All 100+ Film Festivals in Toronto (July 2016 UPDATED)
Partnering with The City of Toronto itself, we’ve just completed listing the FULL list of over 100 active film festivals in Toronto with eligibility requirements and deadlines, along with specific “how-to” apply information.
Special thanks to Michele Alosinac for the full festival list.
Yes, there are more festivals in Toronto than just TIFF and Hot Docs. By the way, did you know that there are two “TIFF”s?
One is the TIFF everyone knows, and the other is the “Toronto Independent Film Festival”; a festival you have a hugely greater chance of getting into than the regular TIFF. And the best thing is, you can brag “Hey my movie premiered at TIFF” and technically not be technically.
Toronto International Film Festival (link)
The Toronto International Film Festival is the most prestigious festival in Toronto. I didn’t have to put it first, but ah well.
Genre Restrictions
Multiple films of every kind. No restrictions other than the obvious “no porn.” Unless it’s tasteful porn, and then it can go under the category of “art films you didn’t get.”
Eligibility
International and Canadian short films
Location
350 King St W, Toronto, ON
Deadline
February 8, 2016 to May 6, 2016 (late: June, 3, 2016)
How-To Apply
In order to submit your film, you must register via http://Withoutabox.com and send to: submissions@tiff.net.
Future of Film Showcase (link)
The team behind the Future of Film Showcase is a group of diverse young filmmakers aged 25 and younger.
Genre Restrictions
None, just make sure you are under 30 years old OR you’re studying film currently. This is to help the up and comers!
Eligibility
Short films but check this out to be sure.
Deadline
April 9th, 2016 (soon!), so apply here.
indiefilmTO Festival 2016 (link)
Yes, a shameless plug, so what? I don’t feel any shame. I wanna screen your movies.
Genre Restrictions
None. We accept short films, and narratives.
Eligibility
Anyone from the GTA or Ontario can apply. You can apply if you’re international, the thing is, your film better be DAMN good then. Which I’m sure it is! You made it after all, you handsome beautiful person you…
Location
Bell TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St. West. Toronto ON.
Deadline
Submissions open on Without A Box on April 15th, and last until August 15th, 2016.
How-To Apply
Keep checking our site, we’ll open up the submissions in the next two weeks. Or you can sign up to be notified here via newsletter.
Queer West Film Festival (link)
Genre Restrictions
Deals with LBTQ themes, or by an artist who belongs to that group.
Location
August 12-14, 2016 U of T – Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Avenue.
Deadline
April 15th, 2016
Toronto Independent Film Festival (link)
The Toronto Independent Film Festival, not to be confused with TIFF, is a short film festival
Genre Restrictions
Just shorts, no genre restrictions.
Eligibility
International films in the following categories: documentary, short film, LGBT film, animated short, Experimental short, Sci-Fi Short, and music videos
Location
20 Carlton Street at Yonge, Toronto, ON M5B 2H5
Deadline
The earliest submission period is January 16, 2016. The latest is July 8th.
How-To Apply
In order to submit your film, you must register via info@film-fest.ca. You must also submit the entry fees.
The Festival Doc Shop (link)
The Festival Doc Shop is a source for only the hottest documentaries
Genre Restrictions
The greatest documentary festival in Toronto. Food for thought!
Eligibility
Documentaries (All Matters) must be English language, subtitled in English or English-versioned
Location
110 Spadina Avenue, Suite 333, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2K4
Deadline
Submissions for Hot Docs 2016 are now closed
Toronto After Dark (link)
Toronto After Dark is a horror based film centre in Toronto.
Genre Restrictions
Horror. Thriller. Question is, can you take it?
Eligibility
Can you scare or be scared? Seriously, that’s what it says on their site.
Location
3219 Yonge Street, Suite 346, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3S1
Deadline
TBA (Spring)
How-To Apply
You must contact: info@torontoafterdark.com. There simply is no other way!
Inside Out Film Festival (link)
Toronto’s Queer film festival is a niche market for specific films.
Genre Restrictions
Romance, Queer.
Eligibility
Must have themes that deal with LGBTQ.
Location
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 219, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 CANADA
Deadline
Deadline has passed.
How-To Apply
Inside Out
Attn: Meryl Warren, Programming Assistant
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 219
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 CANADA
When in doubt, contact submissions@insideout.ca.
