Welcome to the bi-monthly and annual IMDb qualifying Toronto Indie Shorts!

We are dedicated to Canadian and international short films of all genres. Toronto International Indie Shorts was founded by a group of film scholars, filmmakers, film critics and film graduates from the York university of Toronto.

The festival was created in the beautiful town of Newmarket where many stars such as Jim Carrey were born. The mission of Toronto Indie Shorts is to celebrate the independent motion picture and literary arts by providing a platform for Canadian and international short filmmakers and writers to have their short film projects recognized, promoted, screened and awarded online.

The members of the jury are film scholars, filmmakers, film critics and distributors from Toronto. The members of the jury for each edition will also be selected from previous award winning artists. We would like to involve artists to collaborate further with other filmmakers and our festival online.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative
Best Documentary
Best Director
Best Script
Best Producer
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Science Fiction
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
Best Music Video
Best Experimental
Best Student Film
Best Art Photography
Best Composer/Best Musician
Best Indie Short

Rules & Terms

The festival has the right to use headshots, images, stills, poster and all promotional material from filmmakers and film projects.
Films must have been completed in the past 5 years.
The films can be from anywhere in the world.
Non English films must be subtitled in English.
We accept all genres.

123 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tom Oliver

    What a great festival - and what a great bunch of people who run it!
    Very honoured to have been selected as a winner in it this year and very grateful to them for selecting my screenplay as a winning entry. Many Thanks

    March 2026
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  • Graziano M Sforza

    I applaud TIS for being a very competent, professional showcase for independent filmmakers of the world.
    With gratitude,
    Graziano Mario Sforza
    Director of THE VOID - A nation under a spell
    Winner Best Indie Short 2026

    February 2026
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  • Moira Simpson

    It’s an honour that my film, “The Lady Architect”, has been selected a winner for Best Documentary of the 26th Edition of Toronto Indie Shorts. It’s a wonderful festival. Thank you.

    February 2026
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  • Brysen Mann

    This was my first year submitting any of my work to film festivals and I was selective as to which ones I submitted to, Toronto Indie Shorts being one of those.
    For me, having one's work recognized in any shape or form is outstanding...to have my short script "John The Bathroom" selected as the Winner, pure joy!
    Thank you!

    November 2025
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  • Chris Stifel

    Much appreciation and thanks to the team at TIS
    for selecting LANA DEE as BEST INDIE SHORT.
    It was a dream come true to direct my first film and a complete honor to be recognized as such.
    I’ll never forget this incredible award and the opportunity that Toronto Indie Shorts provided.
    I echo the sentiments of others that this festival continue to succeed at providing a platform for Indie filmmakers for years to come. Bravo to all of you!

    November 2025
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