Canadian Film Fest

Monday, March 24, 7:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

DARKEST MIRIAM
Drama | 91mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Naomi Jaye

Cast:
Britt Lower, Tom Mercier, Sook-Yin Lee, Jean Yoon

Librarian Miriam Gordon (Lower) lives in a fog of grief while working amidst marginalized members of the public who populate the Allen Gardens branch of the Toronto Public Libraries. When a burgeoning love-affair with Janko coincides with her receiving a series of oddly threatening letters addressed to her, Miriam’s sheltered existence is cracked open.

DARKEST MIRIAM will be preceded by the short film DO US PART

DO US PART
Drama | 12mins | World Premiere

Director: William Phillips

Cast:
Kristin Booth, David Hewlett, Josette Jorge, Glee Dango, David Webster

As a man prepares for an evening out with another woman, he and his wife struggle to reconcile their mutual love with the inevitability of separation.

Tuesday, March 25, 1:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

LARRY ( THEY/THEM)
Documentary | 103mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Catherine Legault

Cast: Laurence Philomène

Exploring the artist’s intimate world and creative process, LARRY (they/them) paints a luminous and engaging portrait of the complex, often misunderstood multiplicity of trans and non-binary identities and experiences.

LARRY (THEY/THEM) will be preceded by the short film PAPER LANTERNS

PAPER LANTERNS
Drama | 8mins | World Premiere

Director: Laura King

Cast:
Faith English, Shel Sun, Tristan Huang, Joe Cheng, Tracy Rankin

Allison, a Chinese-Canadian adoptee, experiences a culture shock when she visits her friend June's traditional Chinese family for dinner. When discussing her background, Allison is prompted to reveal that she is adopted, leading to a wave of embarrassment and insecurities.

Tuesday, March 25, 3:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

HOMEGROWN SHORTS 1

Film Title: LE RAVISSEMENT (RAPTURED)
Premiere Type: Toronto
Running Time: 13min
Genre: Drama
Director: Camille Trudel

Film Title: THIN WALLS
Premiere Type: World
Running Time: 22min
Genre: Drama
Director: Robert Armanyous

Film Title: BLACK EMPANADAS
Premiere Type: World
Running Time: 10min
Genre: Other - Provide genre in Film Synopsis
Director: Sid Santiago Zanforlin

Film Title: EASYBAKE
Premiere Type: Ontario
Running Time: 12min
Genre: Horror
Director: Sasha Duncan

Film Title: HATCH
Running Time: 11min
Genre: Drama
Director: Alireza Kazemipour, Panta Mosleh

Film Title: MY SON WENT QUIET
Running Time: 14min
Genre: Drama
Director: Ian Singh Bawa

Tuesday, March 25, 6:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

THE LEGACY OF CLOUDY FALLS
Comedy | 101min | Ontario Premiere

Director: Nick Butler

Cast:
Grace Glowicki, Andrew Moodie, Amanda Martinez, Josh Dohy,

Set in the Cloudy Falls residence, a run-down apartment complex in Niagara Falls that seems destined to be torn down, the film tells the story of a handful of its tenants, chosen at random by the narrator, Rita (Susan Berger), the building’s glib superintendent.

THE LEGACY OF CLOUDY FALLS will be preceded by the short film SLEEP TALKING

SLEEP TALKING
Drama | 15min | Ontario Premiere

Director: Ethan Godel

Cast:
Gavin Matts, Kat Khan, Brittany Howatt, Zachary Rivard, Michael Janetakes, Joshua Hendel

SLEEP TALKING is an absurdist comedy-drama that explores where our minds go when we can't fall asleep.

Tuesday, March 25, 8:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

FEATURE
Drama | 96mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Avi Federgreen

Cast:
Michelle Nolden, Tara Spencer-Nairn, Natalie Brown, Art Hindle, Jill Frappier. AL Macadam

On their fiftieth anniversary, Herb and Audry Homur have a few surprises for their three estranged daughters. Herb, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour, announces that he is choosing to die on his own terms and is not seeking treatment. He wants to spend his remaining days trying to find a way to clear the air between his daughters.

