Canada International Children's Film Festival

CANADA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM AWARDS

(Formerly Canada International Children’s Film Festival)

About the Event

The Canada International Children’s Film Awards (CICFA) is an international juried awards competition dedicated to recognizing excellence in children’s and family filmmaking.

Originally launched as a live festival, CICFA has evolved into a curated online awards showcase — allowing us to celebrate outstanding storytelling from around the world without geographic limitations.

Our mission remains the same:

To honor powerful, imaginative, and meaningful films created for young audiences.

We recognize filmmakers who understand that children’s cinema is not secondary storytelling — it is foundational storytelling.

Event Format

CICFA operates as an Online Festival / Awards Event.

There are no in-person screenings or public physical events associated with this edition.

All films are reviewed privately by our jury panel.
Official Selections and Award Winners are announced digitally via:

Our official website

Email notification to filmmakers

Social media platforms

Selected projects receive Official Selection laurels.
Winners receive digital award certificates and Winner laurels for promotional use.

Our Selection Philosophy

We evaluate submissions based on:

Storytelling strength

Creativity and originality

Emotional and educational impact

Craft (direction, writing, performance, animation, design)

Cultural relevance and positive influence on young audiences

We are particularly interested in films that respect children as intelligent viewers and elevate the standard of youth-focused storytelling.

Awards Categories

Awards are presented across a range of categories including:

Best Feature Film

Best Short Film

Best Animated Film

Best Documentary

Best Director

Best Screenplay

Best Young Performer

Jury Special Recognition

Audience Impact Award (where applicable)

Additional category awards may be presented at the jury’s discretion.

Each category winner receives official digital recognition and laurels.

How the Awards Process Works

Submissions are reviewed by our internal programming and jury team.

Selected films are named Official Selections.

From the Official Selections, category winners are chosen.

Winners are announced publicly on our official announcement date.

Submission does not guarantee selection or award recognition.

All decisions of the jury are final.

Why Submit to CICFA?

✔ International visibility
✔ Recognition focused specifically on children’s cinema
✔ Professional digital laurels for marketing use
✔ Transparent award structure
✔ Global accessibility (no travel required)

We are building a platform that values quality over noise and storytelling over spectacle.

Important Note

CICFA is an online awards event.
There are no public screenings or physical venue events associated with this edition.

Awards & Prizes

At the Canada International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF), we celebrate creativity, imagination, and excellence in children’s and family storytelling. Our awards shine a spotlight on filmmakers who inspire, entertain, and uplift young audiences across the globe.

🏆 How the Awards Work

All submissions are reviewed by our jury.

Films are scored based on artistic merit, storytelling, creativity, and impact.

Official Selections will be announced on our website and via email to submitters.

Winners will be announced online and receive digital certificates and official laurels usable in marketing.

CICFA limits recognition to preserve the integrity and prestige of its awards. Selection is competitive, and not all categories may be awarded each year.

CICFF Jury Awards

Best Feature Film

Best Short Film

Best Short Animated Film

Best Short Documentary Film

Best Children’s TV Show

Most Uplifting Film

Most Entertaining Film/TV Show

Best Film on Social Issues

Rising Star Award

Children’s Jury Award

Parents’ Jury Award

The Maple Leaf Awards (Honoring Canadian Excellence)

Maple Leaf Feature

Maple Leaf Short

Maple Leaf Animation

Maple Leaf Documentary

Maple Leaf Uplifting Film

Maple Leaf First-Time Filmmaker

Together, these awards celebrate independent filmmakers who bring magic, meaning, and joy to children and families worldwide.

1. Event Format

The Canada International Children’s Film Awards (CICFA) is an online juried awards competition.

There are no public screenings, live events, or physical venue exhibitions associated with this edition.

All selections and awards are announced digitally.

2. Eligibility

Films must be suitable for children, youth, or family audiences.

All genres are accepted, provided the content is appropriate for young viewers.

International submissions are welcome.

Films must be submitted via secure online screener.

Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Projects may have been previously screened or released. Premiere status is not required.

3. Submission & Selection

Submission does not guarantee Official Selection.

All entries are reviewed by CICFA’s internal programming and jury team.

Official Selections are chosen based on artistic merit and alignment with the festival’s mission.

