Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF)

**** A Canadian Screen Award-Qualifying Festival****
**** A Telefilm Canada Qualifying Festival ****

The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) proudly announces its recognition as an official Canadian Screen Award-qualifying festival by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. This prestigious designation places TINFF among the select festivals on the Academy’s 2024 updated qualifying list, marking a significant milestone in our mission to celebrate diversity and inclusion through film.

A Platform for Diversity and Inclusion
As a multicultural film festival, TINFF provides a creative space for Canadian and international films, emphasizing innovation, representation, and inclusion. Recognized as the first Canadian festival in North America with Nollywood ties to receive this distinction, TINFF continues to serve as a hub for diverse storytelling and celebrates the highest standards in Canadian cinema.

TINFF is also an IMDb and Telefilm Canada-qualifying festival, registered as a non-profit organization based in Toronto. Our partners, including Canadian Heritage, the Canada Media Fund, Ontario Creates, Telefilm Canada, and the City of Brampton, share our commitment to promoting diversity in the creative arts.

Qualification for the Canadian Screen Awards:
Under the Academy’s rules, acceptance into at least two Academy-approved Canadian festivals qualifies a feature documentary or theatrical short film for submission to the Canadian Screen Awards. This means all past and future TINFF official selections can now use TINFF as a qualifying festival for submissions to the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

For more details, visit the Academy’s eligibility page: [Academy’s Website] (https://www.academy.ca/canadian-screen-awards/rules-eligibility/).

Annual Festival Highlights:
TINFF is a year-round competition and live screening festival that brings filmmakers and artists to Toronto. The event celebrates independent filmmaking with activities such as:

- Film screenings with Q&A sessions
- Conferences, seminars, and live performances
- Stage plays, dance showcases, and audience engagement activities
- Workshop training and mentorship programs** aimed at fostering workforce development and creative growth

Our initiatives aim to build capacity and create opportunities for filmmakers, particularly those from marginalized Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

Canada Black & Diversity Film Market (CBDFM) Summit:
As part of TINFF’s annual program, the CBDFM Summit focuses on business development for filmmakers and industry stakeholders. Highlights include:

- B2B and B2C activities** to foster collaborations and distribution opportunities
- Acquisitions, networking, production collaborations, and negotiations
- Workshops, training, and masterclasses for skills development
- Film market screenings and one-on-one or group meetings

This platform bridges gaps in the film industry, emphasizing inclusion and innovation.

International Collaborations:
TINFF, alongside its sister event, the Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (BINFF), has partnered with the Prague Film Festival (PFF) to promote cultural exchange between Canadian, Nollywood, and Czech cinema. Winners from each festival will have their films showcased at the partner event, furthering the shared commitment to diversity and global storytelling.

For more information about the Prague Film Festival, please visit their website or FilmFreeway page.
Submission Page: https://filmfreeway.com/PFF2025
Website: https://praguefilmfest.com/

Join Us in Celebrating Film:
TINFF invites you to experience the diversity and creativity that define our festival. By showcasing a blend of local and international films, we aim to inspire, challenge, and foster understanding through the universal language of cinema. Each year, our festival culminates in an award ceremony recognizing exceptional filmmakers and their contributions to promoting equality, social justice, and multiculturalism.

For updates and information about TINFF and our upcoming programs, visit our official website or connect with us on social media.
TINFF website: www.tinff.net

Awards & Prizes

- **Trophy Statue for Best Project**
- **Trophy Statue for Viewer’s Choice Award**
- **Entry into the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA) Consideration**
- **Entry into Telefilm Canada Grant Consideration**
- **Access to TINFF and CBDFM Summit**

Screening Formats
Accepted films may be screened live (in-person), digitally (online), or both. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, TINFF has adopted a hybrid format for its screenings and programs. We reserve the right to adjust delivery methods based on policies, government regulations, or unforeseen circumstances. The current plan includes both digital and in-person screenings.

Awards and Categories
All entries are eligible for awards. Winners receive a certificate suitable for display, while winners of our annual TINFF-Festival Gala are awarded an engraved Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) Audience Favorite Trophy. The gala is held at The Toronto York Woods Theatres and includes festival screenings, red-carpet interviews, awards ceremonies, and networking opportunities.

Film Categories:

- Best Feature Film (Hollywood-USA)
- Best Feature Film (Nollywood)
- Best Feature Film (Bollywood)
- Best Feature Film (International)
- Best Feature Film (Caribbean)
- Best Feature Film (Canada)
- Best LGBT Feature Film
- Best LGBT Short Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Music Video
- Best Trailer
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Director
- Best Producer
- Best Web Series
- Best Horror
- Best Thriller/Action
- Best Comedy
- Best Animated Film
- Best Sci-Fi
- Best Student Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Editing
- Best Cinematography
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Original Music Score
- Best in Show
- Best Costume
- Best Art Director
- Best Music - Non-Visual (Audio Only Category)
- Best Reality Shows
- Best vBlog
- Best Gospel Video
- Best Female Filmmaker (Producer/Director)