Real Asian Film Festival (link)
Eligibility
East/South/Southeast Asian/Asian North American and Asian Films
Location
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 309. Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8 Canada
Deadline
EARLY DEADLINE (No Submission Fee): April 17, 2016
REGULAR DEADLINE ($15* short films | $25* feature films): June 19, 2016
FINAL DEADLINE ($30* short films | $45* feature films): July 3, 2016
How-To Apply
Mail your submission to their location, or email info@reelasian.com.
Toronto Jewish Film Festival (link)
Jewish Film Festival of Toronto where you sing, dance and film it!
Eligibility
Must deal in subjects of Jewish history and culture
Location
19 Madison Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 2S2
Deadline
Passed: January 20, 2016
How-To Apply
http://form.zonefestival.com/?k=tjff_f1
Planet in Focus (link)
Environmentalism films. Hey watch out for those sexy Panda’s.
Eligibility
Must have ecological and environmental topics.
Location
33 Mill Street, Unit 1209, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 3R3
Deadline
Early Bird Submission Deadline – April 4th, 2016
General Submission Deadline – May 2nd, 2016
Late Submission Deadline – May 27th, 2016
Cinefranco (link)
The French language film festival, where you get to steal the Pink Panther Diamond of films.
Genre Restrictions
Culturally French centric
Eligibility
The film must be in French.
Location
642 King street West, Suite 307, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5
Deadline
TBA
How-To Apply
Images (link)
Provides interdisciplinary films which focus on the cutting edge of new media professionalism
Genre Restrictions
Programming considered outside dominant media
Eligibility
All works related to the moving image, interactive processes and digital media are eligible for entry.
Location
401 Richmond St. W. # 448, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8 CANADA
Deadline
Submissions are now closed.
How-To Apply
http://www.ima…tallation.php or email: submissions@imagesfestival.com
Open Roof Festival (link)
A not for profit outdoor music and film festival
Location
99 Sudbury St, Toronto, ON. M6J 3C2
How-To Apply
Bring your film to the event: contact@openrooffestival.com
Reel World (link)
Eligibility
Feature racially diverse people in prominent roles in film/video content.
Location
243 Eglinton Ave West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4R 1B1
Deadline
(Passed) Keep in mind for the future though.
Toronto Urban Film Festival (link)
North America’s largest commuter film festival.
Genre Restrictions
None but keep in mind the films will be screened at commuter locations.
Eligibility
They search for different kinds of films year to year. Last year they were looking for 60 second silent films. Who knows what they might be seeking next year? Stay creative!
Location
300-266 King St. West Toronto, ON M5V 1H8 (but for screening location, contact them)
Deadline
Submission Opening Date: March 1, 2016
Early-bird deadline: April 1, 2016
Regular deadline: May 27, 2016
Late deadline: June 15, 2016
How-To Apply
Check link.
European Union Film Festival (link)
Genre Restrictions
The European films that interest Toronto audiences.
Location
608 College Street Toronto, Ontario M6G 1A1
Deadline
(Passed) They are opening up soon though so keep checking back.
How-To Apply
Be sure to talk to them in Euro’s: jabessira@eutorontofilmfest.ca
Regent Park Film Festival (link)
Regent Park is Film Festival for the neighborhood of Regent Park.
Eligibility
The festival focuses on stories that resonate with the inner-city, community-driven, transient context of Regent Park, as well as with other communities in Toronto, across Canada and around the globe.
Location
585 Dundas Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Deadline
DEADLINE JUNE 10, 2016
How-To Apply
http://regentp…m-submissions/ and email them: info@regentparkfilmfestival.com
Toronto Palestine Film Festival (link)
Genre Restrictions
Palestinian history, culture and politics
Eligibility
Palestinian filmmakers; as well as films on topics related to Palestine by Canadian and International filmmakers
Location
102A-1075 Bay Street, Suite 148 , Toronto, ON M5S 2B2 Canada
Deadline
Passed.
How-To Apply
http://topalff.net/submission/ email: submissions@tpff.ca
ImagineNative Film and Media Arts Festival (link)
Genre Restrictions
First Nation, American Indian and Canadian Indian films.
Eligibility
To be eligible, an Indigenous person (ie. self-identified as Indigenous, Aboriginal or First Peoples and their descendents) must have held a key creative role on the project as a writer, director, or producer. The content of the film/video can be universal
Location
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 349, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3A8
Deadline
Free Deadline: May 15, 2016
Late Deadline ($25 fee): June 1, 2016
How-To Apply
Attn: Submissions
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 349
Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3A8
You can always email first: submissions@imaginenative.org.