From the Official Selections, category winners are determined.

All decisions of the jury are final.

4. Awards & Recognition

Official Selections receive digital laurels for promotional use.

Award Winners receive:

Official Winner laurels

A digital award certificate

Recognition on CICFA’s website and social media platforms

No cash prizes are guaranteed unless otherwise stated.

5. Notification

All selected filmmakers will be notified via FilmFreeway and email.

Award announcements will be made publicly on the official announcement date listed on the event page.

6. Rights & Permissions

By submitting, entrants confirm they hold all necessary rights and permissions for the work.

CICFA may use excerpts, stills, trailers, and promotional materials for marketing and promotional purposes.

CICFA does not claim ownership of submitted works.

7. Fees

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Fees support administrative review, jury operations, and platform maintenance.

8. Disclaimer

CICFA reserves the right to adjust categories or awards based on submission volume and quality.

Participation implies acceptance of all rules and terms.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Michael Rawlins

CICFF,
We salute you! We also thank you for your Honorable Mention nod. As a High School Filmmaker, now in his Senior year, it means a lot to be recognized for making your way as a filmmaker, not to mention, doing what you love, absolutely! Though we were unable to attend, please know we were there in spirit. 'Til next time, Kei.

August 2025

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thank you very much for your kind words, Michael. It was a pleasure to watch your work. We look forward to seeing your next project and hope you can join us in person.
Tamara Setton

My film was not selected, probably because, although it is a story featuring a child, it was less likely to appeal to very young children. However, I am extremely grateful to the CICFF for awarding my film an ‘Honorable Mention’, which is still a wonderful recognition and always encouraging for the work accomplished. Many thanks for this Mention, which shows such wise and warm-hearted spirit!

August 2025

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thank you for your kind words, Tamara. It was a pleasure watching "When I Grow Up," and we can't wait to see another project from your team.
Alyssa Kostello

It's a newer festival, and while a little disorganized, they were all so kind and accommodating! We enjoyed our experience with them.

August 2025

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thank you for your kind words, Alyssa. We value your feedback and will work diligently to improve.

Add to List

Dates & Deadlines

September 1, 2025
Opening Date
December 1, 2025
Earlybird Deadline
February 28, 2026
Regular Deadline
April 15, 2026
Late Deadline
May 15, 2026
Extended Deadline
May 31, 2026
Notification Date
July 10 – 12, 2026
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: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
Best Animated Film
Celebrates excellence in animation, focusing on both creativity and technical execution.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
Best Documentary for Children
Honors a documentary that educates and engages young audiences on real-world topics.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
Best Film by a Young Filmmaker
Celebrates films created by filmmakers under 18 years old, encouraging the next generation of creators.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $45
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $55
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: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
Best Canadian Film
Canadian-made films that resonate with children and families while promoting local talent.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
Best International Film
Highlights the best children's films from outside of Canada, celebrating diverse cultures and perspectives.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
Best African Film
Best feature films from Africa, celebrating unique cultural stories, creative filmmaking, and excellence in engaging young audiences.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
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: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
Best Asian Film
Honors the best feature films from Asia, demonstrating remarkable storytelling, cultural richness, and relevance to young audiences.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
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: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
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: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
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: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65
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: $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 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: $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 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: $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 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: $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 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: $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 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: $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 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: $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 Short Film
Recognizes the best short films from Africa, delivering impactful stories or messages while engaging young viewers with cultural narratives.
- 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 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: $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 Short Film
Honors the best short films from Asia, highlighting creativity, unique stories, and cultural representation for 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 Short Film
Celebrates the best short films from Australia, presenting imaginative storytelling and visual 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: $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: $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 Short Film
Honors the best short film from South America, emphasizing storytelling, cultural diversity, and entertainment 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
Best Children's TV Show
Dedicated to the best television program that captivates young audiences with high-quality content and storytelling.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Gold Members: $65
Best Children's YouTube Channel
Recognizes the most engaging, creative, and educational YouTube channels specifically designed for children.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $35
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $55
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $65
- Gold Members: $65

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Michael Rawlins

Response from festival:

Tamara Setton

Response from festival:

Alyssa Kostello

Response from festival: