Frequently asked questions

Is there a submission fee?

No. Submitting is free in every category and at every deadline.

Who can submit?

Filmmakers from Canada and around the world. Directors under 18 can submit to Made by Kids.

How long can my film be?

Shorts are 40 minutes or under. Features are 41 minutes or longer.

How do I submit?

Create a free account, click Submit a film, and follow the six steps. You can save and come back anytime.

When will I hear back?

Selections are announced on July 20, 2027. You can follow your film's status in My Festival → My films.

I worked on a film but someone else submitted it. How do I update my profile?

Find your name under People, open your profile and click Claim this profile. Upload proof, and once we verify it you can edit your photo, bio and links.

How do I buy tickets?

Open the Program, choose a screening and click Get tickets or Register for free events. Your ticket appears in My Festival.

Can I volunteer?

Yes! Fill in the volunteer form under Get Involved.

What are the five festival sections?

National (Canadian films), International, Indigenous, Made by Kids and World Focus. World Focus spotlights the children's cinema of one guest country each year; in 2027 it is Iran. See Awards → Categories for every category.

What does Applied, This Year and Competition mean?

Every film that applies is listed as Applied. Films chosen for the festival are This Year. Films that are judged for awards are in Competition. The 2027 selection is announced in July 2027.

What are the 2027 deadlines?

Early bird: February 15, 2027. Regular: March 15, 2027. Late: May 31, 2027. Selections are announced on July 20, 2027. The festival runs September 24 to October 3, 2027 in Toronto.

Do I have to use FilmFreeway?

No. You can submit on this website or on FilmFreeway. Films from FilmFreeway come to this site automatically.

Where do I see my film and my crew?

Open Films and search your title. Every crew member listed on a film gets a profile page under People.

Can I change my film or profile?

Yes. Film owners and claimed crew profiles can edit their details from My Festival. Changes to claimed profiles are checked by our team.

How does voting work?

Academy members score films and crew roles in the categories they are assigned. Some categories, such as the People's Beaver, are open to a public vote for everyone with a free account.

Who are the Academy members?

Film and media professionals from the crew directory, invited by the festival. They are assigned by section and by role.

Can I get a refund or change my ticket?

Open My Festival → Tickets to see your order. If something is wrong, write to us below and we will help.

I still need help

Open a support ticket at Help & support. Tell us what you need and our team will reply on that page; you will also get a link by email.