The Canadian Film Fest is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by exclusively showcasing Canadian films. The festival unites film-loving audiences with diverse selections of features and shorts from across the country. The CFF provides Canadian filmmakers with essential professional development and networking opportunities through its Industry Series and awards. And, of course, the awesome parties.

In 2023, the Canadian Film Fest will be a hybrid event with screenings at Scotiabank theatre in Toronto and on Super Channel across Canada.

All submitting filmmakers must have the rights and ability to broadcast their film both on Super Channel and theatrically, should your film be invited to screen at Canadian Film Fest. Films will be shown on Super Channel (behind a paid subscriber wall in Canada) only on the day of the theatrical screening.

The Canadian Film Fest is a qualifying festival for the Academy's Canadian Screen Awards.

Questions? Please contact us before submitting.

Awards & Prizes

The Canadian Film Fest awards:

Best Feature
Best Short
Reel Canadian Indie Award sponsored by William F. White International
ReTake Furniture Rental Best Set Design
DGC Ontario Best Director
Canadian Film Fest Best Producer
People's Pick for Best Flick
Jury Prizes

Rules & Terms

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN FILM FEST LOOKING FOR?
- Films by Canadians
- CFF programs films of all genres. Tell us a great story!
- Must be a Toronto premiere (if your film is available online or screened with another Toronto festival, your film is ineligible except for BIPOC filmmakers).
- The CFF is waiving the Toronto premiere status for BIPOC filmmakers (Director and Producers). If a short or feature has screened at a Toronto festival over the past two (2) years, it is now eligible for CFF.

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN FILM FEST NOT LOOKING FOR?
- Films from non-Canadian directors
- Films that are available online. Even if it stars Ryan Reynolds. We'll watch it, but we can't program it.

ENTRY DETAILS AND FEES:
- Regular deadline: $25 short films, $45 feature films
- Extended deadline: $35 short films, $55 feature films
- The CFF does not grant waivers except to Canadian BIPOC filmmakers and high school students. To claim a waiver fee, email: ashleigh@canfilmfest.ca
- Entry fees are non-refundable

RULES AND REGULATIONS:
- Films must be a Toronto premiere (note: exception for BIPOC filmmakers). Toronto screenings, whether private or at school, will disqualify your film. The CFF is waiving the Toronto premiere status for BIPOC filmmakers. If a film has screened in Toronto over the past two (2) years, it will be eligible for the Canadian Film Fest.
- Short films must not exceed 25 minutes in length, including credits.
- Feature films must be at a minimum of 70 minutes in length.
- All non-English language films must have English subtitles.
- Films must be available in DCP format for in-person screenings.
- All invited films will receive a list of deliverables for broadcast and theatrically.
- Submissions may not be withdrawn from the CFF once invited to screen and confirmed, except at the sole discretion of the Festival.
- All selected films may be excerpted for publicity purposes.
- A separate entry form and an additional entry fee are required for each film submitted.
- Filmmakers must have the rights and ability to screen their films on Super Channel during the festival dates.
- The Canadian Film Fest pays screening fees for short and feature films.

23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Allyson Glenn

    What a wonderful film festival! I am honored that In the Fray was selected to be part of this well organized and prestigious event. The programmers set up really simple zoom meetings for the Q & A which made it super simple for the team to be part of. Heartwarming to have this project shown in my home country, Canada and on Superchannel.

    April 2022
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  • Cheryl Meyer

    This festival was a wonderful experience. The team of organizers is excellent. Everyone's wholeheartedly committed to promoting Canadian independent film and that love for indies shines through every event at the festival. On top of the intriguing and engaging films selected and showcased, the festival has plenty of networking and career enhancement opportunities with its seminars. The sponsors were also very generous with several giveaways for participants and industry attendees. And this was all done virtually by collaboration with Super Channel, which is an incredible feat. I'm thrilled my feature film was selected for the 2022 Canadian Film Festival and I look forward to submitting more films in the future.

    April 2022
    Helpful
  • Andrew Chung

    Despite the necessary virtual nature of the festival due to covid, I had a fantastic time at CFF, and they were so gracious and kind. They gave us and our film the love and attention we hoped for, and they were attentive whenever we needed anything. Their lineup of films were also stellar this year, and I met so many great people!

    May 2021
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  • Brendan Whelton

    I've been a fan of the festival for several years, and I was thrilled to finally play there. The team was really on top of things and made the best out of the stay-at-home experience.

    April 2021
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  • Lauren Grant

    Great Festival. The 2021 edition (which was the 2nd virtual edition) created such a great space to see films, interact with the programming team and share our film with a great audience. The CFF really made the experience feel special.

    April 2021
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