ASL version video link: Coming soon

Unify Deaf Film Festival provides a platform for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to showcase their films, skills, and making connection.

Inaugurated in the year 2023, the festival featured a diverse array of activities such as a Screening night, Workshops, Panel discussions, and an inaugural and closing ceremony. The resounding success of the inaugural edition has prompted the UDFF to plan a second instalment slated for 2025.

In a bid to enhance the upcoming festival, new additions are being contemplated, including the introduction of awards, nominations, and the inclusion of Juries to bestow recognition upon outstanding talents.

We hope you will be able to submit your films and be involved in this festival 2025 or even come as audience/participants.

All are invited to join this gathering. Our goal is to connect and build bridge between all different communities.

For Further information or specific inquiries contact the festival organizers directly.

However please keep eyes on our social media for any more updates.

Awards & Prizes

Award Categories

Special award
1. Audience's Favourite

Main awards
2. Best Short Film
3. Best Feature Film
4. Best Experiment Film
5. Best Documentary Film
6. Best Animation Film

Secondary awards
7. Best Actress/Actor
8. Best Director
9. Best Screenwriter
10. Best Cinematographer
11. Best Editor

For further information or specific inquiries, refer to the festival's awards page or contact the festival organizers directly.

Rules & Terms

Unify Deaf Film Festival Submission Guidelines

General Submission Information

• Entry Fee: Nonrefundable, payable in CAD dollars to Unify Deaf Film Festival / Undivided Productions. Fees vary depending on the category.

• Agreement: By submitting, you agree to screen your film if selected. No screening fees will be paid by the festival unless pre-negotiated before submission.

• Completion Dates: Films must be completed between 2022 and 2025.
This rule can be bent if it has not been screened in Toronto/Canada before - please reach out to us to discuss further.

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 or older.

• Film Length: Accepted films should be between 10 to 70 minutes. No skits or social media videos allowed.

• Multiple Entries: Allowed.

• Subtitles: Films must have English and French subtitles.
(Please contact us if you need support with the subtitles)

• Non-refundable Fees: Entry fees are non-refundable.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, films must satisfy at least one of the following:

1. Be made by at least one deaf or hard of hearing filmmaker.
2. Be made by a team that includes deaf and hard of hearing creatives.
3. Prominently feature sign language.

Competition Categories

For detailed competitive categories, refer to the awards page.

Films will be judged by an impartial jury consisting of:

• Deaf and hearing filmmakers
• Film Industry professionals
• Prominent figures in the Deaf Community

Press Materials

If selected, the following materials are required:

• High-resolution production stills
• Director's bio and filmography
• Production notes
• Photographs
• Full cast and crew credits

Liability

The festival takes every precaution with submitted films but is not responsible for lost or damaged files.

Reproduction Agreement

Submitting an entry grants the festival permission to use excerpts of accepted works, including trailers, for promotional activities.

For further information or specific inquiries, refer to the festival's Rules & Terms or contact the festival organizers directly.

If you have any issues regarding the cost, feel free to contact us, and we will work together to find the most suitable solution for you.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Cathy Mager

    Thank to the Unify team for a fantastic experience in Toronto. A really wonderful and warm atmosphere with great cinema venues and an exciting programme of live performances from Canadian artists. We loved seeing our documentary at the iconic Ted Rogers documentary cinema and to be recognised with our award for best documentary.

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • MONTANA MILLER

    This is one of the best if not the best film festivals to be a part of. I am very honored to have my film selected here as well as winning an incredible award from this incredible film festival. From the beginning the communication was clear and concise. I have to acknowledge the incredible team behind this festival. Alexandra Hickox was amazing on working with my team and I and communicated with us amazingly. I had rough communication on my end, and she and her team worked with me and my crazy schedule. It is rare to run across a team like this one. So very grateful for the opportunity to showcase with this team and the Unify Deaf Film Festival. Thank you to this incredible film festival.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to have your film as part of the Unify Deaf Film Festival and are so glad our team could support you, even with a busy schedule. It was an absolute honour to share your thank-you video at the Gala during the awards, it was perfect and amazing, and made the moment even more special. Your work and presence mean so much to us, and we’re grateful to celebrate your incredible achievement. Congratulations again on your award!