HOME FREE will be preceded by the short film BELONGING

SHORT
Drama| 10mins | World Premiere

Director: Benjamin Campbell

Cast:
Cherish Violet Blood, Zenna Davis-Jones, Andrea Houssin

After their mother's death, two sisters visit her home and clash over how to move forward.

Wednesday, March 26, 11:00 am
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

HOMEGROWN SHORTS 2

BAIL BAIL (LEASE ME ALONE!)
Ontario Premiere
Running Time: 13min
Genre: Comedy
Director: Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers

CLEMENTINE
Toronto Premiere
Running Time: 14min
Genre: Comedy
Director: Beth Evans

SPERMATOZOON
Running Time: 6min
Genre: Comedy
Director: Cathy Tang

ANYWAY, J'PISSE ASSIS (ANYWAY, I PISS SITTING DOWN)
Ontario Premiere
Running Time: 12min
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Director: Zak Slattery

WANDA JUSTICE WARRIOR
World Premiere
Running Time: 4min
Genre: Historical, Biographical, Documentary
Director: Josiane Blanc

ONE DAY
Toronto Premiere
Running Time: 16min
Genre: Drama
Director: Yazmeen Kanji

MICHIF LAND-BASED KNOWLEDGE
Toronto Premiere
Running Time: 3mins
Genre: Documentary
Director: Robyn Adams

AU-DELÀ DU REGARD (BEYOND THE GAZE)
Ontario Premiere
Running Time: 9min
Genre: Documentary
Director: Arianna Bardesono

Wednesday, March 26, 1:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

PLEASE AFTER YOU
Drama/Comedy | 93mins | Canadian Premiere

Director: Rob Michaels

Cast:
Sammy Azero, Neema Nazeri, Juno Rinaldi, Kris Skiddiqi, Julie Nolke

When Ali goes to pick Omid up from the airport, he learns that his cousin is not coming to visit -- he’s seeking political asylum to stay in Canada after getting caught up in an anti-government demonstration in Iran.

PLEASE AFTER YOU will be preceded by the short film MOTHER'S TONGUE

MOTHER'S TONGUE
Drama| 14mins |

Director: Vanesa Millado

Cast:
Sableena Gill, Jinny Lau, Gurvinderjit Dhillon, Casie Yuen

After moving out of her family home and being estranged from her mother, Gurleen yearns to reconnect with her Punjabi culture through cooking. But as she attempts to do so, she quickly realizes she's missing a crucial element, her mother's touch.

Wednesday, March 26, 6:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

FEATURE
Drama| 96mins | World Premiere

Director: Tarique Qayumi

Cast:
Tajana Susanna Prka, Leo Solomon, Hangama, Mariam Hazhir

Under pressure from her mother-in-law, Clara undergoes IVF treatment. The complications lead her to choose between her life and the baby's. Finally, she cannot connect with the baby and must find love in her daughter.

CONCEIVING CLARA will be preceded by the short film WHISPERING IN THE LEAVES

WHISPERING IN THE LEAVES
Drama | 14mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Luvleen Hunjan

Cast:
Jasnoor Sandhur, Gurbaksh Singh

A daughter longed to accompany her father on his journey to India to bid farewell to her ailing grandmother, but was not allowed. During a turbulent car ride home after picking up her grieving father from the airport, she struggles to shield him from the weight of her silent yearning.

Wednesday, March 26, 9:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

THE KILLGRIN
Supernatural| 84mins | Canadian Premiere

Director: Joanna Tsanis

Cast:
Konstantina Mantelos, Cristo Fernández, Adam Tsekhman, Ramona Milano, Peter MacNeill, Gillian Fortin, Matt Murray, Lynne Griffin, Fuad Ahmed, Shomari Downer, Brian Quintero, Tennille Read, Leland Tilden

After a personal tragedy, Miranda explores unconventional self-help methods, only to learn from a spiritual healer that she has an infection of her aura called a ‘killgrin’, which thrives off her misery.

THE KILLGRIN will be preceded by the short film WATERMAN’S BALLAD

WATERMAN’S BALLAD
Supernatural/Mystery/Drama | 14mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Jamie Knox

Cast:
Alex Braatz, Chase Jeffels

Haunted by his past, a grieving man seeks solace in a lakeside cabin, where he has an otherworldly conversation with a lost friend.

