Inside Out's International Financing Forum (IFF) is the first and only 2SLGBTQ+ finance forum of its kind in the world. Now entering its eighth edition (fifth as hybrid event), the Forum provides 2SLGBTQ+-identified producers, writers and directors creating 2SLGBTQ+ content an opportunity to move their feature projects forward through professional development, mentorship, and the platform to pitch their projects directly to top international industry executives and decision-makers.

In 2024, we are looking for the following formats to make their market premiere:

Narrative Feature Film Projects, budgets $2.5M+ (USD)
(Canadian and International)

**NEW: Canadian Series (Half-Hour Comedies, One hour drama Series/Limited Series)
(Canadian)

Producers and/or creative teams will preferably have one feature under their belt already at the time of forum application. If you do not reach these thresholds, you can contact Forum producers via andrew@insideout.ca to get pre-approved for submission.

In 2023, projects were selected from Canada, USA, South Africa, UK.

Participating companies and executives in 2023:

Bankside Films (UK), Bleecker Street (US), CBC Films (CAN), Crave Originals (CAN), Elevation Pictures (CAN), Hot Sauce (USA), IFC Films (US), Killer Films (US), mk2 Films (France), Neon (US), Netflix (US), Feigco Entertainment (US), Photon Films (CAN), Protagonist Pictures (UK), Studiocanal (France/UK), Symbolic Exchange (US), XYZ Films (US/CAN).

The Inside Out Film Finance Forum is made possible through its key Industry sponsors:
Netflix, Telefilm Canada, Canadian Media Producers Association.

Awards & Prizes

Has your project participated in other markets, forums, or festivals? If so, please indicate which ones and year.

Has the script participated in any labs (Ie: Berlin, Torino, Sundance), mentorship programs or fellowships? If so, please indicate which programs and year.

Rules & Terms

PLEASE READ THE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS IN FULL.

We are looking for queer, market-ready projects with both producer and director attached, seeking financing opportunities.

Priority will be given to projects with 2SLGBTQ+ identified key creatives (ie: writer) and teams. Co-productions with Canada are encouraged to apply, including those seeking a Canadian producer.

Non-English language projects must provide a translated script and materials as part of the submission package.

Please upload the FULL script, pitch deck and ONE PDF containing the following information:

Budget
Proposed Financing Plan
Company Profile
Long Synopsis: THREE act synopsis which tells the story of the script
Log Line
Producer, Writer, Director bios

Director’s previous work (Shorts or features) should be linked in the director’s bio section. Please also provide a list of festival participation, awards, distribution info per territory (if applicable). Please provide sales agents involved in distribution.

Please combine all documents into one PDF file for upload and attach to the 'Script' section in FilmFreeway.

Please upload the project pitch deck as a separate file in the 'Files & Attachments' section.

ALL PROJECT SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE THE REQUESTED INFORMATION LISTED IN THE RULES & TERMS.

Projects that were featured in a previous edition are not eligible for participation in 2024; however, producers/creators that have participated in previous editions are welcome to submit new projects.

For any questions regarding eligibility, please contact Sarah Barzak, Industry Coordinator, sarah.b@insideout.ca

Eligible participants must be available to participate in the Finance Forum during the Festival dates May 24 - June 1, 2024. Schedule to be finalized closer to the event.

Applications close on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.

The submission of your application shall constitute acceptance of these regulations. In any dispute, the decisions of the Festival shall be final. The Applicant releases the Festival, its Officers, Directors and all other employees and representatives, from any and all claims relating in any way to your application or the submission of materials to the Festival by or on behalf of the Applicant, whether on film, video, or other media.

Should your project be chosen to participate you agree to acknowledge the Inside Out International Finance Forum via logo placement and/or credit in the final cut of the project should it be financed as well as mention in any future press releases or social media announcements of project cast, production, etc announcements that it was a participant in the Finance Forum.

Applicants submitting projects that support, reflect, and strengthen diversity are expected to tangibly demonstrate a genuine and sustained commitment to these equity-seeking communities. Inside Out’s International Finance Forum encourages applications from companies that are BIPOC led, as well as applications from people with disabilities and people who have barriers to accessing technology.

If you would like to request an alternative process or format for submitting an application please contact us in advance of the deadline.
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  • Sam Peter Jackson

    Such an amazing platform for our project. The execs we met were all were all extremely generous with their time, advice and encouragement. We feel that we made some great connections here. Best of all, it felt like the staff at Inside Out were all genuinely committed to giving us the best experience and were personally invested in the success of our project. A fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to make a LGBTQ+ themed feature.

    June 2021
    Helpful
  • Emily McCann Lesser

    The Inside Out Film Finance forum put our project on the map and has subsequently helped us get into many other programs. We were able to make personal relationships with the people we pitched. It was a wonderful experience. Highly recommend applying!

    February 2021
    Helpful
  • Blake Mawson

    The Inside Out IFF gave us a platform to connect with executives and management from around the globe who we may not normally have access to. It allowed our team to gain strong interest in our project, receive valuable feedback and build wonderful new relationships in the process.

    June 2020
    Helpful