IF3 International Freeski Film Festival

Origins and purpose

iF3 stemmed from its founders’ will to unite all elements that compose freeskiing culture in one place, such as ski cinematography, producers, athletes, photography, brands, music, art and parties. The stated mission of the festival is to , recognize the best of what the freeski community has to offer through innovative and entertaining media and events in order to unite sport with culture and expand it to new levels. Each year athletes, filmmakers, industry leaders and ski enthusiasts get together for a long weekend of celebration, kicking-off the upcoming season.

Key players

The International Freeski Film Festival (iF3) was created in 200 by ski industry veterans: professional photographer Félix Rioux, Newschoolers publisher Doug Bishop, and Bite Size Entertainment's Jean-Francis Durocher. In 2009, after the third edition of the festival, Bishop left the team, followed by Jean-Francis Durocher in 2011. Felix Rioux is currently the President of the festival.

Evolution

Gradually, iF3 became the biggest gathering of independent movie productions in skiing and draws producers, athletes, and event attendees from more than 20 countries. Both fan participation and video submission have increased every year since inception. The roster has grown from 11 professional and 5 amateur entries in 2007 for the first edition to over 40 professional and amateur films, shorts, documentaries, and webisodes in 2014

Ceremonies

The iF3 Movie Awards ceremonies usually take place at the Imperial cinema and show venue in Montreal with Luke Van Valin, as a host. An international jury panel reviews all the movies submitted online prior to the event, and the awards to be announced and given during the festival in Montreal. The film producers, production teams and athletes who win receive an emblematic ski-shaped trophy known as the iF3 Palm alongside various gifts. The iF3 Palms are designed by Cresus Design and handmade by Moment Skis.

Categories

Recurrent categories:

Specific production companies are invited by iF3 to submit their films to the professional category, but submissions from additional production companies are also accepted.

Characteristics of the professional category:

Characteristics of the amateur category:

2014 Edition

iF3 INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL from September 18 to 20

2013 Edition

iF3 INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL from September 11 to 15
iF3 EUROPE ANNECY from September 27 to 29

2012 Edition

iF3 INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL from September 12 to 16
iF3 EUROPE ANNECY from September 28 to 30

2011 Edition

iF3 INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL from September 15 to 18
iF3 EUROPE ANNECY from September 30 to October 3

2010 Edition

iF3 INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL from September 16 to 19
iF3 EUROPE ANNECY from September 30 to October 3

2009 Edition

iF3 INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL from September 17 to 20

2008 Edition

iF3 INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL from September 11 to 15

2007 Edition

iF3 INTERNATIONAL MONTREAL from September 13 to 15

European edition

iF3 Europe in Annecy was the first iF3 to take place outside of Montreal at the end of September 2010. In 2014, following the expansion of the event worldwide, Like That Agency, the agency holding the licence of the European edition, organized its own event, the High Five Festival. A series of exclusive awards used to be attributed in Annecy , ranging from Europe-specific awards to Photography awards.

World Tour

In addition, iF3 has organized events in several other cities including Innsbruck, Le Massif, London, Mont-Tremblant, The Hague, Tokyo and Whistler.