Female-eye film festival (link)
Films which strongly features women
Genre Restrictions
Subjects involving the lives of women.
Eligibility
Female film-makers, or those with a predominantly female cast/crew.
Location
180 Shaw Street, Toronto, Ontario
Deadline
EARLY DEADLINE
September 30th, 2015 (postmarked)
$30.00 (STUDENT FEE $20.00)
In Competition $100
REGULAR DEADLINE
December 31, 2015 (postmarked)
$45.00 (STUDENT FEE: $20.00)
In Competition $100
LATE DEADLINE
February 29, 2016 (postmarked)
$60.00 (STUDENT FEE: $25.00)
In Competition $100
EXTENDED DEADLINE
March 31, 2016 (postmarked)
$70.00 (STUDENT FEE $45.00)
In Competition $100
How-To Apply
You must submit your film through Vimeo: submitfeff@gmail.com
Toronto South African Film Festival (link)
Eligibility
Features and documentaries about the culture, history and politics of South Africa
Deadline
TBA.
How-To Apply
Talk to them at terence@tsaff.ca
Brazil Film Fest (link)
A film festival dedicated to Brazilian culture in Toronto.
Genre Restrictions
Documentaries or features that showcase Brazilian culture.
Location
TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Deadline
TBA.
How-To Apply
Subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on twitter at @brazilfilmfest.
Toronto Silent Film Festival
You might think it’s silent, but pictures say more than words!
Genre Restrictions
A curse on the spoken word
Eligibility
Must be a silent film
Location
140 Rhodes Avenue. Toronto, Ontario.
Canada M4L 3A1
How-To Apply
Contact them at torontosilentfilm@gmail.com
Scarborough Film Festival(link)
Eligibility
Canadian and world cinema
Location
Suite 572 – 36 Stadium Rd. Toronto, ON., Canada. M5V 3P4
Deadline
Passed.
How-To Apply
info@scarboroughfilmfestival.com
Toronto Web Festival (link)
Eligibility
A festival for independent web series
Deadline
Passed.
Location
The last festival was held at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto
How-To Apply
Email them at info@towebfest.com
Blood in the Snow (link)
Eligibility
Canadian-made shorts, features and documentaries in the horror, underground or grindhouse genres.
Deadline
May 1, 2016 – Earlybird Deadline
August 15, 2016 – Regular Deadline
September 15, 2016 – Late Deadline
October 1, 2016 – Last Chance Deadline
Location
10 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON, CA
How-To Apply
https://filmfreeway.com/festival/BloodintheSnowCanadianFilmFestival
The Canadian Film (link)
Eligibility
Any Canadian-made film
Deadline
Passed.
Location
6 Sandford Ave, Toronto ON
How-To Apply
Email these guys at: berneuler@canfilmfest.ca
8 Fest: Small Gauge Film Festival (link)
Eligibility
Films in any genre
Deadline
Passed.
How- To Apply
the8fest@gmail.com with complete submission form.
aluCine Latin Film + Media Arts Festival (link)
Eligibility
Latin-American films by Latin-American artists living in Canada
Deadline
Passed.
How- To Apply
Submissions are now closed
Location
Jackman Hall AGO
Rendez-vous with Madness (link)
Eligibility
Films designed for high-school students and for the benefit of people living with mental illness
Deadline
TBA
Location
TIFF Bell Lightbox
How- To Apply
Fill out this form: link and then email: geoff_pevere@workmanarts.com
TIFF Kids International Festival (link)
Eligibility
Films for Kids
Deadline
TIFF Studio: Friday, 25 April 2016
Location
TIFF Lightbox
Cabbagetown Short Film Festival (link)
Eligibility
For the best short films from around the world, to be shown in the neighborhood of Cabbagetown.
Deadline
JULY 31 2016
Location
383 Sackville Street
How-to Apply
Application form at this link: link
The Parkdale Showcase (link)
Deadline
TBA.
Location
Parkdale and Roncesvalles neighborhood
How-to Apply
Visit the submission form here: link
The Breast Film Festival (link)
A Festival dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.
Eligibility
Documentaries and features exploring being young and suffering from breast cancer
Location
215 Spadina Avenue, Studio 570, Toronto, ON. M5T 2C7
Deadline
TBA.
