Our Mission

The Bow Valley Film Institute (BVFI) is a community-based,

non-profit arts organization dedicated to fostering connection through the transformative power of film.

Our mission is to empower a diverse range of filmmakers, both locally and beyond, promote the transformative power of documentary film, advance media literacy for all, and present meaningful stories that inspire and engage audiences around the world.

BVFI has been showcasing local and global stories to a growing regional audience. Beginning in 2022 as a modest local arts event in Canmore, Alberta, the Bow Valley Film Tour (BVFT) has grown into a thriving event, establishing itself as one of the Bow Valley’s premier cinematic experiences and one of the warmest local documentary film festivals in the Canadian Rockies.

BVFT brings stories that matter to our beautiful mountain towns, creating vibrant, high-quality events that bring our community together and expand knowledge and conversations around important issues.

Over the past four years, the Institute has broadened its programming to include a year-round adventure film collective and film tours.

BVFI continues to nurture and elevate documentary filmmaking, supporting both audiences and creators while inspiring, educating, and connecting communities through media literacy and storytelling.