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Welcome to the STOODIS Indigenous Film and Media Festival 2025—a vibrant celebration of Indigenous storytelling, culture, and resilience, held in Nelson, BC. Taking place from September 26 to 30, this year's festival invites audiences to engage with powerful narratives from Turtle Island and beyond, through film, live performances, and community dialogue.
Rooted in the Medicine Wheel
The festival's foundation is inspired by the Medicine Wheel—a sacred symbol in many Indigenous cultures representing the interconnectedness of life. Embodying the four directions, seasons, stages of life, and elements, the Medicine Wheel serves as a guide for balance and harmony. At STOODIS, it informs our programming and community engagement, reflecting a holistic approach to storytelling and cultural exchange.
Celebrating Indigenous Excellence
STOODIS 2025 showcases a diverse array of films, from compelling documentaries to imaginative animations, highlighting themes of resistance, resurgence, and cultural preservation. The festival also features live performances, candid discussions, and community gatherings, fostering a space for celebration, learning and connection.
Join the Circle
We invite you to be part of this dynamic event that honors Indigenous voices and perspectives. Whether you're a filmmaker, artist, or community member, STOODIS offers an opportunity to engage with stories that inspire and transform.
We also deeply value sponsorship to support this festival - our Barrier-free pricing model depends greatly on relationships with businesses and individual donors who are passionate about Indigenous History and Futures, and who want to see STOODIS become a great success in our third year!
To submit film content please visit our FilmFreeway page.
To learn about current sponsorship opportunities, please email info@civictheatre.ca.
To make a charitable donation to support STOODIS, click here.
Festival Passes will be available July 1, 2025.
Individual Tickets will go on sale September 1, 2025
What is Barrier-Free Pricing?
The STOODIS Indigenous Film Festival is dedicated to ensuring its programming is accessible to everyone. Barrier-Free Pricing was introduced to tackle obstacles to accessing cultural events, ensuring that the festival experience is not tied to financial constraints. The goal is to make the festival experience primarily about the audience’s connection to the films and performances, while still honoring the value of the artists and their work.
Festival Coordinator Lesley Garlow aligns Barrier-Free Pricing with the Indigenous concepts of gift-giving and hospitality in community: "STOODIS is a gift to the community, rooted in reciprocal relationships and holistic practice. It reflects the responsibility to share wealth and benefits with others, especially for the well-being of future generations."
Barrier-free pricing is for everyone
The festival’s Barrier-Free Ticketing initiative allows anyone to attend, regardless of financial circumstances.
How it's different
Unlike traditional "by donation" or "pay-what-you-can" models, Barrier-Free Ticketing removes feelings of obligation or financial pressure.
How it works
Attendees can choose their ticket price: a dollar, a larger amount, a smile, or even a high five! When you arrive at the theatre, ask for your ticket (one, two...five tickets).
If you don't want to pay anything, the attendee will simply give you a ticket and you can enter the theatre.
If you would like to pay something, present your payment (cash, debit or credit card are all accepted) and the the attendee will simply give you a ticket and you can enter the theatre.
If I pay, where will my money go?
All ticket income from STOODIS will go toward the costs of producing this year's festival and support the festival’s future work in presenting Indigenous films and programming. (If it is within your means, we also accept donations to support this work and can offer a charitable receipt for gifts.)
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