Thursday, March 27, 3:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

HOMEGROWN SHORTS 3

Film Title: DAYS BEFORE THE DEATH OF NICKY
Premiere Type: Ontario
Running Time: 19min
Genre: Drama
Director: Denis Côté

Film Title: CAPACITY
Premiere Type: World
Running Time: 16min
Genre: Drama
Director: Kristin Booth, Tim Ware

Film Title: THE OTHER STUFF
Running Time: 16min
Genre: Drama
Director: Bernard Gray

Film Title: KOFI
Premiere Type: Toronto
Running Time: 7min
Genre: Drama
Director: Marianna Phung

Film Title: Lei 累
Running Time: 12min
Genre: Fantasy
Director: Huiru Shi

Film Title: OF MAY
Premiere Type: Canadian
Running Time: 12min
Genre: Drama
Director: Brit Kewin

Thursday, March 27, 6:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

HIS FATHER'S SON
Drama| 79mins |

Director: Meelad Moaphi

Cast:
Alireza Shojaei, Gus Tayari, Mitra Lohrasb

When Amir’s parents receive news that a family friend from Iran has died and left his inheritance solely to Mahyar, the unexpected bequest triggers a chain of revelations that reshape the brothers’ dynamic and unravel truths about the family’s hidden past.

HIS FATHER’S SON will be preceded by the short film NOLA

NOLA
Drama | 10mins |

Director: Aisha Evelyna, Natalie Novak Remplakowski

Cast:
Aisha Evelyna, Ruth Goodwin, Alex Crowther

Nola is working as a sous chef managing the pressures of a dysfunctional restaurant, while also trying to keep her stress and anxiety at bay. After she has a chance encounter with someone from her past, she is forced to decide how much power her anxiety truly reigns over her.

Thursday, March 27, 8:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

FEATURE
Documentary| 88mins | Canadian Premiere

Director: Billie Mintz

Cast:
Glenn Joseph Feldman, Alex Feldman

Montreal lawyer Glenn Joseph Feldman risks his reputation and faces a multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit after accusing his former business partner of living off Nazi Gold stolen from the Holocaust.

GOLD BARS will be preceded by the short film ONE NIGHT ON OPEONGO

ONE NIGHT ON OPEONGO
Documentary | 17mins | World Premiere

Director: Sam Leslie

Cast:
Michelle McShane, Mike Hildebrand

One Night on Opeongo is a gripping documentary short, taking you back to 1997, where a tranquil evening on Opeongo Lake, Algonquin Park, became a harrowing fight for survival. Camp instructors Michelle and Mike revisit that fateful night, sharing a tale of courage in the face of a bear attack.

Friday, March 28, 2:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

HOMEGROWN SHORTS 4

Film Title: THE SCULPTOR: BIRTH OF THE PATAVISION
Premiere Type: Ontario
Running Time: 10min
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Comedy
Director: Joshua Banman

Film Title: BEAUPRÉ THE GIANT
Premiere Type: Toronto
Running Time: 8min
Genre: Drama
Director: Alain Fournier

Film Title: TAILOR MADE
Running Time: 12min
Genre: Documentary

Director: Quan Luong

Film Title: GATEKEEPERS
Premiere Type: Toronto
Running Time: 6min
Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy
Directors: Jason Speir, Ben Speir

Film Title: HAIR!
Premiere Type: Canadian
Running Time: 15min
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: Sara Jade Alfaro-Dehghani

Film Title: SATURDAY CLASS
Premiere Type: World
Running Time: 6min
Genre: Drama
Director: Carri Chen

Film Title: A GOOD DAY WILL COME
Running Time: 19min
Genre: Drama
Director: Amir Zargara

Friday, March 28, 4:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

CROCODILE EYES
Experimental | 75mins | World Premiere

Director: Ingrid Veninger

Cast:
Ingrid Veninger, Laska Switzer Sauder, Hallie Switzer, Jacob Switzer, Simon Reynolds, Helen Veninger, Frank Veninger

With her 8th feature, filmmaker Ingrid Veninger ventures to capture 100 real moments. But what makes a moment truly real?

***CONTENT WARNING: There is real death and real birth in this film.

CROCODILE EYES will be preceded by the short film TINA, WHEN WILL YOU MARRY?

