Toronto Pan Afrikan Film Festival (TPAFF) is a celebration of the stories, artistry, and global impact of people of African descent.
Held each August during Emancipation Month, TPAFF opens Toronto’s film-festival season by showcasing films that reflect the depth and vibrancy of the Pan-Afrikan journey — past, present, and future.

Guided by four core pillars — Liberation, Spirituality, Displacement, and Exploitation — the festival illuminates the complexities and triumphs of the Pan-Afrikan experience. Through powerful storytelling and cinematic innovation, TPAFF honors the enduring struggle for freedom, the resilience of spirit, and the continual evolution of Afrikan identities across the globe.

Set in Little Jamaica, Toronto’s historic cultural district, TPAFF presents a curated mix of Toronto-based Black creators and voices from across the global diaspora, highlighting the intersections of heritage, innovation, identity, and creative expression.

More than a film showcase, the festival features screenings, talk-backs, live performances, cultural dialogues, culinary heritage moments, and community-driven activations that invite audiences to engage with the richness and diversity of Pan-Afrikan stories.

While we proudly centre Black voices and perspectives, TPAFF welcomes global collaborators and audiences who share a commitment to authentic, justice-minded, and transformative storytelling.

Audiences of all backgrounds are invited to gather in Little Jamaica to experience films and conversations that honour legacies of creativity and resilience while illuminating new visions for the future.

Rules & Terms

FILM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Submitted films must be created by a writer, director, and/or producer who identifies as a person of color (including, but not limited to, East Asian, South Asian, Black, African-American, Latino/a/x, and Pacific Islander) AND/OR feature people of color prominently in the cast and storyline. At a minimum, the film must showcase a diverse cast that reflects the evolving global demographic.
TPAFF programming prioritizes premieres and original works in both narrative and documentary categories, including features and shorts.
All selected films must be available for screening in .MOV or MP4 (1080p OR 4k) format.
Films must have composite optical sound.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the submitted online screener link and password are functional throughout the review period. While TPAFF may attempt to contact the applicant to resolve access issues, the festival is under no obligation to do so.
Any screener that is inaccessible may be disqualified without refund.
TPAFF does not pay rental or screening fees. Our resources are invested in creating a high-quality platform to showcase your work and maximize its exposure.
Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2025.
Works-in-progress are eligible for submission, provided that the final version is delivered prior to the festival screening.
Previously submitted films are not eligible for resubmission.
FILM SUBMISSION PROCEDURE
All submissions must be made exclusively via FilmFreeway as an online screener. No physical submissions or alternative formats will be accepted.
Each submission must meet the total runtime (TRT) requirements outlined for its category.
There is no limit to the number of submissions per filmmaker, as long as each project is submitted separately with a corresponding fee.
Filmmakers will be notified via email by April 1 2026. If you have not received notification by that date, you are encouraged to follow up via email.
If selected, filmmakers must complete all festival acceptance paperwork as soon as possible.
FILM SUBMISSION FEES
A submission fee is required for each entry and must be paid in full via FilmFreeway (credit card only). No exceptions.
All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of selection status.