Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF)

**** A Canadian Screen Award-Qualifying Festival****

The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) proudly announces its recognition as an official Canadian Screen Award-qualifying festival by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. This prestigious designation places TINFF among the select festivals on the Academy’s 2024 updated qualifying list, marking a significant milestone in our mission to celebrate diversity and inclusion through film.

A Platform for Diversity and Inclusion

As a multicultural film festival, TINFF provides a creative space for Canadian and international films, emphasizing innovation, representation, and inclusion. Recognized as the first Canadian festival in North America with Nollywood ties to receive this distinction, TINFF continues to serve as a hub for diverse storytelling and celebrates the highest standards in Canadian cinema.

TINFF is also an IMDb and Telefilm Canada-qualifying festival, registered as a non-profit organization based in Toronto. Our partners, including Canadian Heritage, the Canada Media Fund, Ontario Creates, Telefilm Canada, and the City of Brampton, share our commitment to promoting diversity in the creative arts.

Qualification for the Canadian Screen Awards:

Under the Academy’s rules, acceptance into at least two Academy-approved Canadian festivals qualifies a feature documentary or theatrical short film for submission to the Canadian Screen Awards. This means all past and future TINFF official selections can now use TINFF as a qualifying festival for submissions to the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television.

For more details, visit the Academy’s eligibility page: [Academy’s Website] (https://www.academy.ca/canadian-screen-awards/rules-eligibility/).

Annual Festival Highlights:

TINFF is a year-round competition and live screening festival that brings filmmakers and artists to Toronto. The event celebrates independent filmmaking with activities such as:

- Film screenings with Q&A sessions

- Conferences, seminars, and live performances

- Stage plays, dance showcases, and audience engagement activities

- Workshop training and mentorship programs** aimed at fostering workforce development and creative growth

Our initiatives aim to build capacity and create opportunities for filmmakers, particularly those from marginalized Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

Canada Black & Diversity Film Market (CBDFM) Summit:

As part of TINFF’s annual program, the CBDFM Summit focuses on business development for filmmakers and industry stakeholders. Highlights include:

- B2B and B2C activities** to foster collaborations and distribution opportunities

- Acquisitions, networking, production collaborations, and negotiations

- Workshops, training, and masterclasses for skills development

- Film market screenings and one-on-one or group meetings

This platform bridges gaps in the film industry, emphasizing inclusion and innovation.

Join Us in Celebrating Film:

TINFF invites you to experience the diversity and creativity that defines our festival. By showcasing a blend of local and international films, we aim to inspire, challenge, and foster understanding through the universal language of cinema. Each year, our festival culminates in an award ceremony that recognizes exceptional filmmakers and their contributions to promoting equality, social justice, and multiculturalism.

For updates and information about TINFF and our upcoming programs, visit our official website or connect with us on social media.

TINFF website: www.tinff.net