TINA, WHEN WILL YOU MARRY?
Documentary | 8mins | Ontario Premiere

Director: Celestina Aleobua

Cast:
Celestina Aleobua, Yemi Fusigboye, Eniola Hu, Titilola Oridota

At 30 years old, the pressure to get married is intense and Tina is adamant about carving her own path while silencing outside voices that try to dictate what her life should look like.

Friday, March 28, 7:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

TO THE MOON
Comedy | 85mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Kevin Hartford

Cast:
Jacob Sampson, Phoebe Rex, Amy Groening

An ensemble comedy about love, choreographed dance, kitchen safety, stranger danger, planetary physics, and the idea that it’s never too late in life to figure out who you really are.

TO THE MOON will be preceded by the short film UNCOMFY

UNCOMFY
Drama/Comedy | 6mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Jessica Hinkson

Cast:
Jenna Harder, Lauren Beatty, Andrew Bushell

A woman in a comfortable, hetero-normative relationship reaches out to an escort to explore her queer side in a quest to answer the age-old question, "Am I missing out on something?"

Friday, March 28, 9:15 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

VAMPIRE ZOMBIES...FROM SPACE!
Sci-Fi/Comedy| 98mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Michael Stasko

Cast:
Jessica Antovski, Rashaun Baldeo, Andrew Bee, Oliver Georgiou, Craig Gloster, Judith O'Dea, Lloyd Kaufman, David Liebe Hart

Packed with gruesome special effects, b-movie miniatures, and gut-busting laughs, “Vampire Zombies…from Space!” is a bloody comedy that has its foundation in horror films of the 1950s.

VAMPIRE ZOMBIES...FROM SPACE! will be preceded by the short film THE GIFT

THE GIFT
Comedy | 6mins | World Premiere

Director: Rebecca Applebaum

Cast:
Jackie Pirico, Rebecca Applebaum

After getting caught sneaking into a new mom’s living room, Kelsey’s attempt to explain herself takes a sudden turn into the sublime.

Saturday, March 29, 11:00 am
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

HOMEGROWN SHORTS #5

Film Title: SUMMER LOVE
Premiere Type: Toronto
Running Time: 13min
Genre: Documentary
Director: Virgile Ratelle

Film Title: CRANES LIKE WHITE GIRAFFES
Premiere Type: World
Running Time: 10min
Genre: Drama
Director: Josiah Dyck

Film Title: HERALD
Premiere Type: Canadian
Running Time: 11min
Genre: Drama
Director: Sandro Pehar

Film Title: THE SHOW WILL BEGIN SHORTLY
Premiere Type: World
Running Time: 6min
Genre: Drama
Director: Liz Shmuilov

Film Title: EZDA
Premiere Type: Canadian
Running Time: 14min
Genre: Documentary
Director: Halime Akturk

Film Title: UASHESHKUN
Premiere Type: Toronto
Running Time: 9min
Genre: Drama
Director: Normand Junior Thirnish-Pilot

Film Title: PASTA NEGRA
Premiere Type: Canadian
Running Time: 15min
Genre: Drama
Director: Jorge Thielen Armand

Saturday, March 29, 1:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

S K E E T
Drama| 104mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Nik Sexton

Cast:
Sean Dalton, Jay Abdo, Kate Corbett, Terry Ryan

Fresh out of prison, Billy Skinner returns to his transformed low-income neighbourhood, now populated by Syrian refugees. Struggling to overcome his dark past, Billy forges an unexpected bond with Mo, a compassionate Syrian immigrant determined to build a better life for his family.

S K E E T will be preceded by the short film CHAND

CHAND
Drama | 6mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Arshad Mohamed

Cast:
Ali A. Kazmi, Malika Mendez

In the wake of his father’s sudden death, Chand, an obedient teenage son, desperately struggles to connect with his mother whose grief has left her paralyzed, spiraling them into an emotional abyss where deeper relational truths begin to unravel.

Saturday, March 29, 4:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

WAITING FOR THE STORMS
Drama| 94mins | Ontario Premiere

Director: François Delisle

Cast:
Emmanuelle Lussier-Martinez, Victoria Diamond, Dominick Rustam

Across various timelines and locations, the fates of four characters intertwine as they struggle to find connections and meaning in a world transformed by climate change.

