The Canadian Film Fest supports and showcases Canadian independent films and cultivates emerging filmmaking talent. At CFF, film-loving audiences enjoy a diverse selection of 100% Canadian film programming and, filmmakers participate in a robust industry series that includes professional development seminars and networking opportunities.

During COVID19, the Canadian Film Fest was the first festival to transition to a virtual experience by partnering with Super Channel and offering all industry events online. In 2022, the Canadian Film Fest is proud to partner again with Super Channel and offer hybrid screenings and events (pandemic permitting).

All submitting filmmakers must have the rights and ability to broadcast their film on Super Channel, should your film be invited to screen at Canadian Film Fest.

The Canadian Film Fest is a qualifying festival by 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
Ethnically Diverse Artist (EDA) Award for Best Producer
People's Pick for Best Flick
Jury Prizes

Rules & Terms

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN FILM FEST LOOKING FOR?
- Films by Canadians
- CFF programmes 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).
- For 2022, 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. In 2022, 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 2022 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.
- If your film is invited to screen at the Canadian Film Fest, filmmakers may be offered a broadcast offer.
- 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.

21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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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  • Eric Bizzarri

    Congratulations to the CFF team for making the 2020 virtual fest such a cool and rewarding experience. Was happy to screen my short film, Pressure Play, among the lineup of great Canadian films!

    September 2020
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  • Kevin Hartford

    Congrats on making a stay-at-home fest such a cool experience for all involved, thrilled to take part again.

    August 2020
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