Canada International Children's Film Festival

Canada International Children's Film Festival (CICFF)

Join us for the inaugural Canada International Children's Film Festival (CICFF)—a magical celebration of global cinema dedicated to inspiring young minds. CICFF brings together films from around the world with a mission to entertain, educate, and empower children and their families through the art of storytelling.

In the heart of Toronto at the prestigious Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, CICFF showcases a diverse selection of animated, live-action, and documentary films designed to inspire creativity and cultural understanding. The festival is not only a platform for filmmakers but also a dynamic learning experience with workshops, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with industry professionals.

Our festival seeks to foster empathy, ignite imagination, and introduce children to film's power as a storytelling medium. We believe that cinema is a tool for growth, and our festival creates an environment that nurtures future filmmakers, creators, and dreamers.
Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or an emerging talent, CICFF is the perfect place to showcase your work to a broad, appreciative audience. Submit your film, share your vision, and inspire the next generation of dreamers and creators!

Key Highlights:

International films for young and family audiences
Workshops and educational panels
Networking opportunities for filmmakers
Special awards honoring excellence in children's cinema
Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting event—where creativity knows no bounds!

At the Canada International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF), we celebrate creativity, imagination, and excellence in children's filmmaking. Our prestigious awards recognize outstanding talent and craftsmanship in storytelling, direction, animation, and more. Winning at CICFF not only brings you recognition but also connects you with an engaged audience of young cinephiles, families, educators, and industry professionals.

CICFF Awards:

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Animated Film
Best Documentary
Best Foreign Language Film [Feature]
Best Foreign Language Film [Short]
Best Film Canada
Best Film Africa
Best Film Asia
Best Film Australia
Best Film Europe
Best Film North America
Best Film South America
Best Director
Best Children's TV Show
Best Children's YouTube Channel
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Screenplay
Best Actor/Actress
Audience Choice Award (Voted by attending children and families)
Terry Fox Inspiration Award (Honoring films that inspire courage, perseverance, and hope)
All selected films will receive Official Selection laurels, while winners will be awarded trophies, certificates, and special recognition at the festival’s closing ceremony.

Please carefully read the rules and regulations prior to submitting your film for consideration. By submitting to CICFF, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these conditions.

Appropriate for Young Audiences:
All films must be suitable for audiences aged 18 and under.

Language Requirements:
Submissions must be in English and French (official festival languages), or include subtitles or dubbing, regardless of the language and country of production.

Copyright and Permissions:
We accept films only from the author or their authorized representative, with the copyright holders' permission. All videos, soundtracks, text, and music must comply with copyright laws. Supporting documentation may be requested. Violation of copyright laws is grounds for exclusion from the festival.

Multiple Submissions:
Multiple entries are allowed, but each submission requires a separate entry form and fee. Each film can only be submitted once in one category. If your film fits multiple categories, choose the one that best represents it.

Premiere Status:
There are no premiere requirements. Your film may have screened previously.

Eligibility for Distribution:
Films that have already secured distribution are still eligible for submission.

Broadcast and Online Availability:
Films that have been broadcast on television or are available online in their entirety are still eligible for submission.

Film Age and Production Date:
We welcome all documentary, animation, and fiction films made by professionals or enthusiasts after January 1, 2020.

Submission and Fees:
Submissions will not be returned, and all entry fees are non-refundable.

Selection Process:
Submission does not guarantee screening. Our jury reviews films privately, and only officially selected films will be screened during the festival.

Final Decision:
No inquiries or appeals regarding non-selection will be entertained. The decision of the festival selection committee is final.

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Dates & Deadlines

November 1, 2024
Opening Date
December 1, 2024
Earlybird Deadline
January 1, 2025
Regular Deadline
April 15, 2025
Late Deadline
May 10, 2025
Extended Deadline
May 30, 2025
Notification Date
July 25 – 26, 2025
Event Date

Categories & Fees

Best Feature Film [Live-Action]
Recognizes the best full-length children's film that showcases creativity, storytelling, and quality.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best Animated Film
Celebrates excellence in animation, focusing on both creativity and technical execution.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best Documentary for Children
Honors a documentary that educates and engages young audiences on real-world topics.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best Film by a Young Filmmaker
Celebrates films created by filmmakers under 18 years old, encouraging the next generation of creators.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $45
Best Film on Social Issues for Children
It focuses on films that address important social or environmental issues in a child-friendly and informative way.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best Canadian Film
Canadian-made films that resonate with children and families while promoting local talent.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best International Film
Highlights the best children's films from outside of Canada, celebrating diverse cultures and perspectives.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best African Film
Best feature films from Africa, celebrating unique cultural stories, creative filmmaking, and excellence in engaging young audiences.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best European Film
Recognizes the best feature films from Europe that showcase strong storytelling, cultural diversity, and creativity aimed at children and families.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best Asian Film
Honors the best feature films from Asia, demonstrating remarkable storytelling, cultural richness, and relevance to young audiences.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best Australian Film
Celebrates the best feature films from Australia, reflecting the nation’s cinematic excellence, cultural stories, and appeal to children.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best North American Film
Celebrates the best feature films from North America, focusing on compelling stories, entertainment, and creativity for children and families.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best South American Film
Honors the best feature films from South America that portray diverse cultural stories and captivate young audiences with their storytelling and creativity.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
Best Short Film
Recognizing outstanding storytelling in short formats and celebrating the best short films that captivate young audiences with creativity, emotion, and powerful narratives.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best Animated Short Film
This category honors the finest in animated storytelling, showcasing films that use innovative animation techniques to engage children and bring imaginative worlds to life.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best Short Documentary Film
Highlighting impactful real-life stories, this category is dedicated to the best short documentary films that educate, inform, and inspire young viewers about the world around them.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best Short Film on Social Issues for Children
This category recognizes powerful short films that address important social issues affecting children, promoting awareness and fostering empathy in young audiences.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best Short Film by Young Filmmaker
This category encourages the next generation of filmmakers by celebrating exceptional short films made by directors under 18, reflecting fresh perspectives and creativity in filmmaking.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best Canadian Short Film
This category celebrates the best short film from Canada, highlighting unique storytelling, cultural narratives, and cinematic excellence that resonates with children and families across the country.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best International Short Film
This category honors the best short films from around the globe. It recognizes international filmmakers who have created exceptional, engaging, and creative stories that captivate young audiences worldwide.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best African Short Film
Recognizes the best short films from Africa, delivering impactful stories or messages while engaging young viewers with cultural narratives.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best European Short Film
Dedicated to the best short films from Europe, showcasing exceptional storytelling in a concise format that appeals to children and families.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best Asian Short Film
Honors the best short films from Asia, highlighting creativity, unique stories, and cultural representation for young audiences.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best Australian Short Film
Celebrates the best short films from Australia, presenting imaginative storytelling and visual creativity for children and families.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best North American Short Film
Dedicated to the best short film from North America, demonstrating excellent narrative skills, creativity, and cultural engagement with young audiences.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best South American Short Film
Honors the best short film from South America, emphasizing storytelling, cultural diversity, and entertainment for children.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
Best Children's TV Show
Dedicated to the best television program that captivates young audiences with high-quality content and storytelling.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Gold Members: $55
Best Children's YouTube Channel
Recognizes the most engaging, creative, and educational YouTube channels specifically designed for children.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55

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