WAITING FOR THE STORMS will be preceded by the short film GREENHORN

GREENHORN
Drama | 19mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Sabrina Way

Cast:
Celia Green, Casey Fleming, Elizabeth Saunders

Logan, a young masculine-presenting woman, returns home to help her estranged father, an ex-rancher, recover from a car accident. Preparing her father’s home for his return, she discovers her father’s old western wear and begins wearing it. Upon his return, what was meant to be a warm reunion turns sour.

Saturday, March 29, 6:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

THE PLAYERS
Drama| 101mins | Toronto Premiere

Director: Sarah Galea-Davis

Cast:
Stefani Kimber, Eric Johnson, Jess Salgueiro

Summer. 1994. Emily’s dream of becoming an actor is realized when she is cast as the youngest member of an avant-garde theatre production. As the lines between artistic and personal relationships blur, Emily becomes trapped in the complex power dynamics within the group.

THE PLAYERS will be preceded by the short film SPACEMAN

SPACEMAN
Other| 11mins | Canadian Premiere

Director: Dan Abramovici

Cast:
Trevor Copp, JK Simmons, Mena Massoud

Using mime, stop motion, classic animation, and theatrical elements, to explore one artist's loss of creative passion and his journey to get it back. Allied with his passion, Spaceman has to travel through the looking glass and battle his imposter syndrome.

Saturday, March 29, 9:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre

There will be rush tickets available at the door before the screening.

LUNATIC: THE LUNA VACHON STORY
Documentary| 114mins | World Premiere

Director: Kate Kroll

Cast:
Luna Vachon, Madusa, Gangrel, Van Hurd, Paul Vachon

The story of WWF villain, Luna Vachon. Reaching the peak of her fame in the 90s, Luna’s biggest hurdle was challenging the mainstream wrestling industry and their view on women at that time. She aimed to be the biggest, baddest wrestling villain that ever lived. But despite her successes, both her stage persona and reality started to blur.

LUNATIC: THE LUNA VACHON STORY will be preceded by the short film BRAVE REBEL ARMY

BRAVE REBEL ARMY
Drama | 8mins | North American Premiere

Director: Michelle D'Alessandro Hatt

Cast:
Tamia Bailey, Sunmin Oh, Emma Thomson

After a terrifying incident on campus involving one of their own, four young women seek justice by taking matters into their own hands.

Monday, March 24, 12 pm-3:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre
Masterclass: Fix It In Prep

Workshop Leaders:
lori lozinski, producer, Violator Films
Lauren Grant, Producer, Clique Pictures

Fix It in Prep is an in-depth 3.5-hour class guiding filmmakers through the essential tasks of pre-production for a greenlit feature film. Focused on streamlining the preparation process, this workshop covers everything that needs to be accomplished from before pre-production to pre-production through the last day of prep prior to commencing Principal Photography.

Addressing how the script, financing, casting, budgeting, prep & production scheduling, hiring key creatives and crewing up relate to the prep and production timeline.

A screening of SUGAR DADDY follows the Masterclass.

A CFF Festival Pass is included. You must attend the class to claim a pass.

Monday, March 24, 4:15 pm - 5:45 pm
Industry Screening: Sugar Daddy (2021)

After gaining first hand insights from the film’s producers on how to successfully navigate feature film production, now experience the result of that journey on the big screen with Sugar Daddy, the multi-award winning film including winner of Best Feature at the 2021 Canadian Film Fest, directed by Wendy Morgan, written by and starring Kelly McCormack, and produced by Canadian Screen Award Winning Producers lori lozinski, Lauren Grant, and Kelly McCormack, makes its first theatrical screening. Witness how a well-executed production plan translates into a powerful, captivating film—showcasing the artistry, dedication, and strategic planning that brought Sugar Daddy to life.

Tuesday, March 25, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm
Scotiabank Theatre - Club Room
Global Voices, Canadian Heart: International Storytelling in Film
Co-Presented by ConneKt Film

This panel celebrates the diverse voices of filmmakers who have journeyed from across the globe to make their mark in the Canadian film industry. Explore how their unique perspectives shape the stories we tell, how co-productions bridge cultures, and how international storytelling is redefining Canadian cinema. Join us for an inspiring discussion on collaboration, creativity, and the power of storytelling without borders.