How-to Apply
Submit your film to: allen@rethinkbreastcancer.com
The Pomegranate Film Festival(link)
The Armenian Film Festival.
Eligibility
Relevant topics for Armenian culture
Location
50 Hallcrown Place, North York. Ontario. M2J 4Y4
Deadline
TBA.
How-to Apply
Submit a film to them by following this link: ( link )
The Water Docs Film Festival(link)
A film festival all about Water and Ecology
Eligibility
Any documentary, short or feature which deals in preserving clean water
Location
250 The East Mall
Deadline
Passed.
How-to Apply
For submitting your film please contact: info@ecologos.ca
The Lakeshorts Film Festival (link)
A short film festival for South Etobicoke.
Eligibility
Short films from independent filmmakers
Location
2422 Lakeshore Blvd W.
Deadline
Passed.
How-to Apply
Please email Michelle Nolden: lakeshorts@lakeshorearts.ca
Ekran – Toronto Polish Film Festival (link)
Ekran Polish Film Association is a grassroots non-profit organization founded in Toronto by a group of individuals who are passionate about showcasing new media arts and films with both a Polish and multicultural focus.
Eligibility
See link.
Location
2765 Lake Shore Blvd. #207 M8V 1H2 Toronto, ON
Deadline
See link.
How-to Apply
Please visit http://ekran.ca/contact-us/
Toronto Youth Shorts (link)
Toronto Youth Shorts is a volunteer-run not-for-profit initiative that produces a series of events for young emerging filmmakers in the Greater Toronto and Southern Ontario Area.
Eligibility
The festival values all forms of entertainment and do not wish to impose any limits or forms of censorship, however you can see more by clicking here and going to the Themes and Subject Matter section.
Location
253 Danforth Ave. Lower Level Toronto, Ontario M4K 1N2
Deadline
REGULAR DEADLINE: The fee for submissions received between March 12 – May 13, 2016 is $20.
How-to Apply
Visit the link or email: torontoyouthshorts [at] gmail [dot] com
The Toronto Fringe Festival (link)
If you are a theatre actor, you can always gather your troops and put on some live performances.
Talk to them at: The Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival #403 – 720 Bathurst Street or general@fringetoronto.com.
Toronto International Deaf Film & Arts Festival (link)
A film for the deaf in Toronto.
Genre Restrictions
Must be for the deaf.
Eligibility
Subtitles a must; intended for a deaf audience
Deadline
TBA.
How-To Apply
Contact them at info@titfaf.ca and arts_submission@tidfaf.ca.
AirCanada enRoute Film Festival (link)
How-To-Apply
Contact them at info@enroutefilm.com
Augmented Cinema Film Festival (link)
Breakthrough Film Festival (link)
Devoted to celebrating short films by New Generation female arts. Any genre is eligible from young women all over the world.
Deadline
June
How-to-Apply
For inquiry go here
Canadian Sport Film Festival (link)
Festival for films that have to do with sports and promoting physical activity.
Deadline
May
How-to-Apply
For inquiry contact info@sportfilmfestival.ca
Censured in Canada Film Festival (link)
Eligibility
An underground Canadian-based festival for artists and works rejected and marginalized by Canadian festivals and institutions.
Deadline
Films screen in January
How-to-Apply
For inquiry go here
Christie Pits Film Festival (link)
Eligibility
A local arts organization that programmes a free weekly series of outdoor film screenings each summer in Christie Pits Park. The festival’s programme includes a combination of popular and critically-acclaimed feature films to draw large audiences, and local Canadian short and feature films.
Deadline
Screening are July through August
How-to-Apply
For inquiry go here
Cineplex’s The Great Digital Film Fest (link)
Your favourite sci-fi, fantasy and cult films back in cinemas.
CineSiege (link)
Genre Restrictions
Films run the gamut from dramatic fiction, documentary, diarist and experimental.
Eligibility
Got to be an undergraduate student in AMPD’s Department of Cinema and Media Arts
Deadline
Screens in October
How-to-Apply
Future students and inquire at ampd@yorku.ca. Current students can inquire at oaiss@yorku.ca.
Canadian Music Week (CMW) Film Fest (link)
A music, comedy and film festival.
Location
5355 Vail Court
Mississauga, Ontario
L5M 6G9
How-to-Apply
Go here for inquiry.
