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 2024, the Canadian Film Fest presented by Super Channel will be presented in theatres at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto.

The Canadian Film Fest is a qualifying festival for the Canadian Academy's Canadian Screen Awards for short films and documentary feature films.

Questions?
Please contact us before submitting.

Awards & Prizes

The Canadian Film Fest awards:

Best Feature
Best Short
Reel Canadian Indie Award
DGC Ontario Best Director
People's Pick for Best Flick
Canadian Film Fest Best Short Producer
Jury Prizes

Rules & Terms

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN FILM FEST LOOKING FOR?

- Films by Canadians
- Films of all genres. Tell us a great story!
- Toronto premieres (if your film is available online or screened with another Toronto festival, your film is ineligible except for BIPOC filmmakers)
- The CFF waives the Toronto premiere status for BIPOC filmmakers (directors and producers)
- Films produced within the last two (2) years

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN FILM FEST NOT LOOKING FOR?

- Films from non-Canadian directors
- Films that are available online. Even if your project 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. Toronto screenings, whether private (e.g. cast/crew screenings) or at school, disqualify your film.
- The CFF waives the Toronto premiere status for BIPOC filmmakers. If a film has screened in Toronto over the past two (2) years, it is 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 theatrical screenings
- All invited films will receive a list of deliverables
- 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
- The Canadian Film Fest pays screening fees for short and feature films
39 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hilary Hart

    Canadian Film Fest is one of the few festivals that truly champions the work of Canadian filmmakers. The team was incredibly supportive, the programming was diverse, the panels were super insightful, and the screening venue was top notch. I’m so happy I attended this festival and got to connect with a lovely community of filmmakers and film lovers. Thank you CFF for a wonderful 2024 edition! -Anna Fahr, Writer/Director, Valley of Exile

    April 2024
    Helpful
  • Victor Oly

    I couldn't imagine a better experience! The industry events were so insightful, and even better than what I've experienced at TIFF! It felt like a full mentorship program throughout the week of events and films and it truly was a beautiful community to be a part of. Everything was so well organized and well thought out and as a filmmaker it was an ideal place to be to meet people and grow my circle of connections. I'm honoured to be a part of this year's program and want to thank the team at CFF for making this an unforgettable experience!

    April 2024
    Helpful
  • Michèle Kaye

    I love Canadian Film Festival! Great community, great organizers, & great films! Also really wonderful offering of industry events. Highly highly recommend.

    March 2024
    Helpful
  • the tweetations

    Canadian Film Fest is truly one of a kind. The festival is exceptionally well organized, and the staff are the most genuine and encouraging people. As a filmmaker, I couldn't be happier with this festival and the life-changing platform they provided for our film and team. Thank you, CFF.

    March 2024
    Helpful
  • Christopher Yip

    Thank you so much to the incredibly warm and welcoming folks at Canadian Film Fest for having us as part of this year's program! We were surrounded by lovely local talent and felt so at home. Much gratitude to the entire team for all that you do <3

    March 2024
    Helpful