Canadian Film Fest Toronto – Accepting Submissions

The Canadian Film Fest is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by exclusively showcasing Canadian films. The festival unites film-loving audiences with diverse selections of features and shorts from across the country. The CFF provides Canadian filmmakers with essential professional development and networking opportunities through its Industry Series and awards. And, of course, the awesome parties.

In 2023, the Canadian Film Fest presented by Super Channel will be presented in theatres at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto.

The Canadian Film Fest is a qualifying festival for the Academy’s Canadian Screen Awards for short films and documentary feature films.

Questions? Please contact us before submitting.

Awards & Prizes

The Canadian Film Fest awards:

Best Feature
Best Short
Reel Canadian Indie Award sponsored by William F. White International
ReTake Furniture Rental Best Set Design
DGC Ontario Best Director
Canadian Film Fest Best Producer
People’s Pick for Best Flick
Jury Prizes

Rules & Terms

What is the Canadian Film Fest looking for?

• Films by Canadians
• CFF programs films of all genres. Tell us a great story!
• Must be a Toronto premiere (if your film is available online or screened with another Toronto festival, your film is ineligible except for BIPOC filmmakers).
• The CFF is waiving the Toronto premiere status for BIPOC filmmakers (Director and Producers). If a short or feature has screened at a Toronto festival over the past two (2) years, it is now eligible for CFF.
• Films from non-Canadian directors
• Films that are available online. Even if it stars Ryan Reynolds, We’ll watch it, but we can’t program it.

Entry Details and Fees

• Regular deadline: $25 short films, $45 feature films
• Extended deadline: $35 short films, $55 feature films
• The CFF does not grant waivers except to Canadian BIPOC filmmakers and high school students. To claim a waiver fee, email ashleigh@canfilmfest.ca
• Entry fees are non-refundable

Rules and Regulations

• Films must be a Toronto premiere (note: exception for BIPOC filmmakers). Toronto screenings, whether private or at school, will disqualify your film. The CFF is waiving the Toronto premiere status for BIPOC filmmakers. If a film has screened in Toronto over the past two (2) years, it will be eligible for the Canadian Film Fest.
• Short films must not exceed 25 minutes in length, including credits
• Feature films must be at a minimum of 70 minutes in length
• All non-English language films must have English subtitles
• Films must be available in DCP format for in-person screenings
• All invited films will receive a list of deliverables
• Submissions may not be withdrawn from the CFF once invited to screen and confirmed, except at the sole discretion of the Festival
• All selected films may be excerpted for publicity purposes
• A separate entry form and an additional entry fee are required for each film submitted.
• The Canadian Film Fest pays screening fees for short and feature films

Contact: ashleigh@canfilmfest.ca