COMMFFEST (Global) Community Film Festival (link)
COMMFFEST is a community based film festival that presents a broad range of local and international films representing current affairs and relevant issues that affect our society.
Genre Restrictions
FILMS OF ANY GENRES (global and local) CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES ACCEPTED combined with independently produced films.
Screening
September
How-to-Apply
Go here for inquiry.
Eatable Film Festival (link)
An innovative and immersive experience, Eatable Films is the first food film festival in Toronto.
Location
The Carlton Cinema: 20 Carlton St. Toronto, ON M5B 2H5
Deadline
Screens in October
How-to-Apply
For inquiry contact info@eatablefilms.com
FILMI: South Asian Film Festival (link)
Genre Restrictions
Features Features, Docs and Shorts of any genre.
Eligibility
You’ll have to be representing the South Asian community for this one.
Deadline
Screens in October
How-to-Apply
Contact main@filmi.org
Geek Fest Toronto (link)
Geek Fest Toronto is everything Geeky and Nerdy in the form of Films, Documentaries, Speakers, and more.
Location
CineCycle, Behind 129 Spadina Avenue.
Screening
October
Gladstone Hotel Film Festival (link)
Celebrate some of Toronto’s best short film talent at the first Gladstone Hotel Film Festival. The Festival will showcase films by Torontonians, either Written, Directed, Starring, Produced or all of the above.
Deadline
On Hiatus for the moment.
Icelandic Film Festival (link)
Festival celebrating film, music and culture from Iceland.
Deadline
Screens in November
How-to-Apply
Go here for inquiry.
International Diaspora Film Festival (link)
IDFF provides Toronto audiences with an
opportunity to experience the cultural mosaic
of the present world through the medium
of cinema.
Deadline
Screens in November
How-to-Apply
Contact info@diasporafilmfest.com or call 416-571-2150 for inquiry.
International Fetish Film Festival Toronto (link)
The Toronto International Fetish Film Festival will give audiences the opportunity to experience the best of art house erotica and fetish films from around the globe.
Deadline
On hiatus for the moment.
Italian Contemporary Film Festival (link)
Nine days to celebrate the brilliance of Italian contemporary cinema and filmmakers from all over the world.
Deadline
Screens in June
How-to-Apply
Get your inquiry at info@icff.ca or general info at 416-551-4615
Lost Episode Festival Toronto (LEFT) (link)
Canada’s first and only fan-film festival, also screening indie gems and cult films from around the world. Horror, Sci-Fi, Animation, Shorts, Fan Films & More.
Deadline
Screens in July
How-to-Apply
You can submit through Withoutabox at this link.
Little Terrors Short Film Festival (link)
Showcasing short films that are mind-opening, twisted, and ultimately entertaining.
Deadline
Shows are monthly from September through May.
How-to-Apply
You can submit via FilmFreeway at this link.
Macedonian Film Festival (link)
Deadline
Screens in October
How-to-Apply
Follow the submissions form through this link.
Manifesto Festival (link)
Manifesto is a non-profit, youth-powered platform designed to put local artists on the map and unite, inspire and empower diverse communities of young people through arts and culture, year-round.
Deadline
On hiatus for the moment.
MINT Made in Toronto Film Festival (link)
Celebrating film and musical performance at the AGO Jackman Hall
Deadline
On hiatus for the moment.
Monsters & Martians Science Film Festival (link)
Currently on hiatus
Moving-Image-Arts International Short Film Festival (link)
Moving-Image-Arts is a collaborative short film festival created by artists/curators Gerda Cammaer and Pierre Tremblay.
Eligibility
– Maximum length: 10 mins
– H.264 format, QuickTime movie file, high resolution (min 720×480, max. data rate 50.000 kbit/s)
– Work explores theme of light
– Work completed after January 1, 2014
– Work produced for a commercial purpose or within a commercial context is not eligible.
Deadline
Screens in February
How-to-Apply
Send your inquiries to movingimagearts@ryerson.ca
North by Northeast Music & Film Festival & Conference (link)
Multi-disciplinary festival bringing together music, comedy, technology, visual art and film. The conference is also focused on music as well as emerging technologies, interactive, gaming and the intersection of these disciplines.
Location
189 Church St.
Toronto, Ontario
M5B 1Y7
Deadline
Screens in June
How-to-Apply
General inquiries: info@nxne.com
North Korean Human Rights Film Festival (link)
On hiatus for the moment.