New Categories Added This Year

- Audience Choice Award (Online Voting Category)
- Jury Award
- Best of Show
- Awards of Excellence
- TINFF’s Nollywood Special Jury Awards
- TINFF’s Bollywood Special Jury Awards
- The True-Sail Award for Outstanding Black Film/Filmmaker
- The True-Sail Award for Outstanding Minority Film/Filmmaker
- Awards of Merit
- Awards of Recognition

Screenplay Categories

- Screenplay under 30 pages
- Screenplay between 30-60 pages
- Screenplay over 60 pages

Rules & Regulations

Eligibility
- The competition is open to all, including films from Canada, Nollywood, Bollywood, Hollywood-USA, and international entries.
- Please review individual categories to ensure your project is submitted to the appropriate one.

Festival Entry Pass
- TINFF operates as a not-for-profit corporation and relies on revenue to sustain its programs and activities.
- All attendees, including filmmakers, their guests, and other participants, must purchase a festival entry pass. No exceptions.
- The entry pass provides exclusive access to all programs, awards, and gala activities.
- Winners will receive the new TINFF Trophy at no additional cost, regardless of how many trophies are won.

Hybrid Screening & Programs
TINFF In-person screenings are not mandatory for all official selection films and while we strive to screen as many films as possible, the festival retains the right to decide which films to screen and how many for each edition. While a film may be selected into the festival and nominated into the festival competition, it is not automatic that all selected films must be screened. Screening is subject to the availability of screening slots and on a first-come, first-served basis. We do our very best to screen all films online and as many films as possible in person.

- Since the COVID-19 pandemic, TINFF has delivered its programs in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person screenings.
- **Online Screenings**: All official selection projects will be available online.
- **In-Person Screenings**: While we strive to screen as many films as possible, in-person screenings are subject to facility and time availability. The festival reserves the right to decide which films to screen.
- Selection into the festival or competition does not guarantee an in-person screening.
- Screenings are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and we aim to include all films online and as many as possible in person.

Film Categories
- **Feature Films**: 75 minutes or more
- **Medium-Length Films**: 45 to 74 minutes
- **Short Films**: 45 minutes or less

Submission Guidelines
- All entries, with or without distribution deals, are welcome.
- Selected entries must participate in TINFF’s hybrid screening programs, including online and in-person activities.
- Previously entered and screened films are eligible for one additional re-entry in subsequent years.
- Entries must be submitted for pre-screening via our online submission platform. Secure links must include updated passwords.
- Works in progress are accepted, but re-edited submissions may not be reviewed. Submit near-final versions only if close to the deadline.
- Multiple entries are allowed, but an entry fee is required for each submission.

Submission Requirements
- All film submissions must be in **MP4 format** for in-person and online pre-screening. Upon request, a **DCP format** may be required for in-person screenings.
- Films must be in their original production language with English subtitles if applicable.
- The following labeling is required for submissions via our online platform:
- Title of the project
- Production company name, phone number, and address
- Director’s name
- Length in minutes
- Submission platform tracking number
- If a secure link is provided, passwords must be kept up-to-date for the duration of the evaluation process.

Licensing and Promotion
- By submitting, you grant TINFF a limited license to screen your film(s) at any yearly calendar events and the festival itself.
- Submission includes permission for TINFF to use still photos and brief video clips for promotional purposes, with credit to the filmmaker or screenwriter.
- Copyright owners retain all rights to their original work.

Content Restrictions
- Films with nudity or sex must have a strong storyline.
- Films about pornography or animal cruelty are strictly prohibited.

Shipping Instructions
- While all submissions must be digital, any requested physical copies (e.g., hard drives containing DCP formats) must be shipped prepaid.
- TINFF will not accept cash-on-delivery shipments or cover duties, taxes, or customs fees. These costs are the responsibility of the sender.
- Any shipping charges incurred by TINFF will be billed back to the applicant.

For further inquiries, please contact the TINFF team through the official website.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival Festival is an amazing experience! The selection of films is of a highly professional standard. I’m glad that my film could be part of your festival. Thank you, and I wish you all the best!

    November 2024
  • Winning these prestigious awards for Arjun Chakravarthy: Journey of an Unsung Champion is a dream come true, and we owe it to the incredible team and jury at the festival. Thank you for giving us a platform to showcase our labor of love.

    November 2024
  • Alexander Bruckner

    Thank you for selecting “Vienna is calling”!

    November 2024
  • Two Hander

    TINFF showed class to us and care, and it was inspiring to see filmmakers who put their hearts, money and time on the line.

    This international festival is truly international and fantastically curated. It's run by lovely people (who are genuine and caring) and it's a great showcase for talent and opportunity for connection.

    We will be submitting again and encourage you to do so.

    Much love and gratitude TINFF!

    October 2024
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your review and kind words; we eagerly anticipate your next remarkable creation.

  • Jaime Khelout

    We appreciate this selection and we hope to be at the ceremony in the future.

    October 2024