The Vaughan International Film Festival, based in a neighbouring city of Toronto, is a not-for-profit organization highly invested in securing the future of the short film industry. Through public film screenings, scholarship opportunities as well as engaging and informative panels, webinars and industry events, VFF strives to support both experienced and aspiring filmmakers.

Now in its 12th edition, the festival continues to offer a platform for independent creators to share their films and further excel within the industry. Between the festival week, promotional events and unique screenings, filmmakers have the opportunity to reach an audience of over 20,000 people. Submit your film today!

MISSION: To illuminate the creative spirit in all of us.

VISION: Creating opportunities through the power of short film.

Best Film
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Cinematography

**Please note that asking submission fees to be waived will not be considered**

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Films must not exceed 20 minutes.
• Films submitted must be produced after January 1, 2023
• The use of original music or royalty-free music is strongly recommended but not mandatory for Festival submissions. Please ensure that you have all necessary releases on file, including actors’ releases.
• Processing fees are non-refundable.
• Applicant must include public press and marketing materials within the submission (Trailer, Stills, Cast/Crew information, etc.)
• Applicant hereby grants Vaughan Film Festival the rights to use all or part(s) of the film for promotional purposes; to use stills, biographical material, names and likeness from the film for promotional purposes and in Festival program and merchandise, to provide copies of the film for journalists to review, to show the film at press screenings and to exhibit the film during the Festival and at any time before and after the Festival.
• Vaughan International Film Festival will use its best efforts to ensure the correct title and credits are listed in the Festival program, but shall not be held liable for inadvertent errors or omissions.
• Festival programmers and judges shall determine selections and award winners at their sole discretion.
• Vaughan Film Festival reserves the right to decide all questions not specifically provided for in the Terms and Conditions.
• Vaughan International Film Festival reserves the rights to adjust dates and times of film screenings without notice. Vaughan International Film Festival shall not be responsible for delays or cancellations due to equipment failure, shipping delays, or the condition of the films delivered.
• Vaughan International Film Festival reserves the rights to use accepted films and footage for promotional use and/or screenings outside the main festival dates.
• Vaughan International Film Festival does not provide compensation to submissions accepted into our international line-up.

The person submitting the enclosed film to the Festival confirms that he/she holds all necessary rights for the submission and has the legal authority to grant such rights to Vaughan International Film Festival hereunder and that he/she has read and understands and agrees with the Festival Terms and Conditions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, submission of a film constitutes the agreement with the Festival Terms and Conditions.

In consideration of my application to the Vaughan International Film Festival, I for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby waive and forever discharge Vaughan International Film Festival and all affiliated companies, any related companies, their officers, directors and employees, Festival sponsors and suppliers, Festival sanctioning bodies and elected or appointed officials, all of their successors and assigns, of and from all claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, actions and causes of actions whether in law or equity, in respect of loss or damage to my person or property howsoever caused, arising or said to arise by reason of my participation in the said event. I further hereby undertake to hold and save harmless and agree to indemnify all of the aforesaid from and against any and all liability incurred by any or all of them arising as a result of, or in any way connected with my participation in the said event.

BY SUBMITTING MY FILM, I ACKNOWLEDGE HAVING UNDERSTOOD AND AGREE TO THE ABOVE WAIVER, RELEASE, AND INDEMNITY.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aurelie Wijnants

    Such an honor and pride to have won the Best Film Award for my film "Just Married" at the Vaughan International Film Festival! Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the festival but I highly recommend it to every filmmaker who has a film to share. Thank you!

    August 2023
  • We had a great time playing our short film at VFF. Their international shorts selection was very good and they had plenty of sponsors and local attention.

    July 2023
  • Vincent Menard

    We had an amazing and truly life-changing experience VFF. Antonio and the rest of the team were, for lack of a better word, perfect. Their professionalism, great attitude, and passion for cinema made us truly feel as if this was the Academy Awards for short films.

    They allowed us to meet some many amazing people ; passionate filmmakers looking to express their art, industry leaders who gave us invaluable advice for our next steps, and people who simply love the art of cinema no matter the forms it takes. We truly feel that the Vaughan International Film Festival was our launchpad into our next project!

    VIFF gave us the chance to create lifelong memories that will have a lasting impact on the rest of our lives and our careers. Vaughan reinvigorated us, it gave us a creative boost, it made us believe that we can truly make it in this industry. Looking forward to next time!

    July 2023
  • This festival needs to be on the top of everyones submission list. Incredible lineup of shorts, in a nearly packed theater on a MASSIVE screen. To be in a theater that huge, (Cineplex Ultra AVX?) packed for every program tells you how much Vaughan and its community supports this festival and filmmakers. The afterparties after every screening were excellent- connecting with fellow filmmakers, sponsor, patrons- a true networking event without feeling like it was "networking". Everyone I met was so generous and fun. This is a festival that loves filmmakers, and they roll out the red carpet in every capacity. Antonio, Alex and the entire staff did such a great job, it was such an honor to show here. It surpassed my expectations in every way, and I would go every year if I could. Such a fantastic time!

    July 2022
  • I can't say enough positive things about my experience with this festival. It was incredibly well organized and promoted. The VFF staff were so amazing to deal with and the awards ceremony absolutely blew me away! The city of Vaughan has a built in community of film lovers that really comes out to support the event - as filmmakers we felt so supported and celebrated. It was a top notch affair from beginning to end - I would highly recommend this festival!!

    June 2022