Open World Toronto Film Festival (link)
Yet another festival open to all genres and filmmakers from across the globe.
Deadline
Screens in October
How-to-Apply
You can submit via FilmFreeway through this link.
Rastafest: Rastafari/Reggae Film Festival (link)
Rastafest is a multi-disciplined festival showcasing different aspects of the Rastafari culture. The festival draws from the rich and diverse Rastafarian lifestyle and history.
Location
1290 FINCH AVE WEST UNIT 17 TORONTO
Deadline
Screens in August
How-to-Apply
You can email info@rastafest.com
Rebels With a Cause Film Festival (link)
Rebels With A Cause is a FREE annual 5-day film festival that showcases artistic reflections of social justice issues and critical documentations of unsung community work.
Deadline
On hiatus for the moment.
Reel Abilities (link)
Experience the largest film festival in North America dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and art of people with disabilities and Deaf people.
Deadline
Screens in May
How-to-Apply
Get your inquiries here.
Reel Artists Film Festival
Deadline
Screens in March
Amnesty International Reel Awareness Film Festival (link)
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights.
Location
Carlton Cinema at 20 Carlton Street, Toronto ON>
Deadline
Screens in November
How-to-Apply
Follow the instructions on this page.
Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour (link)
The Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour has been showcasing the very best paddling films. The World Tour screens in more than 120 cities around the world.
Deadline
Screens in February
How-to-Apply
Contact Dan Caldwell at films@reelpaddlingfilmfestival.com.
ReelCanada Film Festival (link)
REEL CANADA promotes the power & diversity of Cdn film through 3 core programs: OUR FILMS IN OUR SCHOOLS, WELCOME TO CANADA & NATIONAL CANADIAN FILM DAY
Location
720 Bathurst Street, Suite 504, Toronto ON, M5S 2R4
Deadline
Year round
How-to-Apply
Get your inquiries at cara@reelcanada.ca
ReelHeART International Film Festival (link)
Anti-niche indie film festival that celebrates all genres and lengths of films, featuring film screenings, screenplay readings, special gatherings and panel discussions
Deadline
Screenings in July
How-to-Apply
Email your inquiries here.
ReelWorld Film Festival (link)
Supporting filmmakers, build bridges between sectors, and showcase stories that inspire change.
Location
50 Carroll Street, Suite 200
Deadline
Screenings in October
How-to-Apply
For inquiries you can contact contact@reelworld.ca
Ryerson University Film Festival (RUFF) (link)
Student film festival for Ryerson students.
Deadline
Screens in May
Short Shorts (link)
Celebrates a variety of short films.
How-to-Apply
Drop an inquiry at info@revuecinema.ca
Shorts That Are Not Pants Film Fest (link)
Toronto certainly doesn’t lack for film screenings. Cinephiles here are spoiled for choice, usually.
Deadline
On-going quarterly
Space and Time Film Festival (link)
The Space and Time Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing films with a thematic focus on “space” and/or “time”.
Deadline
Screens in February
How-to-Apply
Via FilmFreeway. Click here.
Toronto Animation Arts Film Festival (TAAFI) (link)
Showcasing the best in animated shorts and features.
Deadline
Screens in April
TAIS Screenplay Festival & Animation Showcase (link)
Representing some of the best independent animated art being produced in the world, the Showcase is a highlight event for animation lovers each year.
Deadline
Screens in July
How-to-Apply
Follow the steps here.
TAPFest (link)
The CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (link)
CTFF presents a multi-ethnic mix of exciting and dynamic films that showcase diverse shared stories and cultures.
Location
454 Ossington St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A1
Deadline
Screens in September
How-to-Apply
All the info you need here.
The Climate Change Film Festival
The Daring Independent Film Festival
The Hidden Film Festivals
The Shinsedai Cinema Film Festival
On hiatus for the moment.
The Toronto Russion Film Festival (TRFF) (link)
Russian Film Festival in Canada based company TRFF (Toronto Russian Film Festival) in 2009 to promote Russian cinema.
Deadline
Screens in October.
TIFF Next Wave (link)
For the next generation of movie lovers: selections approved by our youth-driven TIFF Next Wave Committee.
Toronto African Film & Music Festival (link)
Covering everything from life style, heritage, age, and culture, has nothing dedicated to celebrating African film and music jointly.
Deadline
August 2017?
