Canadian International Film Festival
"Celebrating Global Diversity in Cinema"

Formerly known as the Canadian Diversity Film Festival, the newly rebranded Canadian International Film Festival is committed to expanding its horizons to showcase exceptional films from around the world. This evolution marks our dedication to bringing diverse voices to the forefront, celebrating storytelling that transcends borders, cultures, and perspectives.

Our festival is an annual in-person event, scheduled for December 5th, 6th, and 7th in Downtown Toronto.

The Canadian International Film Festival serves as a vibrant platform for filmmakers to promote narratives that inspire understanding, equality, social justice, and multiculturalism. Through our comprehensive evaluation process, we select only high-quality films that challenge conventions and champion global stories.

We proudly accept all genres of films from across the globe, creating a space where filmmakers can compete, collaborate, and connect with audiences worldwide. Join us as we continue our journey to inspire, innovate, and illuminate the world of cinema.

Awards & Prizes

At the Canadian International Film Festival, we proudly honor the finest independent filmmakers from around the globe. Our selection process is driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and storytelling excellence. Every submission undergoes a rigorous evaluation by our panel of industry experts, ensuring that only the best are recognized.

Festival Highlights:
Live Screening & Award Ceremony:
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of cinema during our annual event held on December 5th, 6th, and 7th in Downtown Toronto.

VIP Dinner Gala:
Celebrate in style with celebrities, filmmakers, and industry leaders at our exclusive VIP Dinner Gala during the award ceremony. This elegant evening offers a unique opportunity to network, share stories, and toast to the magic of cinema.

Award Trophy:
Each winner will be presented with a beautifully crafted trophy at the award ceremony, symbolizing their outstanding achievement and contribution to global cinema.

Winner Notification:
All award winners are contacted directly on the official Notification Date.

Genre Submissions:
Films must be submitted to at least one primary genre to qualify for additional categories, expanding their chances to shine.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms
Production Date:
All films must have been completed on or after 2023.

Language Requirements:
Films must be in English or have English subtitles.

Work-in-Progress Submissions:
We accept work-in-progress submissions, provided they are clearly labeled as such.

Multiple Submissions:
Filmmakers are welcome to submit multiple entries.

Non-Competitive Entry:
Our entries are evaluated on individual merit and do not compete directly against each other.

Submission Fees:
All entry fees are non-refundable.

Film Length Requirements:

Short Films: Must be under 40 minutes.

Feature Films: Must be 40 minutes or longer.

Category Submission:
Each film must be entered into at least one primary genre to qualify for additional categories.
Films submitted to multiple categories are eligible to win multiple awards.

Premium Status Requirement:
Premium status is not required, but all films must not be available online on any streaming platforms to be eligible for selection.

Filmmaker Attendance:
At least one filmmaker or representative must attend the festival to qualify for official selection and awards.

Dinner Gala & Award Ceremony:
All attendees are required to purchase dinner tickets to attend the VIP Dinner Gala and Award Ceremony.

Online Submission Requirements:
Online screeners and posters must be uploaded directly to FilmFreeway.

Student Films:
All student film submissions must include a valid student ID uploaded during the submission process.
96 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jensen Noen

    Even if you win this festival(as I did) don't expect anything from them!
    Do you want a trophy for your award? Pay $186 and get a statue with a crappy awkward sticker(!) with your name on it.
    You'll be ashamed to show this "award" to anyone, trust me! Mine end up in a trash bin.
    Do you want this award to be added to IMDB as they promised? You would need to write them a few times (they ignored me for a long time) and wait a few weeks to find out they can not help you. The only recommendation they give me is to add it to IMDB on my own! How? Read the FAQ section on IMDB.
    AWESOME! Thank you for the suggestion and support!

    Supper crappy festival. I would non recommend it to anyone!

    January 2022
    Helpful
  • Kevin J. Howard

    I'm truly honored to have my drama/fantasy feature "The Seedling" Win for Best Drama and for my comedy/horror "The Moron" Win for Best Comedy! Thank you so much!

    October 2021
    Helpful
  • Melanie de Klerk

    Great festival! Thanks for the good communication. We are so happy to have been an award winner.

    May 2021
    Helpful
  • Ivy Vale

    Thank you to the Canadian Diversity Film Festival for choosing our feature screenplay musical, Out of My Comfort Zone, as an Official Selection.

    May 2021
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Hello Ivy,
    You are very welcome for the selection! Thank you again for submitting!

  • Larry W. Thomas

    Very honored to have been chosen Best Drama Screenplay by the CDFF. Communication was excellent! Thank you.

    May 2021
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Hello Larry,
    Congratulations again on your win, we await any more submissions to come!