** THIS FILM FESTIVAL IS FOR CANADIAN WOMEN/NON BINARY FILMMAKERS OF COLOUR ONLY

CineFAM was founded by filmmaker and producer Frances-Anne Solomon in 2016 to support bold, original film stories by Women and non-binary creators of colour from or based out of Canada. CineFAM’s mandate is to really enhance the visibility of women of colour, strengthen their networks, and facilitate access to the resources of the larger film industry.

Every year, Women and non-binary creators of colour in film gather to share stories, enjoy camaraderie and to support each other’s work as the festival kicks off with the CineFAM annual mixer, which is followed by two nights of screenings.

2026 marks the 10th edition of the festival.

Awards & Prizes

Best short
Best Impact
Best Cinematography
Best Screenwriting
Best Short Documentary
Best Feature Documentary
Best Director
Best Animation
Best Overall Film

Rules & Terms

FILMMAKERS
CineFAM seeks works made by women of colour filmmakers from Canadian backgrounds and/or that celebrate and explore Canadian themes. Every year, women of colour in film gather to share stories, enjoy camaraderie and to support each other’s work. CineFAM will be bringing you the best from women of colour creators in Canada.

FILMS
All film submissions must be completed online.
All films must be made by a Canadian filmmaker.
Films in foreign languages must be subtitled in English.
Please indicate whether your film will have its Canadian Premiere, Ontario Premiere or Toronto Premiere at the time it is screened in October 2024.

MARKETING MATERIALS
When submitting your film, you must provide:
- A Synopsis
- A trailer
- A poster
- Two Stills Shots
- A Director’s headshot
- A Director’s biography
- An EPK
All submitted files must be high resolution. A more detailed list of requested marketing materials will be submitted upon acceptance into the festival.

EXCLUSIVITY
The Filmmaker agrees that the Picture will not be screened anywhere else in Canada thirty days prior the start date of the Festival and thirty days after the end date of the Festival in order to preserve the integrity of CineFAM Film Festival.
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • brishkay ahmed

    CineFAM is a fantastic festival. They bring community together. I so appreciated the intimacy of the festival and the screenings. It allows for real connections to foster. It was an honour to be in the community of talented filmmakers and caring festival staff. I'll be back for sure! So happy to be part of this beautiful thriving community.

    November 2025
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  • Toffy Olowo

    It was an honour screening my short film Whispers at the 2024 CineFAM film festival. The programme’s curation was genuinely original with a diversity of bold voices! The CineFAM team was also warm and hospitable. I remember how for example, considering the weight of the topic featured on Whispers, one of their directors checked in on me right after my film screened to ensure I was emotionally okay. Top notch team. Overall, had an amazing time. Thank you CineFAM!

    February 2025
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  • Angela Onuora

    I loved the experience! Very pleasant to work with all through and so supportive of women of colour in the film space. I got to appreciate the work other filmmakers put into their work through the well-thought-out panel discussion sessions. I look forward to submitting again to CineFam Film Festival.

    February 2022
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  • Keesha Chung

    It was an honour to have my film included in this years festival. The team was wonderful to work with and it was a pleasure to connect with other filmmakers.

    November 2021
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  • Jennifer Holness

    CineFAM Film Festival is a game-changer for women of colour. It is a great festival to have you and your work seen, uplifted and celebrated for what it truly is!

    October 2021
    Helpful