Moderator:
Anya Vagabova, ConneKt Films, Founder/CEO

Panelists:
Yazmeen Kanji, Film Director & Founder of Films With A Cause, One Day
Amir Kahnamouee, Writer, Please After You
And others!

Check the CFF website for up to date panelist information.

Tuesday, March 25, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre Club Room
Scouting TO: Finding the Perfect Location
Sponsored by xoTO and DGC Ontario

Location scouting isn’t just about where to film - it’s about how to elevate your entire story. Join industry insiders and location experts as they dive into the art of securing the perfect filming spot, maximizing your budget without sacrificing quality, and navigating local regulations with ease. Discover how to make the most of Toronto’s diverse cityscape while ensuring your creative vision comes to life. Whether you’re an indie filmmaker or working on a large-scale production, this panel will inspire you to unlock the ultimate cinematic canvas for your next project.

Moderator:
Magali Simard, Moderator, Cinespace, Director, Industry & Community Relations

Panel:
Dason Johnson, Location Scout/Composer, No Fauxs Entertainment LTTD
Richard Hughes, DGC Locations Manager, The Apprentice
And Others!

Tuesday, March 25, 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Scotiabank Theatre Club Room

Funded and Seen: Untapped Support for Canadian Creators

Finding support for your indie project in Canada requires creativity and financing beyond conventional streams. From regional initiatives to niche grants and broadcast partnerships, there are untapped opportunities to help indie creators bring their stories to audiences. This panel explores how filmmakers can connect with funders and broadcasters who are actively seeking to support fresh voices and compelling narratives.

Moderator:
Katie Uhlmann, Filmmaker

Panelists:
Donna Cagnoli, Bell Fibe TV1, Producer,
Paul Gardner, Bell Fibe TV1, Senior Producer,
Melissa Amer, Telefilm, Regional Feature Film Executive for Ontario
Mitch Geddes, Neshama Entertainment, VP, Development and Current
Suzanne Marshall, Hollywood Suite, Senior Manager of Programming
Mark Shapland, Program Manager and Climate Lens Facilitator, Independent Production Fund

Tuesday, March 25, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Scotiabank Theatre Club Room
Breaking In: The Transition to Directing
Sponsored by DGC Ontario

Many of the industry’s most successful directors started in other film roles. But how do you make the transition from working behind the scenes to leading the creative vision of a film? This roundtable brings together filmmakers who have successfully made the leap to directing, sharing their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. From building confidence and networking to securing funding and gaining industry recognition, learn how to take that next step in your career and bring your vision to the director’s chair.

Moderator:
Shawn Gerrard, Film & Television Director, Jane, Space & Time

Participants:
Nick Butler, Writer/Director/Producer Cloudy Pictures Inc., The Legend of Cloudy Falls
Joanna Tsanis, Writer & Director, The Killgrin, Bloody Bites
Meelad Moaphi, Director & Screenwriter, His Father’s Son

Tuesday, March 25, 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm
Scotiabank Theatre Club Room

Branding, Hustling, and Thriving: The Future of Film in Canada
Co-presented by Future of Film Showcase

In an ever-evolving industry, Canadian filmmakers and creatives are carving out their own paths through self-promotion, strategic branding, and financial sustainability. This panel brings together industry professionals from various roles to explore how they navigate the business side of film while staying true to their craft.

Moderator:
Eric Bizzarri, Future of Films Showcase Co-Founder and CEO

Panelists:
Amira de Vera, Project Four Public Relations Founder/Owner

And Others!

Check the CFF web site for up to date info.

Tuesday, March 25, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre Club Room

Behind the Lights: The Art & Craft of Cinematography
Sponsored by xoTO

This panel explores the intricate craft of the camera team, from the technical mastery of framing, movement, and lighting to the creative collaboration that shapes a film’s visual storytelling. Industry professionals will discuss how cinematographers work hand-in-hand with directors, how to foster strong teamwork on set, and why seamless coordination between camera operators, gaffers, and grips is essential to cinematic success. Whether you're behind the camera or working alongside it, discover the key to creating compelling, visually stunning films through the power of collaboration.

