Toronto International Film Festival
Toronto, Canada
100
Tier AFIAPFOscarScreenings
Festival dossier
Artifact Small Format Film Festival
Calgary, Canada · Est. 1994 · Established legitimate festival with meaningful track record
Tier BTrusted
Calgary, Canada
63
Legitimacy ScoreShould I submit?
Solid signals — do normal diligence
Tier B looks established enough for many filmmakers. Check fees, programming fit, and recent editions before submitting.
- No physical screenings
- 32 years of verifiable history
- 2 verified pro signals
Overview
The Artifact Small Format Film Festival (formerly the $100 Film Festival) is Calgary’s oldest film festival, and one of the few remaining festivals to project Super 8 and 16mm films. When the festival was born in 1992, it showcased eight short films on Super 8. The name sprung from the challenge to shoot a short film on four rolls of Super 8 – which tallied to the cost of $100. In following years, the festival dropped the budgetary limit and allowed 16mm film, which shifted the focus from low budget to quality small-format films. Thus, the name was changed to the Artifact Small Format Film Festival in 2017 so as to better represent the festival's role as an international celebration of creative storytelling on celluloid. Over the years, Artifact has expanded to include visiting filmmakers and various partnerships. Artifact is proud to be among the select few celluloid festivals worldwide that continue to keep the medium alive, and to draw celluloid lovers to Calgary each year.
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Legitimacy Analysis
Positive Indicators (+28 pts)
- 32 years of verifiable history
- 2 verified pro signals
- Verified trusted status
- Legitimacy signals outweigh concerns (3 vs 1)
Red Flags (-15 pts)
- No physical screenings
Trust Signals
Positive Signals
- Documented history with archived programs
- Has FilmFreeway community ratings
Festival Details
Founded
1994
FilmFreeway community
Avg. rating
3.9/ 5
Reviews
18
Synced 4 days ago
- Filmmaker
It was a pleasure and a privilege to screen my work at the Artifact Film Festival. With its roots in advocating for film by highlighting the importance of affordability and access for filmmakers (as the $100 Film Festival), Artifact Film Festival is an invaluable institution in Calgary and in Canada.
- Filmmaker
On of my favorite film festivals. Great locations and very professional, true lovers of 8mm/16mm film. Always a joy and absolutely recommended.
- Filmmaker
A wonderful film festival. The staff is very attentive. The place where the festival takes place is incredible! It was wonderful to participate in this festival!
- Filmmaker
Great Festival! Excellent communication. Generous screening fee. Thank you for inviting my film.
- Filmmaker
Fine programs; curious, enthusiastic audiences; professional, helpful staff; great venues. We had a terrific day at the workshop: super group of participants. I love Artifact, and Calgary, too.
FilmFreeway reviews are filmmaker opinions, not our score. Cross-check red flags before paying fees.
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At a glance
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