We are a festival of independent cinema, showcasing the extraordinary creations of contemporary artists. We select only the most outstanding films from among the many films made by independent artists. We believe that the success of a film is influenced not by its budget, but by the uniqueness of its vision of the world and the techniques used by directors to bring elements together, creating new worlds, retelling old stories in a new way and shaping a new reality in cinema.
Today, the world is undergoing many changes, restructuring, and sharp ups and downs. We have to adapt quickly without losing ourselves. For us, films help us to better understand the world, ourselves, and the people around us, a way to rethink ourselves in a new reality, a way to actualise our knowledge of the world. We want to adapt the film industry to the new reality without losing the authenticity, honesty, and depth of human expression. Our festival is becoming a space for dialogue between cultures, where authors and viewers meet in honest conversation about the present and the future. We are open to experimentation and new cinematic languages, because it is precisely in bold explorations that works are born that can change perceptions and give hope.
Our goal is to support independent voices that shape the cultural heritage of tomorrow. We believe that cinema has the power to unite people, break down barriers and inspire change.
The festival will take place within the walls of the cinema 2800 John St. b7

Canada, which will temporarily be transformed into a living space for ideas and encounters. Film screenings, lectures and dialogues will fill its atmosphere with new life. We strive to create a place where one can not only grow and discover new things, but also find moments for deep reflection.
With faith in the power of cinema and new stories,
the TOAFF // Toronto Original Authors Festival team

Awards & Prizes

Every three months, our jury selects films that have particularly impressed us — whether for their depth of meaning, innovation, or ability to tell a story simply and honestly. Winners receive a diploma and official laurels, and most importantly, recognition for their work among those who truly love cinema.
Toronto Grand Prix
The festival's main award. It was born from the idea that cinema is always greater than the sum of its parts. It is awarded to a film in which everything works as a single organism: direction, acting, cinematography, sound, editing. Such films stay with us for a long time, reminding us why we watch and create cinema.
Best Feature Film
This award is given to films where the drama and rhythm keep the viewer engaged throughout the entire running time. We recognise stories in which narrative integrity is combined with depth of imagery and artistic expressiveness, as well as films with well-thought-out dramaturgy, vivid dialogue and plots that remain in the mind and heart.
Best Short Film Award
Short film is the art of saying a lot in a short amount of time. Our jury awards this prize to films that, from the very first frames, immerse the viewer in the atmosphere, hook them with the characters, create a complete world and leave a strong aftertaste.
Best Director
Established in memory of the fact that directing is the art of holding dozens of threads in your hands and weaving them into a single fabric. The jury awards the prize for the director's vision and ability to transform the chaos of the film set into a coherent world on screen.
Best Actor and Actress
These awards are presented to those who have managed to disappear into their characters to such an extent that the viewer stops seeing the actor and begins to believe in the story. The jury pays attention to the depth of transformation, emotional truth and screen presence.
Best Supporting Role
This award was established to remind us that sometimes it is the supporting characters who make a film unforgettable. We honour those actors who turn a small role into a vivid presence without which the film would be incomplete.
Best Ensemble Cast
This award was created after the jury repeatedly encountered films where it was impossible to single out any one actor — the cast existed as a true team. We award it to the ensemble that creates a world on screen that breathes with shared energy.
Breakthrough of the Year
Created specifically to support new voices in cinema. We recognise directors and actors who are making their first loud and vivid statements, and in whose work we see potential for the future. Here we highlight debut works.
Best Feature Film Screenplay
We recognise screenplays in which the dramaturgy is flawlessly constructed: the plot develops organically, the characters are revealed through their actions and dialogue, and the conflicts are subordinate to the internal logic of the story. It is important that the screenplay is not only technically accurate, but also contains the author's voice — that very style that makes the text original and recognisable.
Best Short Screenplay
Here, the ability to convey sufficient meaning with minimal means is valued. In a short time, the script must build a world, set up a conflict, and lead the viewer to a complete thought or emotion. We note texts where there is nothing superfluous: every dialogue, every turn of events works for the integrity of the story. Conciseness, expressiveness, and the power of the impression that remains after viewing are important.
Best Cinematography
This award was created out of gratitude to those who ‘tell stories with their eyes.’ We recognise films in which every frame is a carefully calculated stroke that creates mood and enhances the story.

Rules & Terms

Rules for participation and submission of applications
Students, novice directors and recognised masters are all welcome to participate — for us, the story is more important than the status of its author.
Applications must be submitted via the FilmFreeway platform — this is our only official channel for accepting films.
Each film must be accompanied by a brief synopsis and technical information (year, country, duration, language).
Films shot in any language are accepted, provided they have English subtitles.
Video format: digital files in MP4, MOV or AVI formats with H.264 codec are accepted.
Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080) or higher is recommended; films with lower resolution will be considered, but with a warning about possible quality limitations on large screens.
Audio: stereo or multi-channel, with high-quality synchronisation of sound and video.
Subtitles: films in any language must have English subtitles. For short films and documentaries, it is recommended that subtitles be embedded in the video.
Duration: short films — up to 40 minutes; feature films — 40 minutes and above. Exceptions are allowed for experimental and animated works.
We only consider completed works; rough cuts are not accepted.
Each participant may submit several films, but a separate application is required for each one.
One film can be submitted to several categories at once with separate applications if the film fits each category.
We do not restrict the subject matter, but we do not accept films that contain propaganda of hatred, violence, discrimination based on gender, race, religion or orientation, human rights violations, or materials that clearly contradict the law and generally accepted moral norms.
Applications are open during the deadlines specified in the festival profile, and winners are selected every three months.
All films are pre-screened by the selection committee, after which the best works are forwarded to the jury.
The jury's decision is final and cannot be appealed.
By submitting a film, the participant confirms that they have all the rights to use the music, images and other materials.
The authors agree that the organisers may use stills and trailers from their films to promote and advertise the festival.
Films do not have to be premieres, but films that have not previously been widely distributed are welcome.
The winners will be announced by email and published on the festival's official resources.
Diplomas and laurels will be provided in digital format, which can be used to promote the film.
Participation in the festival implies agreement with all of the above rules.