Moderator:
Warren Sonoda, Filmmaker, DGC National President

Panelists:
Rico Moran, His Father’s Son, I Like Movies
Gayle Ye, Paying for It, Late Bloomer, Bria Mack Gets a Life
And others!
Check the CFF web site for more info.

Wednesday, March 26, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Scotiabank Theatre
The 2025 Comedy Igniter Showcase
Sponsored by Scotiabank
Co-presented by WIFT+

A special presentation showcasing the top selected creative comedies from The Comedy Igniter, a film challenge created by Canadian Film Fest and Firecracker Department, where female and non-binary filmmakers were invited to write, shoot, and deliver a comedic short film within a four week timeline. Each Igniter will present their film and receive feedback and advice for their short comedy film from a live panel of comedy and filmmaking professionals.
Host:
Naomi Snieckus, Firecracker Department

Panelists:
Lauren MacKinlay, Bell Media, Development Executive, Original Programming, Scripted
Sarah Quan, CBC, Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy
Aurora Browne, Actor & Comedian, Baroness Von Sketch Show
Melissa D’Agostino, Filmmaker, Highball TV Co-Founder
Samantha MacAdam, Director, Shelved, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Prom Night

SHOWCASE SELECTS:

I’m Here!
Directors: Becky Swannick & Maddy Foley
Writer: Liv Collict

SIGNS
Directed by Dani Kind, Produced by Tara Ellis and Kimberly Manky, Written by Kimberly Manky

Extremely Small Claims Court
Director/writer/producer: Ray Resvick
Writer/producer: Becca Redden

My Gay Demon Girlfriend
Director & Writer: Samantha Wyss
Producers: Rachel Siegel, Toluwa Fayemi

GRIEVERS
Writer & Director: Ziggy Schulting
Producer: Madison Caan
Associate Producer: Watson Rose

New to the Neighbourhood
Writer & Director: Sarah Adams

FESTIVAL
Directed by: Natalie Semotiuk & Yeimy Daza
Written by: Emma Bulpin & Natalie Semotiuk
Produced by: Emma Bulpin

MEATBALL
Director: Mishki Vaccaro
Writers: Lyla Porter-Follows, Mishki Vaccaro
Producers: Lyla Porter-Follows, Mishki Vaccaro, Perrie Voss

Thursday, March 27, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Dressed to Tell: The Role of Costumes in Storytelling
Sponsored by xoTO
Co-presented by CAFTCAD

Costume design is more than aesthetics—it's a powerful storytelling tool that shapes character, defines time and place, conveys emotion, and enriches a film’s narrative. This panel brings together some of Toronto’s top working costume designers to explore both the art and business of costume design in the film industry.

Discover how these designers got their start, gain insights into the creative process, and learn practical strategies for bringing a director’s vision to life—even on an indie budget. Whether you're a filmmaker, costume designer, or simply passionate about the craft, this conversation will inspire you on how to see costumes as a vital part of cinematic storytelling.

Moderator:
Joanna Syrokomla, Costume Designer, CAFTCAD Awards Chair

Thursday, March 27, 12:15 pm
Panel: Beyond the Red Carpet: The Future of Film Promotion
Co-Presented by Canadian Film Centre (CFC)

Alongside traditional press tours and reviews are TikTok trends, influencer partnerships and AI driven marketing. Simultaneously, streaming platforms have redefined release strategies, and independent films are finding new paths to visibility in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. This panel brings together a journalist, a distributor, and a producer (Names TBC) to explore the current state of film promotion, how publicity strategies have adapted, and what the future holds. How do filmmakers cut through the noise? What role do critics and entertainment media still play? And how can Canadian filmmakers maximize impact in this rapidly changing ecosystem?

Moderated by:
Rakhee Sapra, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, CFC

And others!
Check the CFF web site for more info.

Thursday, March 27. 1:40 PM - 2:45 PM
Panel - The Art of Adaptation - Making Darkest Miriam
Co-presented by inkcanada

Join celebrated screen and television writer Karen Walton in conversation with director Naomi Jaye and author Martha Baillie as they discuss the creative journey of adapting Baillie's The Incident Report into Jaye's Darkest Miriam. This panel delves into the artistic choices that shape a literary work's transformation for the screen - from acquisition and script development to performance and production. Through behind-the-scenes insights, discover how this award-winning film captures the essence of the novel, bringing its world to life in a compelling new cinematic form.

