The Canadian Diversity Film Festival is the premier festival to celebrate diversity in Toronto, Canada. This year, our event will take place online, from Monday, November 23rd to Sunday, November 29th, 2020.

The Canadian Diversity Film Festival is a hallmark event that celebrates our incredible diversity. Our aim is to bring diverse communities together to embrace our differences and discover our shared experiences. It is a focus through which filmmakers promote, challenge, and develop an understanding of equality, social justice, non-discrimination, diversity, and multiculturalism.

We accept all genres of films from all over the world. We create an opportunity for filmmakers to get their films judged and let them compete with other filmmakers. We perform a comprehensive evaluation process and select only high-quality films.

Awards & Prizes

We only award the best independent filmmakers after a comprehensive evaluation process. Our judges evaluate the quality of filmmaking, creativity, and storytelling ability.

All official selection will screen at the event and winners will be chosen at the event.

Winners receive laurel, trophy, and complimentary travel certificate for 3 nights (USA) OR 5 nights (Mexico).

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms:
- All films must have been made in or after 2017.
- Entries must be in English or subtitled in English.
- Work in progress is accepted.
- Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker.
- Our entries do not compete against each other.
- Entree fees are non-refundable.
- Short films must be under 30 minutes and features should be 40 mins and over.
- Each film has to be submitted to at least one genre, then they qualify for additional categories. Films entered in multiple categories may win multiple awards.
- Online screeners and posters must be uploaded to FilmFreeway’s site.
- CDFF does not download your film or make it available online.
- Student films need to upload their ID on the submission page.

71 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Cassie De Colling

    Such an awesome festival. I didn't get there but was kept up to date with press and events along the way. Great job guys thanks for virtually having me!

    September 2019
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  • Elizabeth Butler

    I was completely thrilled that my music video, "If I Knew", was one of the Official Selections for this event. The event organizers were very communicative and informative. It was a pleasure to be associated with such a well-run event.

    September 2019
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  • John and Lena Krissilas Burmenko

    We had an amazing weekend! With its focus on films that highlight diverse perspectives, we felt honoured to have our work in the lineup. The organizers welcomed us with huge smiles. A professional photographer captured beautiful red carpet photos. Every night ended with extensive networking and dinner/drinks; we became friends and supporters of each other's work. Highly recommended!

    September 2019
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  • Joseph L Harrison

    I'm so delighted and honored that our screenplay feature, "Pieces Of The Heart", has been selected to be a part of the Canadian Diversity Film Festival. This is hands-down one of the most inspiring festivals. Being in a festival that is focused on writers, I am looking forward to participating in the future as I continue to write inspiring stories and connect with those who involved in the craft of storytelling and the art of film making.

    I also look forward to the upcoming results of the next selection round.

    Joseph Harrison

    August 2019
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  • Jean Galliano

    Excellent Festival to be part of... Thank you for the Official Selection! It's be a rewarding experience to have participated and happy that I did!

    August 2019
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