The Canadian Film Fest is a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling by exclusively showcasing Canadian films. The festival unites film-loving audiences with diverse selections of features and shorts from across the country. The CFF provides Canadian filmmakers with essential professional development and networking opportunities through its Industry Series and awards. And, of course, the awesome parties.

In 2024, the Canadian Film Fest presented by Super Channel will be presented in theatres at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto.

The Canadian Film Fest is a qualifying festival for the Canadian Academy's Canadian Screen Awards for short films and documentary feature films.

Questions?
Please contact us before submitting.

The Canadian Film Fest awards:

Best Feature
Best Short
Reel Canadian Indie Award
DGC Ontario Best Director
People's Pick for Best Flick
Canadian Film Fest Best Short Producer
Jury Prizes

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN FILM FEST LOOKING FOR?

- Films by Canadians
- Films of all genres. Tell us a great story!
- Toronto premieres (if your film is available online or screened with another Toronto festival, your film is ineligible except for BIPOC filmmakers)
- The CFF waives the Toronto premiere status for BIPOC filmmakers (directors and producers)
- Films produced within the last two (2) years

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN FILM FEST NOT LOOKING FOR?

- Films from non-Canadian directors
- Films that are available online. Even if your project stars Ryan Reynolds. We'll watch it, but we can't program it.

ENTRY DETAILS AND FEES:

- Regular deadline: $25 short films, $45 feature films
- Extended deadline: $35 short films, $55 feature films
- The CFF does not grant waivers except to Canadian BIPOC filmmakers and high school students. To claim a waiver fee, email: ashleigh@canfilmfest.ca
- Entry fees are non-refundable

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

- Films must be a Toronto premiere. Toronto screenings, whether private (e.g. cast/crew screenings) or at school, disqualify your film.
- The CFF waives the Toronto premiere status for BIPOC filmmakers. If a film has screened in Toronto over the past two (2) years, it is eligible for the Canadian Film Fest.
- Short films must not exceed 25 minutes in length, including credits
- Feature films must be at a minimum of 70 minutes in length
- All non-English language films must have English subtitles
- Films must be available in DCP format for theatrical screenings
- All invited films will receive a list of deliverables
- Submissions may not be withdrawn from the CFF once invited to screen and confirmed, except at the sole discretion of the Festival
- All selected films may be excerpted for publicity purposes
- A separate entry form and an additional entry fee are required for each film submitted
- The Canadian Film Fest pays screening fees for short and feature films

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • the tweetations

    Canadian Film Fest is truly one of a kind. The festival is exceptionally well organized, and the staff are the most genuine and encouraging people. As a filmmaker, I couldn't be happier with this festival and the life-changing platform they provided for our film and team. Thank you, CFF.

    March 2024
  • Thank you so much to the incredibly warm and welcoming folks at Canadian Film Fest for having us as part of this year's program! We were surrounded by lovely local talent and felt so at home. Much gratitude to the entire team for all that you do <3

    March 2024
  • This festival is lovely! It is so well run and organized, the programming is top tier and the panels were incredibly informative. My film screened in the inaugural Igniter Comedy Showcase and the jury that they curated to give our film feedback was made up of some of the most accomplished Canadian women in comedy. It was really amazing. Great festival all around and I will definitely be attending next year to take full advantage of their industry panels and post screening networking opportunities!

    March 2024
  • Shervin Kermani

    One of the best festival experiences I've had. The film selections, venue, audience, industry panels and networking opportunities were great. I've had festival experiences in the past where I felt kind of anonymous, but CFF went out of their way to promote and support their filmmakers. A very warm and welcoming community of film lovers I was super happy to be a part of. Highly recommend.

    March 2024
  • John Barnard

    The care and dedication of their team has positioned this as one of the leading Canadian festivals. The broadcaster tie-in with Superchannel worked perfectly for us and provided the ideal Canadian launch. Wintertide was the closing night film this year and we loved our time at the festival. Highly recommended.

    September 2023