Moderated by:
Karen Walton, Screenwriter, inkcanada Founder

Panelists:
Naomi Jaye, Screenwriter/Director, Darkest Miriam
Martha Baillie, Author, The Incident Report

Friday March 28
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

CFF Industry Panel:
PITCHING THE UNKNOWN: How to Sell & Craft Your Unscripted Show

How do you pitch a show when you don’t know exactly how the story will unfold? Whether it’s a documentary feature, reality series, or lifestyle show, selling unscripted content requires a unique approach—one that balances a strong concept with flexibility for real-world developments.

This panel brings together seasoned producers, network executives, and unscripted filmmakers to break down the art of pitching and creating the unknown. Learn how to craft a compelling vision, define your format, showcase access to key subjects, and anticipate potential story arcs—even when the outcome is uncertain.

Friday, March 28, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
You-CAN-Pitch Competition
Sponsored by Sphere Media, Sesler, Rhombus Media, Shaftesbury, and purpleDOG Post.
Co-presented by Black Screen Office, POV Film, and Reelworld Film Festival

Join us for an exciting live pitch competition where five finalists will take the stage to present their film projects to a panel of top industry experts, competing for their chance to win an exclusive prize pack worth $25,000 of in-kind project-building prizes and development cash!

Mentors:
Shawn Gerrard, Director, Jane, Space & Time
Duane Crichton, Writer/Director, Home, Murdoch Mysteries
Cory Bowles, Director, Black Cop, Diggstown

Panel Jury:
RT Thorne, Director, 40 Acres, The Porter
Floyd Kane, Director/Producer, Diggstown, Across the Line
Carolyn Mauricette, Director of Canadian Programming, Fantasia International Film Festival
Hilary Hart, Co-President, Game Theory Films
Alan Bacchus, Business Affairs Consultant/Producer, New Metric Media

You-CAN-Pitch SELECTED PITCHERS:

Katia Café-Fébrissy - THE MULE
Vanessa Magic - NADINE, PICK UP THE PHONE
Josiane Blanc - WHICH WAY HOME
Murry Peeters - WOMAN MEETS GIRL
Bernard Gray - POPS

Show your pass, and get a ticket.

The CFF Festival Pass gives you access to all CFF film screenings and Industry Series events, except the Masterclass which is sold separately.

To claim your film and industry ticket(s), show your pass at the CFF Box Office 45 minutes before the event start time. Unclaimed tickets will be released for sale 20mins before start time. So as long as you show up early, you'll have no issues.

CFF passes are $200 (a $450 value for all screenings and industry events).

CFF passes can be picked up at the CFF Box Office any time during the festival dates and box office hours.

CFF Box Office is located next to the concession stand at Scotiabank Theatre (note - passes are not available at the Cineplex box office).

Includes all Industry Series events on Tuesday, March 25

11:45 am - 12:45 pm
GLOBAL VOICES, CANADIAN HEART: International Storytelling in Film

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
SCOUTING T.O.: Finding the Perfect Location

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
FUNDED AND SEEN: Untapped Support for Canadian Creators

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
BREAKING IN: The Transition to Directing

4:45 pm - 5:45 pm
BRANDING, HUSTLING, & THRIVING: The Future of Film in Canada

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
BEHIND THE LIGHTS: The Art & Craft of Cinematography

Includes all Industry Series events on Thursday, March 27.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CFF Industry Cheers & Chats:
DRESSED TO TELL: The Role of Costumes in Storytelling
Sponsored by xoTO

This panel brings together some of Toronto’s top working costume designers to explore both the art and business of costume design in the film industry.

12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
CFF Industry Panel:
BEYOND THE RED CARPET: The Future of Film Promotion

Exploring the current state of film promotion, how publicity strategies have adapted, and what the future holds. How can Canadian filmmakers maximize impact in this rapidly changing ecosystem?

1:40 PM - 2:45 PM
CFF Industry Panel:
THE ART OF ADAPTATION: Making Darkest Miriam
Co-presented by inkcanada

Join celebrated screen and television writer Karen Walton in conversation with director Naomi Jaye and author Martha Baillie as they discuss the creative journey of adapting Baillie's The Incident Report into Jaye's Darkest Miriam.