Toronto International Filmmakers Festival (TIFF) primarily started for independent filmmakers and to recognise their work of art. We understand that the process of submitting to film festival and the challenges met when trying to get recognition for their films in the film industry is very hectic. That’s why TIFF was born, with the motive to support filmmakers in every way possible. TIFF is dedicated to present the best of cinema and create transformational experiences for film enthusiasts and creators of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission is to award and showcase the best independent films from around the world. Our motto is simple: Empower Indie Filmmakers.

Officially Selected Films of each month will receive our laurel and certificates.
All monthly Award Winners will receive laurel and customized certificates.
We have 2 different kinds of Awards, other than the Category Award Winner that equally value the art and hard work of all our participants, if selected. Our Jury decides a Winner each month from each category. Outstanding Achievement Award Winners and Critics’ Choice Award winners are then selected based on jury decisions and credibility of the film. Each year we select the Best of the Winners from all Monthly Winners, Outstanding Achievement Awardees and Critics’ Choice Winners. The final winners receive the prestigious annual award and are screened at a Movie Hall in Venice in front of a wide audience.


  1. Short Films (Less than 40 minutes)
  2. Narrative Features (Above 40 minutes)
  3. Canadian Short Films (Less than 40 minutes)
  4. Canadian Narrative Feature (Above 40 minutes)
  5. Documentary Films (Any length)
  6. Experimental Films (Any length)
  7. Student Films (Any length)
  8. Women's Films (Any length)
  9. Drone Films (Any length)
  10. Web and New Media (Any length)
  11. Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) and 360° Video (Any length)
  12. Mobile Film (Any length)
  13. Horror / Science Fiction / Genre Feature Film (Above 40 minutes)
  14. Film on Women (Any Length)
  15. Animated Films (Any length)
  16. LGBT Film (Any length)
  17. Free Speech (Any length)
  18. Educational Film (Any length)
  19. Film on Religion (Any length)
  20. Silent Film (Any length)
  21. Young Filmmaker (Under 18) (Any length)
  22. Debut Filmmaker (1st or 2nd Film) (Any length)
  23. Short Script
  24. Feature Script
  25. Family/Children Films (Any length)
  26. Films on Disability Issue (Any length)
  1. Film on Nature / Environment / Wildlife (Any length)
  2. Travel Film (Any length)
  3. One Minute Film
  4. Postmodern Films (Any length)
  5. Television / Pilot Program or Series (Any length)
  6. Commercial / Advertisement (Any length)
  7. Music Video (Any length)
  8. Trailer/Teaser (5 minutes or less)
  9. Film/Video Poster
  10. Photography (Photos from film set included)
  11. Treatment / Synopsis
  12. Performing Arts
  13. Amateur Film
  14. Best Director (Any Length)
  15. Best Cinematography (Fiction & Documentary) (Any Length)
  16. Best Editing (Fiction & Documentary) (Any Length)
  17. Best Sound Designing (Fiction & Documentary) (Any Length)
  18. Best Actor (Fiction) (Any Length)
  19. Best Actress (Fiction) (Any Length)
  20. Best Supporting Actor (Fiction) (Any length)
  21. Best Supporting Actress (Fiction) (Any length)
  22. Best Film Score – Soundtrack
  23. Best VFX Artist
  24. Best Producer
  25. Crime Short (Less than 40 minutes)
  26. Romantic Short (Less than 40 minutes)
  27. Comedy short (Less than 40 minutes)
  28. Micro Movies
  29. Selfie Video


Please read these Rules & Terms carefully before you submit your film. By submitting your film into competition in the TIFF, you expressly acknowledge and agree that you shall be bound by the terms of these Rules & Terms. TIFF is open to any film, regardless of content, subject, or origin. Submitting your film to the TIFF is not a guarantee of selection. All the official selections, nominees, and winners will be listed on our film festivsl website permanently. We treat every filmmaker equally.