Connection Through Film: Sharing Stories and Experiences
At Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters, our mission has always been more than crafting the perfect roast — it’s about connection, community, and conversation. That’s why this year, we’re honoured to sponsor the screening of the documentary #Skoden at the 2025 Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF).
In our cafe, we witness dozens of conversations a day and no doubt the subject of our favourite films, shows, music and books weaves its way through those conversations.
The arts connect us to each other whether we are across the table discussing our favourites or across the planet watching the same images on different screens.
At their best, artists and creators can uplift and inspire. They are often the first to share and amplify unheard voices. Community gathers around creating and the connections that form are often unbreakable.
At SG, our motivation is to create connections and community and that's why we're proud supporters of Chilliwack Independent Film Festival.
About CIFF 2025: Celebrating Arts and Culture in Chilliwack
The 9th annual Chilliwack Independent Film Festival runs October 22–26, 2025, across several venues including Galaxy Cinemas, The Grand Hall, and coWork Chilliwack. This year’s festival features over 118 films, 13 industry events, and five days of storytelling that spotlight creativity from the Fraser Valley and beyond.
From thought-provoking documentaries to local short films and panel discussions, CIFF continues to establish itself as a key event for arts and culture in Chilliwack. Screenings are just $10.99 each, or attendees can grab a festival pass for $69.99 to experience the full weekend of independent cinema and community connection.
More details can be found at ciff.ca.
About the Film: #Skoden
Directed by Damien Eagle Bear, #Skoden is a powerful and compassionate Canadian documentary that explores the story of Pernell Bad Arm, a Kainai man whose photo went viral online in the 2010s — often misused as a meme without his consent.
The film reframes that viral moment, reclaiming the narrative to explore identity, representation, and Indigenous dignity in the digital age. #Skoden has already made waves at major festivals, including Hot Docs 2025, where Eagle Bear received the Earl A. Glick Emerging Canadian Filmmaker Award.
At CIFF, #Skoden screens on October 25 at 1:00 PM, offering Chilliwack audiences a rare chance to experience one of Canada’s most acclaimed new documentaries on the big screen.
Why This Partnership Matters
The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival is one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events — and it perfectly embodies the spirit of community that inspires us at Smoking Gun.
Supporting CIFF and the screening of #Skoden means helping amplify powerful, underrepresented voices while bringing people together through shared experience.
Just as a great cup of coffee can spark conversation, film can spark understanding. Both are tools for connection — and connection is what we’re all about.
Join Us at CIFF 2025
If you love arts, film, and community, make plans to attend CIFF this October and catch #Skoden on the big screen.
Here’s how to get involved:
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🎟 Buy tickets at ciff.ca— screenings sell out fast.
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📅 Mark your calendar for October 25.
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☕ Visit us at Smoking Gun Coffee in District 1881 before or after the screening — we’d love to chat about your favourite films over a fresh brew.
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📸 Share your experience online and tag @chilliwackindependentfilmfest and @smokingguncoffee.
Together, we can keep supporting independent voices and strengthen the creative heartbeat of the Fraser Valley.