The Cyrus International Film Festival, nestled in the heart of Toronto, stands as a vibrant celebration of the city's remarkable multiculturalism. Toronto, often heralded as one of the world's finest examples of a diverse and culturally rich metropolis, serves as the perfect backdrop for this festival.

In a city that thrives on its multicultural tapestry, the festival takes its cue from Toronto's own ethos of embracing and celebrating differences. As the festival honors Cyrus the Great's legacy of upholding universal human rights and respecting human diversity, it aligns seamlessly with the values cherished by Toronto itself.

Here, in the mosaic of Toronto's neighborhoods, the Cyrus International Film Festival has found a home that mirrors its mission - to spotlight the extraordinary array of voices and perspectives from all corners of the world. Filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are welcomed with open arms, adding their unique threads to the rich tapestry of cinematic storytelling that Toronto and the festival together represent.

Against this backdrop of multiculturalism, the festival not only showcases exceptional films but also fosters a sense of unity and understanding among its diverse audience. It's not just a film festival; it's a celebration of humanity's shared stories and aspirations, set against the backdrop of one of the world's most multicultural cities.

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

A) Eligibility Requirements

1. Films completed on or after Jan 1, 2015 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).

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • very blessed to be part of this Amazing Festival

    February 2021
  • Hello, my name is Raquel Choy and I feel happy to have participated in Cyrus International Film Festival of Toronto with my short film "X". Great Festival and great people. I hope to participate in a future with more projects!!!

    February 2021