Mission Statement
TIFA, the Toronto Independent Film Awards Inc. (formerly known as Toronto International Film and Video Awards Inc. TIFVA) is dedicated to awarding and showcasing the best independent films from around the world.

TIFA was started by independent filmmakers who understand the process of submitting to festivals and the challenges met when trying to get recognition for their work by professionals in the industry. That’s why TIFA offers so much – we want to support filmmakers and writers in any way we can!

TIFA’s core beliefs are the following – Accessibility, Equality and Diversity.

At TIFA we believe that everyone should be given equal opportunities to express their talents in film. For this reason TIFA screens and awards films and screenplays from every country, in all genres, and a range of independent budgets.
To help level the playing field we accept feature films in four sub-categories based on the project’s budget so films are not competing against others made at higher budgets. We also highlight categories that are often overlooked such as experimental films, web series, animations, music videos and children’s films.
TIFA is a strong supporter of diversity in filmmaking. Everyone has a story to tell and promoting diversity in the industry can only make it better. This year TIFA has received submissions from over 40 countries as we continue to expand our reach year after year.

For your chance to be recognized as the best of the best in independent film- from any genre and from any country around the world- submit to TIFVA.

Awards & Prizes

In each of the 14 categories the winners receive a TIFA certificate and at the event winners will be awarded a TIFA 'Best of' trophy.

Rules & Terms

General Rules

Criteria

If your film fits the following criteria enter your film under the FilmFreeway criteria - what have you got to lose? There are great prizes as well as audience and industry exposure for your work in a great Canadian Film event.

* Your short film must be no longer than 45 minutes, including credits.
* Feature films must be a minimum of 46 minutes.
* Scripts must be no more than 180 pages long
* All entries must follow the criteria as listed by FilmFreeway, including the entry fee.
* All entries in a language other than English must be sub-titled or dubbed.
* All screeners must be viewable on a standard dvd- not just for play on a computer. Your film will be disqualified if not. (otherwise a online screener or link to the submission is fine)
* You must have secured the broadcast rights for all material (including music) and cast used in your film. We can't legally screen your work in public unless these rights have been secured, and we won't (proof that rights have been secured must be supplied, if required).
* By submitting you allow TIFA to show your submissions trailer wherever TIFA decides (i.e. website and youtube channel)
* You allow TIFA to use photos and information from your press kit on the TIFA website and on other promotional material

That's the main criteria, but check out the terms and conditions below for the fine print.

NOTE: All submission screeners must be POSTMARKED BY Dec 21, 2020.

TORONTO INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS (TIFA) 2020
ENTRY FORM
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

-ONLINE SCREENER (or link to the submission)
-agree to FilmFreeway terms and conditions

15 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • William Greenawalt

    Thank you TIFA for the nomination and featuring our film The Roost. From Tokyo to Toronto! Thanks!

    January 2022
    Helpful
    Tifa logo web
    Response from festival:

    Thank you William! We loved the film!

  • Thomas Seymour

    It was an honor to be a part of this.

    October 2021
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  • CHRIS BARFOOT

    We were grateful to be selected at this year's TIFA. Thank you for your support. It was an honour and we will promote you. We hope to take our screenplay to market soon. Cheers muchly. Chris and Taj.

    https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt13260816/?ref_=nm_filmo_projindev_4

    May 2021
    Helpful
  • fjolnir baldursson

    We are so happy with the winning of our short film Rán, and we all time get good info about everything. I see many films on the festival and it was many good films there. I love that short film Killing Small Animals and I think it was the best film there.

    February 2021
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  • marcel dorian

    I can really only say good things about TIFA. Great communication, good movie lineup, nice people involved. They did the best they could during the pandemic. Since it was an online festival, I can't really rate the hospitality. Maybe we'll be able to attend in the future. I recommend TIFA as a festival that respects filmmakers.

    February 2021
    Helpful