Toronto Arthouse Film Festival (link)
The Toronto Arthouse Film Festival welcomes filmmakers who explore and develop new filmmaking conventions in their quest to realize their visions effectively on a limited budget.
Toronto Beaches Film Festival (link)
The Toronto Beaches Film Festival (TBFF) is a unique, flip-flop friendly film festival that takes place smack dab in the famous “Beaches” community in Toronto, Canada.
Eligibility
The 5 Categories for Competition are:
Short Film (Narrative) – – under 45 Minutes
Feature Film (Narrative) – – over 46 Minutes
Short Documentary – – under 45 Minutes
Feature Documentary – – over 46 Minutes
Vintage Beach or Beach Culture – –Any Length
Deadline
May 2017?
Toronto Black Film Festival (link)
The Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world.
Deadline
November 16th, 2016
Toronto DigiFest (link)
Digifest is an immersive three-day event that showcases groundbreaking creations and trending content in digital media, art, design and technology.
Toronto Film Week (link)
THE TFW FOCUSES ON THE UNCONVENTIONAL, THE UNUSUAL, THE UNDERGROUND, THE INTUITIVE, THE INNOVATIVE, THE MINIMALISTIC AND THE TRUE ARTISTS OF OUR TIME.
Deadline
July 26, 2016Very Late Deadline
August 6, 2016Extended Deadline
Toronto Human Rights Watch Film Festival (link)
Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. We work tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep rooted change and fight to bring greater justice and security to people around the world.
Toronto International Film & Video Awards (TIFVA) (link)
Toronto Shorts Fest provides a showcase for the best short-form cinema and its creators in the world. We feel that short form cinema and its creators should have their own premier film festival in Toronto deserving similar recognition given to the feature film and its creators.
Deadline
Early Deadline: July 4, 2016
Regular Deadline: August 5, 2016
Extended Deadline: September 16, 2016
Late Deadline: September 30, 2016
ENTRY FEE
Shorts under 30 minutes, for each entry:
Early Deadline: $40
Regular Deadline: $50
Extended Deadline: $60
Late Deadline: $70
Shorts over 30 to 45 minutes, for each entry:
Early Deadline: $44
Regular Deadline: $54
Extended Deadline: $64
Late Deadline: $74
Toronto International Short Film Festival (link)
Toronto Shorts Fest provides a showcase for the best short-form cinema and its creators in the world. We feel that short form cinema and its creators should have their own premier film festival in Toronto deserving similar recognition given to the feature film and its creators.
Toronto International Spring of Horror & Fantasy Film Festival (link)
We accept short films (<45 min), feature films (45< min) and music videos of all lengths that would play well alongside genre films. We are open to all horror, sci-fi and fantasy films. Other films that would fit a genre festival (such as bloody black comedies or dark experimental films) are also cordially welcome.
Toronto Irish Film Festival (TIRFF) (link)
The Toronto Irish Film Festival celebrates the very best of Irish cinema and promotes the work of Irish filmmakers to the Greater Toronto Irish community and the Toronto film festival public.
Toronto Japanese Film Festival (link)
Programming addresses popular genres such as historical (samurai), contemporary dramas, comedies and action, literary adaptations, children’s, art-house and anime films. All films shown are North American, Canadian, or Toronto premieres.
Toronto Korean Film Festival (link)
With the mission “To Advance Diversity Through Korean Cinema”, TKFF is a non-profit organization that aims to present authentic Korean cinema to the Canadian community, and to support local Korean filmmakers.
Toronto Nepali Film Festival (link)
The festival features films that pertain to Nepal, and is open to both Nepali and non-Nepali filmmakers. The festival showcases all genres of films including feature length films, documentaries, animation, experimental, and shorts.
Toronto NXT Film Fest (link)
Our mission is to showcase new, innovation, and unique visions in independent cinema. Discovering new voices.
Toronto Online Film Festival (link)
On hiatus for the moment.
Toronto Queer Film Festival (link)
The first annual Toronto Queer Film Festival showcases contemporary, innovative queer and trans film and video art. We are especially interested in supporting formally experimental films and/or social justice themed projects.
Toronto Serbian Film Festival (link)
Deadline
Screens in November.
Toronto Short Film Festival (link)
The festival is open to any film in any genre under 50 minutes in length. The festival prioritizes low-budget films of independent spirit and exciting new talent.
