Inside Out's International Financing Forum (IFF) is the first LGBTQ finance forum of its kind in the world. It is now a top incubator for Canadian and International LGBTQ filmmakers.

Now entering its sixth edition, 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.

Stream 1: In 2022, Narrative and Documentary Feature Film Projects with budgets of $1.5M+ (CAD) are eligible for the Forum. It is open to Canadian and international projects, including treaty and non-treaty co-productions.

The Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Finance Forum is presented by Netflix, with support from Telefilm, Canadian Media Fund, Ontario Creates, and the Canadian Media Producers Association.

In 2021, executives from the following companies took one-on-one meetings with the selected creative teams: Bankside Films (UK), Bell Media (CAN), Bleecker Street (US), CBC Films (CAN), Chicago Media Angels (US), Cinetic Media (US), Films Boutique (Germany), GLAAD (US), Killer Films (US), Little Punk Films (US), mk2 Films (France), NEON (US), Netflix (US), Powderkeg Media (US), Protagonist Pictures (UK), Symbolic Exchange (US), The Film Collaborative (USA), Verve Talent & Literary Agency (US), & WaZabi Films (CAN).

In 2021, projects were selected from Australia, Canada, France, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

Stream 2: **Please note that Stream 2 of the finance forum (Narrative Feature and/or Episodic projects at the $125,000-$250,000 budget level and open to emerging Canadian producers only) will take place later this year due in part to the relaunch of Telefilm’s Talent to Watch Program in 2022. Keep watch here and on our social media channels for updates.

Rules & Terms

PLEASE READ THE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS IN FULL.

We are looking for queer-content projects at a strong second draft stage, with a producer attached, that are seeking financing opportunities. Preference will be given to projects with 2SLGBTQ+ identified producers with key creatives (ie: writer) who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. Co-productions with Canada are encouraged to apply, including those seeking a Canadian producer.

Non-English language projects must request approval for submission from Andrew Murphy, Director of Programming, andrew@insideout.ca

When submitting, you must upload the following as ONE PDF attachment to your Project in FilmFreeway. Please use this as a checklist before finalizing your submission:

First 15 pages of your script
Budget Amount
Proposed Financing Plan
Company Profile
Long Synopsis
Log Line
Producer, Writer, Director bios and headshots

Please combine all documents into one PDF file for upload and attach to the 'Script' section in FilmFreeWay. If you have a pitch deck or look book for the project, please upload that 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 2022; however, producers/creators that have participated in previous editions are welcome to submit new projects. For any questions regarding eligibility, please contact Andrew Murphy, Director of Programming, andrew@insideout.ca

Eligible participants must be available to participate in the Finance Forum during the Festival dates June 2nd and 3rd, 2022. Schedule to be finalized closer to the event.

Applications close on Friday, February 25, 2022, at 11:59 PM EST.

As of January 2022, Inside Out is planning for an in person Forum. Please stay tuned for updates.

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.

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