CATEGORIES
ReFrame is a documentary film and media arts festival focused on social and environmental justice issues. We are seeking documentary films in the following lengths classifications: shorts (under 30 min), mid-length (30-60 min), and feature-length (over 60 minutes).
Submissions must be assigned two (2) of the following categories to be fully considered by our programming advisory committee:
ARTS & CULTURE
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH & ABILITY
INDIGENOUS SOVEREIGNTY & RIGHTS
GENDER EQUALITY & JUSTICE
ANTI-RACISM, POWER & LIBERATION
2SLGBTQIA+ RIGHTS
Please note: while these categories highlight some areas of focus that guide ReFrame’s programming, their function is also to provide structure to our review process. These categories are intended to be broad and encompassing. They cannot include all topics and features of social and environmental justice documentary work that we consider, including: intersectionality, youth action, education, ageism, intergenerational relationships, politics, technology, cultural expression, community-based storytelling, protection of biodiversity, ecological futures, ableism, stigma, access, addiction, criminalization, incarceration, housing precarity, Indigenous resistance and resurgence, lived experience, local and regional issues, contemporary and historic colonialism, cultural genocide, trans healthcare, gender-based violence, non-binary experience, white supremacy, systemic racism, bodily autonomy, freedom and many more…
Moreover, we are constantly learning through your work and want to engage with new ideas in justice; new themes and connections emerge from the submissions we receive every year. Please do not be discouraged if your work seemingly falls outside the categories listed, we want to review your doc! If you would like assistance, please contact submissions@reframefilmfestival.ca
Thank you for working within the limitations of the review process and our small team.
PAYMENT
ReFrame pays screening fees for all films selected for the festival. Fees are calculated according to the number of minutes and are compliant with the Independent Media Arts Alliance (IMAA) 2026 fee schedule.
We believe that art is work. We recognize the creative, emotional, and intellectual labour that goes into every film we show. We are especially committed to compensating equity-deserving and local artists in ways that reflect the immense value of their contributions. Wherever possible, we exceed minimum fee standards and seek out additional opportunities to support filmmakers’ participation.
ENTRY RULES AND REGULATIONS
-In most cases, only films completed after October 1, 2023 will be considered for official selection.
-Distributors may submit up to two (2) titles for consideration. Additional submissions will only be reviewed if prior arrangements have been made.
-All non-English language films must include English subtitles.
-Captioned films are preferred for accessibility purposes, including for English-language works. Captions provide vital access for Deaf and hard of hearing audiences and support a more inclusive screening environment.
-ReFrame will only review submissions that have completed the online submission process, unless other arrangements have been confirmed in advance.
-Programming decisions are made in the mid-fall. Due to limited capacity, only selected films will be contacted.
-If your film is selected, we will require a .MOV or .MP4 file (specifications provided upon acceptance). DCP is not accepted as a screening format.
-The number, date(s), time(s), and location(s) of screenings are determined solely by ReFrame.
-For questions about your submission, please email: submissions@reframefilmfestival.ca
-To learn more about the festival or see if your documentary is a good fit, visit: www.reframefilmfestival.ca