ENTRY FEES:
Deadlines
Early (ending September 2, 2016), Regular (ending November 18, 2016), Late (ending January 20, 2017)
Fees for short films (between 5 and 30 minutes) are $20 early, $25 regular, $30 late.
Fees for short short films (under 5 minutes) and Music Videos are $15 early, $20 regular, $25 late.
Fees for short films (between 31 and 50 minutes) are $25 early, $30 regular, $35 late.
Toronto Smartphone Film Festival (link)
The Toronto Smartphone Film Festival (TSFF) was created with the goal to encourage aspiring filmmakers to share their stories through film, without having to equip themselves with expensive video equipment, training or field experience.
*Free submissions are only accepted during Early-Bird period.
Deadline
April 17th, 2016
Early-bird: February 29th, 2016
Take 21 (link)
6 min max shorts. 21 OR YOUNGER.Toronto Student Film Festival:Take 21 has become one of the most exciting opportunities for young filmmakers from all over the world to showcase their short films.
Deadline
April 15th, 2016
Toronto-Romanian Film Festival (link)
On hiatus for the moment.
Toronto South Asian International Film Festival (TSAIFF)
On hiatus for the moment.
University of Toronto Film Festival (link)
Deadline
March 11th, 2016
Veloreel (link)
Submissions of any film — fiction, documentary, animation, etc. — with a love for bikes will be accepted until August 22.
Deadline
August 22, 2015
Videodrunk (link)
Videodrunk was founded in 2014 by M Rooney in an effort to create a film festival that shows a variety of genres and styles in a non-cinema environment to small active audiences fueled by their love of film and beer. Videodrunk is a party of a film festival.
Deadline
Screens in December
How-to-Apply
Submit via FilmFreeway. Click here.
WILDsound MONTHLY Film & Screenplay Festival (link)
The RULES are simple:
Make a film. We screen SHORTS and FEATURES of any genre. Length of films screened are from 10 seconds to 3 hours!
$40
Deadline
Monthly, middle of the month?
Worldwide Short Film Festival (link)
On hiatus for the moment.
Zoom Student Film Festival (link)
Zoom Student Film Festival accepts entries from students aged 18 and younger. We ask that all submissions be kept within a running time of no longer than eight minutes (including credits).
Please refrain from any form of nudity, excessive violence, swearing, gore, or other explicit content.
Deadline
April 19th, 2016
Toronto Indie Doc Fest (TIDF) (link)
Toronto IDF remains to be an affordable alternative film festival for documentary filmmakers.
How-to-Apply
Via FilmFreeway. Click here.
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You missed the “Toronto Short Film Festival” or the “T.O. Short” Film Festival. Annually for five days in March. Two blocks of short films every evening, Monday to Friday, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Cost $5 per block of films.
http://www.torontoshort.com. Submit through FilmFreeway or Withoutabox.
Please note: The Toronto Independent Film Festival (known as the “T.O. indie” to avoid those pesky initials) screens both Feature and Short films. The festival is presented over 10 days, with two Features each evening plus approx. six to eight Shorts per evening.
We posted it, it’s the 6th one. Thanks Steve, see ya soon.
FIVARS is missing from this list.
Festival of International Virtual and Augmented Reality Stories.
http://fivars.net/
Thanks Jessy. I’ll include it as a “BONUS” because it doesn’t seem film related. You can help us out by posting the:
eligibility
how to apply
deadline
location
Thanks
Toronto 48 Hour Film Project…missing from the list.
Premiere Screenings: October 11-15th, Revue Cinema
Best Short Films of 2016 Screening: Sunday, October 23rd, 2pm – 4pm, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1Y3). Tickets: $10 cash only (Available at the theatre box-office, one hour before showtimes). http://www.48hourfilm.com/toronto
https://www.facebook.com/48hfptoronto/
#48hfpTO @48hfptoronto
In 2014, NKHRFF rebranded and expanded its scope to focus on global human rights issues. The organization is now called JAYU and it hosts The the annual “Human Rights Film Festival,” currently in its 5th year. http://www.jayu.ca 🙂
Durham Region International Film Festival is missing from this list. New film festival of 3 years that is in its first year as a not for profit. If you could have this up that would be amazing! We’re really in need of more films this year. https://filmfreeway.com/festival/DurhamRegionFilmFestival
CaribbeanTales Film Festival (Sept 5-20, 2018), is now open for submissions!
http://caribbeantalesfestival.com/submit-your-film/
Thanks for this! Will update very soon.