The International Comedy and Art Film Festival (TICAFF) is a live, in-person international film festival dedicated to celebrating comedy, artistic cinema, and creative storytelling from around the world. Now in its second edition, TICAFF continues to build on the success of its inaugural festival, which took place September 9–13 in Toronto and Brampton, welcoming filmmakers, comedians, artists, and audiences for multiple days of live screenings and events.

TICAFF is a fully live screening festival, hosting in-person film screenings before a public audience across multiple venues. Official selections are showcased during scheduled screening blocks, followed by audience engagement and festival programming. Screenings are held at established cultural venues, including the York Woods Library Theatre and Fairview Library Theatre, ensuring a professional theatrical experience for participating filmmakers.

The festival focuses on comedy in all its forms—feature films, short films, skits, experimental works, and art-driven narratives—while embracing diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives. TICAFF highlights humour as a powerful tool for connection, reflection, and cultural exchange, welcoming submissions from filmmakers and creators worldwide.

In addition to live screenings, TICAFF features industry panels, workshops, live comedy performances, networking sessions, and a Closing Gala Awards Ceremony, hosted between Toronto and Brampton. The festival also operates in association with the CBDF Market Summit, providing filmmakers and artists with valuable market access, networking opportunities, and industry exposure.

TICAFF is committed to showcasing films on the big screen, celebrating creators in person, and fostering meaningful connections between artists, audiences, and industry stakeholders.

TICAFF is proud to be a live, in-person festival experience where comedy, art, and global storytelling meet on screen.

Awards & Prizes

The International Comedy and Art Film Festival (TICAFF) recognizes outstanding achievement in comedy and artistic filmmaking through official TICAFF Award Trophies, presented live during the festival’s Closing Gala Awards. Each trophy includes an engraved nameplate and serves as a lasting symbol of creative excellence and industry recognition.

TICAFF’s awards are intentionally designed to foster professional growth and long-term opportunities. Winners and official selections benefit from a dynamic festival environment that prioritizes connection, visibility, and collaboration.

Award recipients receive:
• A TICAFF Award Trophy with an engraved nameplate
• Official Winner recognition across TICAFF platforms and festival communications
• Live, in-person recognition during the TICAFF Closing Gala Awards

Through TICAFF and its association with the CBDF Market Summit, award recipients and participating filmmakers gain access to:
• Industry networking with producers, directors, distributors, and key decision-makers
• Talent-to-producer and producer-to-director meetings
• Distribution and market exposure opportunities
• Co-production discussions and international partnerships
• Meaningful connections that extend beyond the festival

TICAFF creates an atmosphere where recognition leads to relationships, and relationships lead to opportunity—positioning the festival as a powerful gateway for creative and industry advancement.

Rules & Terms

The International Comedy and Art Film Festival (TICAFF) is a live, in-person screening festival. By submitting a project, filmmakers agree to the following rules and terms:
Eligibility

• TICAFF accepts comedy and art-driven films and content from around the world.
• Eligible formats include feature films, short films, skits, web content, experimental works, and artistic narratives.
• Films of all languages are accepted. Non-English works must include English subtitles.
• Submissions must be submitted by the authorized rights holder or with full permission from the rights holder.
Live Screenings
• TICAFF is a physical, in-person festival with live public screenings.
• Official selections may be screened at York Woods Library Theatre, Fairview Library Theatre, or other approved festival venues in Toronto and Brampton.
• Selection for the festival does not guarantee screening, as screening slots are limited and scheduled at the discretion of the festival.
• If selected for screening, filmmakers grant TICAFF permission to screen their film live during the festival dates.
Submission & Fees
• All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.
• Submission fees are non-refundable.
• Multiple entries require separate submission fees.
Selection & Notification
• All decisions by the TICAFF programming team are final.
• Official Selection, Nominee, and Winner notifications will be sent via FilmFreeway.
• TICAFF reserves the right to assign films to appropriate categories.
Materials & Promotion
• Selected filmmakers may be required to provide:
o A high-resolution screening file
o Trailer or teaser
o Film stills and promotional materials
• By submitting, filmmakers grant TICAFF the right to use excerpts (up to 2 minutes), stills, and trailers for festival promotion, marketing, and media coverage.
Awards
• Awards are presented as official TICAFF Award Trophies during the live Closing Gala Awards.
• Winners must be present in person or represented to receive trophies.
Attendance & Passes
• All attending filmmakers, cast, crew, and guests are required to purchase a festival pass or ticket to access screenings, events, and the Awards Gala.
• Submission does not include complimentary passes.
Legal & Responsibility
• TICAFF is not responsible for lost, damaged, or corrupted files.
• Filmmakers are responsible for securing all rights, licenses, music clearances, and releases.
• TICAFF reserves the right to make necessary changes to scheduling, venues, and programming.
By submitting to TICAFF, filmmakers acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to all festival rules and terms.