Reel Peach Festival Celebrates 10 years of local filmmaking
PENTICTON, BC – The 10th Annual Reel Peach Festival returns as part of the 79th Annual Penticton Peach Festival, showcasing short films on the Peter Brothers Main Stage screens in Okanagan Lake Park from August 5 to 9.
The popular event gives local filmmakers a unique opportunity to have their work screened before thousands of festival-goers just prior to the evening's main stage entertainment.
"Every year we're amazed by the talented filmmakers who share stories about our community, its people and its adventures," says Peach Festival Entertainment Director Alysha Forrest. "Many of the films have featured a peach in some creative way, making Reel Peach Festival a perfect fit for PeachFest."
Filmmakers are invited to submit family-friendly short films between one and three minutes in length on any subject and in any genre. While there is no required theme, bonus consideration will be given to films that feature the Okanagan, local stories, or include a peach as part of the concept.
Prize Money:
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $250
For organizer Andrew Jakubeit, Reel Peach has become one of the festival's most rewarding traditions.
"Screening your film in front of an audience of more than 5,000 people is an incredible experience," says Jakubeit. "There's nothing quite like seeing a crowd laugh, cheer or connect with something you've created. It's a chance to celebrate our region and tell stories that make us proud to call the Okanagan home."
Jakubeit emphasizes that the competition isn't just for experienced filmmakers.
"You don't need to work in the film industry to enter. Today's phones and cameras make it easier than ever to bring a great idea to life. Gather some friends, tell a story you're passionate about, and create something memorable."
The Reel Peach Festival welcomes submissions from filmmakers of all experience levels, from first-time creators to seasoned professionals.
The submission deadline is Sunday, August 2, 2026, at midnight.
2025 Winning Submissions
The 9th annual ReelPeachFest film festival concluded Sunday evening showcasing the winning submissions. It was part the entertainment at the 78th annual Penticton Peach Festival. Josh Klassen, now residing in New Westminster took home $250 dollars for 3rd place with his “You’re such a Peach” short film. 2nd place and $500 dollars went to Kelowna native David Vassiliev for “Perfect Peach”. The winning submission came from Bowen O’brien, Evan Riley Brown and Teddy Hillary of West Kelowna for “Pitfall” …a story about a Peach Farmer who saves the world.
“We had an incredible time making our short film for Peachfest. Between squeezing the story into under three minutes, mixing in a peach as a key element, and racing against the clock, we faced some wild challenges. But we love a challenge. It pushes us to be more inventive, resourceful, and collaborative. This experience reminded us why we love filmmaking, and we’re already excited to come back next year and push ourselves even further.” stated O’brien
The film festival featured 1–3-minute short films on Okanagan experience and/or anything to do with a Peach. “Every year the creativity, talent and enthusiasm from film makers continues to improve. It is not often a film maker can have their creative masterpiece showcased in front of thousands of people in an open-air environment” noted ReelPeachFest film festival organizer, Andrew Jakubeit. “Next year will be our 10th year so are excited to celebrate the milestone and shine the spotlight on the talented film makers we have in our region.”