The Blood in the Snow Film Festival (BITS) was first created in 2012 with a mandate to highlight the best in contemporary genre filmmaking in Canada.

The 2023 Blood in the Snow Film Festival will take place in-person in Toronto in November 20 to 25, 2023. The theatre is just steps away from the Museum station (across from the ROM) and the theatre is fully wheelchair accessible. The theatre seats 500 combined on the floor and balcony and is outfitted with a Christie IMB 2200 Digital Cinema projector.

Blood in the Snow has the reputation of being a "filmmaker’s festival". In 2022 the festival had 36 of the 44 filmmakers featured in attendance from all across Canada. There are activities all weekend long allowing filmmakers to network with other filmmakers and other important industry contacts. Filmmaker activities include industry panels, VIP industry cocktail socials and after parties every night of the festival.

Blood in the Snow is generously funded in part by Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates and the Independent Production Fund. The Blood in the Snow Film Festival is also on the eligibility list of festivals for the Canadian Screen Awards.

Blood in the Snow works to attract extensive press coverage. Past coverage has included reviews, interviews and profiles by outlets such as CP24, Sirius XM, The Star, NOW Magazine, Newstalk 1010 and Rue Morgue Magazine.

All selected filmmakers will receive a Filmmaker Pass that will get you into all of the in-person screenings at the festival for free.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes
We give out a series of awards called "The Bloodies" given out during the festival:

- Best Feature
- Best Short
- Best Digital series
- Best Lead Acting Performance in a feature
- Best Supporting Acting Performance in a feature
- Best Lead Acting Performance in a short film
- Best Supporting Acting Performance in a short film
- Best Director
- Best Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Special FX
- Best Music Score

Rules & Terms

We focus on Canadian filmmakers but we are now open to Canadian / international co-production films as well. Please read the submission requirements carefully BEFORE submitting.

By Canadian we mean that:
- the film has a Canadian director and;
- must be shot in Canada AND/OR have a predominately Canadian crew.

The International category are for international films that are co-productions with a Canadian company
and/or
- The main crew (Director/Producer) is a Canadian working abroad.
and/or
- The main actor(s) is a Canadian working abroad.

*IMPORTANT: For the Co-Production category, please follow up with an email to us (info@bloodinthesnow.ca) and let us know what aspect of the film is Canadian.

For the web series category, please submit one episode that you think best represents your series. We don't need a premiere status for the web series category and can be available online.

BITS HORROR DEVELOPMENT LAB SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Please submit one polished, completed short film (3 to 30 minutes in length). Please indicate if you'd like us to also consider the film for the in-person festival or just for the lab.
2. Please include applicant biography (director, writer and/or producer)
3. Upload (under Files & Attachments) a maximum 3 page proposal (or pitch book) describing the project. Please include a story description, bios of the team attached, a general budget summary and anything else you'd like to tell us about the project.
4. DO NOT submit any scripts.
5. Music videos and TV series are not eligible for the lab application.

If you have any questions about our requirements, please email us at info@bloodinthesnow.ca to check first before submitting.

By applying to BITS you have agreed to the terms listed above and that there are no submission fee refunds.
79 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Kat S

    This is by far the BEST Toronto based festival
    Especially for networking and industry cultivation.

    December 2022
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  • Rosalee Yagihara

    BITS is an incredible experience, I made some great connections. The team work tirelessly during the festival to ensure all of the events and screenings run smoothly. Great atmosphere. I highly recommend Deadly Exposure.

    December 2022
    Helpful
  • Ray Raghavan

    I absolutely love this festival. a celebration of Canadian genre films that have a lot to say. Being part of the horror lab and the festival helped me make so many lasting connections.

    December 2022
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  • AdrianGdelaPena .

    I was a participant of the BITS Development Lab of 2022 and even though I knew I was going to get a lot out of it, it exceeded my expectations!
    I loved the welcoming and familiar vibe of everyone! as well as the location! both venues within walking distance to each other.
    Carolyn, Kelly and Janinne were amazing and always looking to help all of the participants!

    December 2022
    Helpful
  • Shelagh Rowan-Legg

    I had a terrific experience at the Horror Development Lab. Kelly, Carolyn, and the entire team put together a professional and friendly atmosphere, with great information, advice and panels. The festival portion was also highly enjoyable.

    December 2022
    Helpful