Image: CIFF / GoFundMe / The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF) has moved up its festival dates and now hopes to save pieces of Cottonwood 4 Cinemas in a new fundraiser.

By Alyssa Conti

INDEPENDENT FILM FEST

‘It’s about honouring our past’: Chilliwack film fest launches rescue page for local cinema legacy

Jul 18, 2025 | 11:23 AM

CHILLIWACK — The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF) may have found a new host this year, but organizers are still hoping to salvage the heart and guts of their original home in Cottonwood 4 Cinemas.

Since the theatre permanently closed on June 30 this year, Chilliwack Galaxy Cinemas is now hosting the local film festival’s ninth annual screening, with festival dates moving up from November to October 22-26.

But the festival hasn’t forgotten its roots.

Raising funds for the future

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“For decades, Cottonwood was more than just a theatre — it was a vibrant gathering place where stories came alive, friendships were forged, and local film culture blossomed,” said GoFundMe campaign organizers Amy Pridday and Taras Groves.

Cottonwood theatre owners Pauline Lamb and Cathy Rayner had hosted the festival since its inception in 2017. Now, the CIFF aims to rescue as much as possible from the formerly known Cinema One.

“Honestly, this is a gamble,” wrote the CIFF in a social media post. “But we had to try something.”

A fundraising page has been set up to acquire key theatre items, including the projector and screen, as well as the speakers and seats. If successful, those parts could eventually find new life in a different venue, even if the venue hasn’t been decided yet.

“Our dream is to one day […] create a home where future generations can experience the magic of independent film, just as we did.”

The GoFundMe page is now at $360 of its $10,000 goal at the time of writing.

“It’s about honouring our past and investing in the future of Chilliwack’s film community.”