and around the world. From features to shorts, from narrative drama, animation, comedy, experimental, horror to music video, we engage audiences with varied programs. Alongside the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival in October, the Nickel stands as one of the few opportunities for people to gather and see independent films — especially local films and short films  — in the province. We continually strive to extend our reach beyond the city limits by partnering with organizations and schools to present independent film screenings in rural areas across Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The Nickel inspires film by offering filmmakers opportunities to see stimulating and diverse work, and offering workshops and professional development opportunities for all levels of experience. We also offer film production programs, and hold multiple, non-competitive film challenges throughout the year. 

Newfoundland and Labrador’s geographic isolation and artistic drive makes for a strong do-it-yourself streak in the province. In the twenty years since The Nickel started in 2001, the equipment required to shoot and edit a film has become almost universally accessible. Armed with smartphone cameras and free computer software, more people are taking the leap and creating their own films. The Nickel thrives in this DIY space. Through our popular filmmaking challenges, our workshops series and our school visits, we are always encouraging and supporting film creation. Our programs help newcomers to filmmaking discover talents and passions they didn’t know they had, and give seasoned filmmakers avenues to experiment and take risks. We recognize the amazing potential for people to develop unique voices and create their own work, and we also understand that creating work allows people to develop a deeper connection to and appreciation for the art of film. In an era of streaming online video, events and programs like ours play an essential role by bringing people together to appreciate and discuss the medium and help reinforce community through film culture. 

We make an effort to ensure that our programs and events are inexpensive and accessible. We offer workshops directed at all levels of experience, but with a special focus on emerging or beginner-level filmmakers. Special funding allows us to subsidize these workshops and offer them at low cost — often free or by donation. Road show screenings, discussion panels, our school tour program are also offered for free. We frequently work with other festivals, nonprofits and industry organizations to identify programming which will appeal to their members, helping build audiences within the greater community.