Okotoks may become a new hub for independent filmmakers as a film festival is planned for next summer.

Film Festival Spokesperson Katie Fournell, who is also an independent filmmaker, says she wants to create an outlet for local filmmakers

"I wanted to showcase everything they have to offer," she says. "A lot of the time independent film doesn't get the publicity it needs, and I think Okotoks is a good place to show us off."

Fournell says although it wont be a Cannes, there is still lots of opportunity to grow the festival on a worldwide level.

"I do want to make this is an annual festival, also an international film festival, so that we're bringing in independent filmmakers from all over the world. There's so much potential to grow, so I do want to make it a destination film festival at the very least. I want to put it on the circuit for filmmakers."

She says unlike other international festivals, this one will be easy on filmmakers' wallets.

"We're looking at a number of options for what filmmakers can do to submit their films, the big one is local film automatically gets free submission. We will take a look at your film and see if it's the calibre we need for our festival. Since we're such a small festival, films without a huge budget are still of calibre."

The film festival is due to take place in summer 2017, and Fournell says there's one thing they need to make the event happen.

"The support of the community, we're planning on doing a few fundraisers leading up to the festival including trying to show the Oscar-nominated short films in February, and also possibly a drive-in movie. People attending those and donating a little bit of money to help the festival get off the ground would be phenomenal."

If you're interested in participating or have any questions about the event email katie@okotoksfilmfestival.ca

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com