Hey Filmmaking friends! 👋 🎬
We noticed a lot of open calls for film submissions, upcoming film festivals, and cool local opportunities for filmmakers, so we've put them into this easy-to-navigate resource for you!
Looking for funding for your next film project? Keep an eye on our blog for our monthly grant deadline posts (released on the 1st of each month), our Instagram stories, and our Grant Deadline Calendar resource.
Upcoming Festivals!
April 12th: Leverage Lens Film + Art Festival
A celebration of creativity, showcasing independent films, visual art, and multimedia projects from diverse voices around the world. The festival serves as a platform for emerging and established artists to connect with audiences and industry professionals. Learn more at leveragelens.ca
May 12th: Stella's Place Get Reel Film Festival
Now in its 6th year, Stella’s Place Get Reel Film Fest 2025 explores the theme of “Masks,” delving into the realities of mental health challenges and the often hidden struggles many face. Learn more at stellasplace.ca/get-reel
May 23-June 1: Inside Out’s Toronto Festival
Come check out Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival! Learn more and buy tickets at insideout.ca
September 24th - October 3rd: Toronto Palestine Film Festival
The Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Palestinian cinema, music, cuisine and art to GTA audiences. Head to tpff.ca for more info!
October 10th: Rendezvous With Madness Festival
Rendezvous with Madness is the first and largest arts and mental health festival in the world. RWM spotlights the human capacity for endurance in the face of great challenges. Keep an eye on workmanarts.com/rendezvous-with-madness for more info!
November 27th-30th: Regent Park Film Festival
Regent Park Film Festival is an award-winning, community-based, charitable organization, and Toronto’s longest-running, FREE film festival. RPFF amplifies and centers marginalized communities and their stories. Check out their website rpff.ca
November 13th-24th: Reel Asian Film Festival
Come out to watch Asian cinema and enjoy events featuring pan-Asian filmmakers and media artists! Check out the details at reelasian.com/festival
Calls for Submissions!
March 9th: Queer Cinema for Palestine
Queer Cinema for Palestine, under the slogan “No Pride in Genocide,” will curate a single program of 5-7 stellar new short films, to be presented by groups/partners in cities globally during Pride. Click here to learn more!
March 17th: Call for Short Documentaries!
Leverage Lens is now accepting submissions for short documentary films under 12 minutes that highlight social issues and impactful topics. Details and submission info here!
March 31st: Indigenous Youth Roots is Looking for Youth-Centered Shorts
IYR is looking for Indigenous youth-centered short film submissions to screen during our upcoming Indigenous Youth Gathering being held in Whitehorse in July 2025. Click here to learn more about the call out and to submit your short film for consideration!
April 1st: Submissions Open for Stella's Place Get Reel Film Festival
Have you made a film about mental health and want to share it with the world? Submit your films for the chance to be screened at the 2025 Get Reel Film Fest! Learn more and submit your film here!
April 23rd: Apply to the Breakthroughs Film Festival
Breakthroughs Film Festival is devoted exclusively to showcasing short films in any genre by emerging women and non-binary filmmakers. Submit your work here!
May 25th: Show Your Film at The 18th Toronto Palestine Film Festival
TPFF accepts films of all lengths and genres made by Palestinian filmmakers; and by non-Palestinian filmmakers with films related to Palestine. More information and submission details here.
May 30th: Rendezvous with Madness 2025 Call For Film Submissions are Open
The Rendezvous with Madness Festival is the world’s first and largest arts and mental health festival and public discussion forum. Head here to learn more and submit your film today.
June 3rd: Reel Asian Film Festival Callout Opening Soon!
Submissions for the 2025 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival open March 14th! We’re excited to spotlight contemporary works from Asia and the Asian diaspora worldwide this fall at #ReelAsian29. More info here!
July 11th: Submit To the Regent Park Film Festival
RPFF is dedicated to showcasing local and international independent works relevant to people from all walks of life. Share your films for our General Program and School Program to screen at #RPFF2025 this November. Click here to learn more!
Opportunities!
Rolling Deadline: Join the Get Reel Film Festival Jury
Stella’s Place is recruiting jury members for the Get Reel Film Fest scholarship for emerging, young filmmakers. Members of this committee will be volunteers and will help shape this opportunity for emerging filmmakers. Learn more here.
March 18th: Breakthroughs Film Festival: Festival Manager
Breakthroughs Film Festival team is seeking a dedicated, proactive and detail-oriented Festival Manager to support the planning and execution of the 2025 festival and year-round programming. Read the job description and apply here!
March 25th: Residency for Filmmakers for a Film Project on Anti-Palestinian Racism
TPFF invites applications from filmmakers to create new 10-20 minute film/video projects on Anti-Palestinian Racism. The residency will run March to August, and completed projects will be screened at the 18th annual Toronto Palestine Film Festival, to be held in September. Apply here!
March 28th: Regent Park Film Festival is Hiring
At RPFF, you'll play an important role in amplifying Indigenous, Black, and racialized creators, while also helping to ensure art and film remains free and accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status. RPFF is seeking: Coordinator, Programming, Coordinator, Volunteers & Operations, and Coordinator, Social Media. Check out their website here to learn more and apply!