Since its inception in 2015, the Cyrus International Film Festival has grown rapidly, attracting over 2,000 patrons annually. The festival was traditionally held at TIFF Bell Lightbox and, according to TIFF's statistics, was recognized as one of Toronto’s most prominent local film festivals. Over the years, screenings have also taken place at prestigious venues such as Innis Town Hall at the University of Toronto. The festival has now relocated to the University of Toronto, establishing a strategic partnership with various organizations within the university to further strengthen its cultural and academic ties.

Traditionally dedicated to showcasing the best of Iranian cinema, the festival has expanded its vision to include a new section focused on contemporary cinema, particularly highlighting independent voices from around the world. Additionally, it aims to spotlight some of the most compelling voices in Canadian cinema, further broadening its scope. This evolution reflects the festival’s commitment to fostering a space for emerging filmmakers, innovative storytelling, and bold artistic expressions that challenge cinematic conventions. From arthouse films and box office hits to documentaries and experimental works, the festival presents a curated selection of the year’s most acclaimed films, offering audiences an opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of modern cinema.

Set against the backdrop of Toronto’s diverse population, the festival not only showcases films but also fosters unity and cross-cultural understanding. It is a celebration of shared stories and human experiences, held in one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Beyond film screenings, the festival features art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, further engaging audiences with the cinematic and artistic heritage of Iran and beyond.

The Cyrus International Film Festival has garnered support from major media outlets such as The Globe and Mail and CBC and has twice been opened by the Mayor of Toronto. By welcoming filmmakers from across the globe, the festival continues to grow as a premier destination for both the local Iranian community and Toronto’s broader film-loving audience.

Awards & Prizes

Awards :

Canadian Narrative Feature Films

Canadian Documentary Feature Films

International Narrative Feature Films

International Documentary Feature Films

Canadian Short Films

International Short Films

Episodic Content

New Experiments in Cinema

Rules & Terms

A) Eligibility Requirements

1. Films completed on or after Jan 1, 2020 are eligible for consideration
2. Films previously submitted to the Cyrus Int Film Festival are NOT eligible for consideration.
3. Feature-length films that are available for public online viewing are not eligible.
4. Films shown at private screenings not open to the public (for crew, investors, etc.) are eligible.
5. All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English. Dialogue lists are not accepted.
5. Films with Toronto's premiere will be prioritized.
6. Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry to the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

B) Submission Guidelines
1. Feature-length films must be submitted via online screener hosted by Vimeo, on DVD or on Blu-ray disc.
2. Only complete entries (including fee payment and screener) will be considered.
3. Entrants are permitted to submit works-in-progress (i.e., without final color correction or sound mixing), but please note that the programming committee will only consider the version submitted. Subsequent cuts or replacement copies will only be accepted at the request of the programming committee.
4. All films selected for the Cyrus Int. Film Festival will screen on Bluray/DCP unless otherwise arranged by the submitting filmmaker and programming team.

C) Shipping
The cost of shipping an entry to the Festival must be paid by the entrant. Collect or COD shipments will not be accepted. All international entries must be sent “free domicile” to the Festival office with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper.

D) Judging & Selection

Films are selected for Festival presentation by the Cyrus Intl. Film Festival programming committee. If a film is selected, the Festival office will contact the entrant by phone or email. The Festival does not provide feedback or screening notes to entries that are not selected.

All competitive film categories are judged during the Festival. Only winner projects will receive a customized laurel and listed on our website.

F) Entry Fees
Each entry must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee. Entry fees are not refundable. Fees cover registration, registration notification, consideration by the programming department, and notification of the results. These fees may be paid by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express).
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Nader Bagherpoor

    Being part of the Cyrus International Film Festival has been a fantastic experience for us, as well as for the cast and crew of ALISON. We are especially grateful to have won in the International Narrative Feature Film category. Thank you, Cyrus International Film Festival, and I wish you continued success in the years to come.

    October 2024
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  • Terry C Carney SR

    Cyrus International film festival is top tier of all film festivals. Very professional five stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    October 2024
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  • Benita Jacques

    I am thrilled and honoured to receive the "Winner-Award 2023" for my documentary "Africa, Cradle of Humanity and Modern Civilizations".

    It is an exceptional recognition for the hard work that I have put in, and I am extremely grateful to have received it among so many other high-quality films.

    This award is a great motivation for me as a filmmaker, as it means that my film was able to touch audiences and industry professionals in a meaningful way. It is also an important recognition for the efforts that my team and I have put in to create this film.

    I would like to particularly thank the organizing committee of the Cyrus Toronto International Film Festival for their hard work and dedication to promoting cinematic art. Your festival is an incredible platform for filmmakers from all over the world to share their work and their vision.

    Lastly, I would like to congratulate all the other winners and participants of the festival.

    Sincerely,

    Benita Jacques,
    ZenQueenMediaProduction.com

    March 2023
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  • nina Kazé

    Such a beautiful venue and lineup of films.
    It’’s also ran by a Fabulous group of film makers & film lovers and I. Was so honored to close the festival with our film.
    Thank you for giving independent film makers a platform and a voice..

    August 2022
    Helpful
  • Sonia Machado Hines

    I found the festival very accommodating and good at showcasing my film. I was happy with the handling of my communications as well.

    July 2022
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