Since its inception in 1989, Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival continues to seek out and showcase high-calibre film programming to passionate and enthusiastic audiences over its 9-day festival. Recognized as a premiere film event in Canada, hosting 35,000 attendees annually, Cinefest Sudbury celebrates and promotes diverse cultural exchange and open-mindedness, with a commitment of sharing the best international and domestic programming to a broad audience of film lovers, filmmakers, and industry delegates.

As part of its feature film, short, and documentary programs, Cinefest Sudbury focuses on artistic quality and excellence, looking for films that represent diverse voices and experiences, providing a platform for film artists to relay the stories they wish to tell. Of special note, the festival hosts broadened programs spotlighting works from Indigenous and Francophone filmmakers. Cinefest Sudbury also provides filmmakers with the unique opportunity to reach a wider audience as it hosts upwards of 60 programmers annually from other smaller domestic festivals attending with the intention of selecting films to screen in their home communities once released.