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Toronto International Filmmakers’ Festival (TIFF) primarily started for independent filmmakers and to recognise their works of art. We understand that the process of submitting to film festivals and the challenges met when trying to get recognition for their work in the industry is very hectic. That’s why TIFF was born, with the motive to support filmmakers in every way possible. TIFF is dedicated to presenting the best of cinema and creating 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: Empower Indie Filmmakers.

• All Officially Selected projects of each month will receive our laurels and certificates.

• All monthly Award Winners will receive laurels and customized certificates.

• We have 2 different kinds of Awards, other than the Winner Award 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 the 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.

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 website permanently. We treat every filmmaker equally.

1. The film submitted to TIFF for a particular month can be re-submitted at any time for a second chance, considering that we have different jury panels for each season.

2. Films made in languages other than English must have English subtitles otherwise they will be summarily rejected.

3. The TIFF reserves the right to refuse entries.

4. A director/producer may submit more than one film in a category and more than one category at a time.

5. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the TIFF, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, and publicity.

6. After a film has been an official selection, the filmmaker will be notified, and eventually, the film will be listed on the festival website under Official Selections. The Official Selection status doesn’t mean that your film will be screened at the festival. It means that your film has been appreciated by our judges of the panel and you can use the festival logo on your poster.

7. The TIFF will not refund any fees if the filmmaker fails to submit the film in the correct category. Films submitted without the correct fees or proper submission media may be deemed ineligible at the discretion of the TIFF programming director or executive director. The festival does not cover any of the expenses incurred by the filmmaker.

8. We require an official trailer or poster, a synopsis, and a link to your film. Please select the correct category while submitting to avoid disqualification. We reserve the right to re-assign films to the appropriate category.

9. A nominee will be privately screened for the TIFF judging panel and will not be screened initially to the public.

10. A filmmaker’s submission fee will not be reimbursed if they decide to withdraw their submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.

11. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the TIFF, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, and publicity.

12. TIFF may without advance notice amend these Rules & Terms from time to time. Every amendment shall become effective immediately. It is your responsibility to periodically check for updates of these Rules & Terms.