KIFF serves the movie idealist by focusing on documentary, narrative, and animated independent films.
[2] The winners are selected by panels of local filmmakers, film educators, and critics.
KIFF attracts local, regional, and national works, along with visiting actors, actresses, and filmmakers.
The festival also educates the public about cultural and economic issues affecting independent and vintage cinema.
[3] In 2010, MovieMaker magazine named KIFF as "one of the top 25 film festivals worth their entry fee.