Submit Your Film

Share your vision with audiences and industry professionals. The Niagara Indie FilmFest is your platform to showcase emerging Canadian talent.

Entry Fee
$25 CAD

Per submission

Max Length
30 min

Including credits

Format
DVD-R

NTSC only

Cash Prizes
Yes

For winners

Important Dates

Independent Submissions
Deadline:
April 24, 2024
Notification:May 30, 2024
Student Submissions
Deadline:
May 9, 2024
Notification:May 30, 2024

Festival Dates

June 19-20, 2024

Submission Categories

Narrative Drama
Fictional stories with dramatic elements

Examples:

  • Character-driven stories
  • Social dramas
  • Psychological thrillers
Comedy
Films intended to provoke laughter and entertainment

Examples:

  • Situational comedy
  • Dark comedy
  • Satirical works
Documentary
Non-fiction films exploring real subjects

Examples:

  • Social issues
  • Personal stories
  • Historical subjects
Animation
Films created using animation techniques

Examples:

  • 2D animation
  • 3D animation
  • Stop-motion
  • Mixed media
Experimental
Innovative and boundary-pushing cinema

Examples:

  • Abstract narratives
  • Avant-garde techniques
  • Multimedia works

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Submit

  • Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, or holders of valid student visas
  • Independent status - filmmaker(s) must maintain creative control
  • Entrant must have served as director or producer of the submitted work
  • Films must be completed between May 9, 2021 and May 9, 2024

Technical Requirements

  • Non-English entries must include English subtitles
  • All necessary copyright clearances must be obtained
  • Maximum runtime of 30 minutes including credits

What to Include

Required Materials

  • Complete entry form (typed or neatly written)
  • DVD-R (NTSC format) with stereo or mono soundtrack
  • Clearly labeled media with entrant name, phone, title, category, and runtime
  • Entry fee of $25 CAD (cheque or money order payable to Niagara Indie Filmfest)
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope for media return (if desired)
  • Email address for correspondence

Payment Information

Entry Fee:$25 CAD
Payment Method:Cheque or Money Order
Payable to:Niagara Indie Filmfest

Judging Process

Our Expert Jury

Films are evaluated by a panel of industry professionals, including established filmmakers, film critics, and arts educators with extensive experience in independent cinema.

Professional filmmakers
Film critics and journalists
Arts educators
Festival programmers
Evaluation Criteria

Technical Excellence

25%

Quality of cinematography, sound, editing, and overall production values

Creative Treatment

35%

Originality of approach, artistic vision, and innovative storytelling techniques

Narrative Impact

25%

Effectiveness of storytelling, character development, and emotional engagement

Originality

15%

Uniqueness of concept, fresh perspective, and creative risk-taking

Ready to Submit?

Join hundreds of filmmakers who have showcased their work at the Niagara Indie FilmFest. Your story deserves to be seen.

Questions about submissions?

Email: [email protected]Phone: (905) 685-8336