Established in 2018, Inside Out’s RE:Focus Fund aims to address industry inequities through providing direct financial support to women, non-binary, and / or trans filmmakers telling LGBTQ stories. Founded through a lead gift from Martha McCain, the fund has distributed more than $150,000 in festival travel grants and professional development programs for filmmakers since its creation.

In 2019, Inside Out expanded the fund with the launch of the RE:Focus Fund Post-Production Grants to support post-production and promotion of short and feature films.

Awards & Prizes

Projects which meet the eligibility criteria will be considered for a cash grant from $500 to $2500.

Completed projects that are accepted into the 2023 Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival will also be eligible for festival travel support through the RE:Focus travel bursary program.

Rules & Terms

Projects can submit only when they have reached the rough cut stage and will be notified as per the submission schedule.

CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION
-Films must be written AND directed by women, non-binary, and/or trans creators and feature LGBTQ content. Projects that show a commitment to centring QTBIPOC stories and inclusion in the hiring of their cast and crew will be given priority
-Shorts, features, and episodic projects are eligible
-Narrative, documentary, and experimental projects will be considered
-Films must not have already premiered (festival or other public screening) before the submission deadline
-Canadian and International films are eligible, however, funds will be dispersed in Canadian dollars
-Selected films required to include RE:Focus logo in credits
-All completed films should be submitted for consideration for the 2023 Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Any costs related to post-production (up to $2500)

APPLICATION

Please submit your rough cut via FilmFreeway and email the following in one document to jenna@insideout.ca:

Logline
Synopsis (250 words max)
Filmmaker Statement (250 words max)
Link to Rough Cut (Vimeo or other streaming link only)
Key Cast and Crew
Budget, including Post-Production (Top Sheet only)
Funding Request ($500-$2,500)
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Beth Warrian

    Huge appreciation to Inside Out for making the Re:Focus fund so accessible. The application process was clear and simple, the communication was great and the funds go a long way to completing and distributing our short film.
    Thanks for creating opportunities for emerging creators!

    September 2022
    Helpful
  • Roberto Fatal

    Was an honor to win an award from this legendary festival. This support skyrocketed our film into completion. Thanks to RE:Focus we've enjoyed a successful festival run that has culminated in distribution. We couldn't have done it without you, RE:Focus!

    August 2022
    Helpful
  • Emily May Jampel

    Very easy and quick application process. Very responsive and great communication!

    October 2021
    Helpful
  • Tony Zosherafatain

    Excellent Fund and was an easy process to apply. Communication the entire time was clear and timely. I recommend this fund.

    September 2020
    Helpful
  • Sav Rodgers

    We are immensely grateful to receive a grant from the RE:Focus Fund to help us finish Chasing Chasing Amy. These funds provide invaluable support to our team during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for selecting us!

    July 2020
    Helpful