Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (10)

Festival start: 04 September 2026      Festival end: 13 September 2026

Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF)
A Canadian Screen Award–Qualifying Festival
A Telefilm Canada–Qualifying Festival
One of Telefilm Canada’s 25 Approved Medium-to-Large Scale Film Festivals (2026–2027)

An Official IMDb Festival

The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) is one of Canada’s leading multicultural film festivals—recognized nationally and internationally for championing diversity, inclusion, and global storytelling. TINFF is proud to be:

• A Canadian Screen Award–Qualifying Festival
• A Telefilm Canada–Qualifying Festival
• One of Telefilm Canada’s Top 25 Medium-to-Large Scale Film Festivals for 2026–2027

• An official IMDb festival
• A registered Canadian non-profit organization headquartered in Toronto
TINFF has earned its position as a premiere platform for diverse filmmaking, representing Canada’s cultural mosaic and its deep ties to African, Caribbean, Indigenous, and international cinema communities.

A Festival With Distribution Power: Cinematic Box Distribution Canada

TINFF proudly operates a subsidiary company, The Cinematic Box Distribution Canada, which is officially approved by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) as an eligible worldwide distributor for CMF-funded films—up to $3.5 million in licensing and distribution value.


This distinction positions TINFF and its industry ecosystem as a gateway for:

• Canadian filmmakers seeking broad domestic and international reach

• International filmmakers with co-production treaties with Canada

• Productions aiming to ensure that Canadian stories are amplified and accessible both nationally and globally

TINFF’s integrated festival + distribution model provides unmatched market access, visibility, and opportunity for creators.


Celebrating Global Cinema, Diverse Voices, and Innovative Storytelling

TINFF champions inclusive filmmaking with a strong focus on multicultural, African diaspora, BIPOC, Indigenous, and international creators. As the first Canadian festival with authentic Nollywood roots to receive national recognition, TINFF continues to elevate global perspectives while fostering talent development in Canada.

Our community partners include:
Canadian Heritage, Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and the City of Brampton, among others committed to industry growth and equity.


Canadian Screen Awards Eligibility
Under Academy rules, films selected by at least two Academy-approved festivals may qualify for the Canadian Screen Awards. As an approved festival, all TINFF Official Selections (past and future) may use TINFF toward their Academy qualification.
Eligibility: https://www.academy.ca/canadian-screen-awards/rules-eligibility/


Annual Festival Highlights
TINFF delivers rich year-round programming leading into its live festival celebration, including:


• Film screenings with Q&A sessions
• Industry conferences, seminars, and conversations
• Live performances, cultural showcases, and stage plays
• Workshops, training labs, and mentorship (through TINFF Film Academy)
• Pitch sessions and market development programs
• Red carpet and Awards Gala
• International filmmaker networking and collaboration opportunities


TINFF CBDF Market Summit (Canada Black & Diversity Film Market)

A signature component of the festival, the CBDF Market Summit provides:

• B2B & B2C market activities
• Distribution & acquisition meetings
• Co-production and cross-border collaboration opportunities
• Masterclasses, workshops, and pitch development
• Film market screenings, with one-on-one and group meetings
The Summit connects Canada with African, Caribbean, European, and global markets, building pathways for sustained industry growth.

TINFF Expansion into Brampton: The Launch of BINFF
TINFF has expanded its footprint into the City of Brampton with the creation of the Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (BINFF)—a sister festival designed to expand opportunities for local and global filmmakers.

BINFF provides:
• A second annual platform for filmmaking excellence
• Greater access for Peel Region creators
• Additional screening opportunities
• A broader audience reach across Brampton and the GTA
• A powerful pipeline between Toronto and Brampton for diverse filmmaking communities

Submit to BINFF:
https://festhome.com/

This expansion strengthens TINFF’s commitment to regional growth, talent development, and international cultural exchange.

International Collaborations
TINFF partners with global festivals—including the Prague Film Festival (PFF)—to promote cross-cultural engagement and film exchange. Winners from each festival receive reciprocal screening opportunities abroad.



Join Us and Celebrate the Power of Storytelling
TINFF welcomes filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences worldwide to experience vibrant, diverse, and globally connected cinema. Our annual Awards Gala honours outstanding achievements that promote cultural understanding, equality, and creative excellence.


Website: www.tinff.net
Social Media: @tinffestiva

Awards & Prizes

TINFF honours outstanding filmmaking with a wide range of competitive awards, industry opportunities, and recognition:

• Trophy Statues for Best Project & Viewer’s Choice

• Eligibility for Canadian Screen Awards (CSA) consideration

• Eligibility for Telefilm Canada considerations (where applicable)

• Automatic access to TINFF & the CBDF Market Summit

• Industry networking, red carpet, and media visibility

All official selections are considered for awards.


Screening Formats

TINFF operates on a hybrid model with both in-person and digital screenings.

Events, screenings, and Q&As may be delivered live in Toronto, online, or both.

Screening formats may be adjusted as needed to comply with policies or regulations.

Awards & Categories

Winners receive:

• Official certificates

• Engraved TINFF Audience Favorite/Trophy Awards (presented at the TINFF Gala, York Woods Theatre)


Film Categories

• Best Feature Film (Hollywood-USA)
• Best Feature Film (Nollywood)
• Best Feature Film (Bollywood)
• Best Feature Film (International)
• Best Feature Film (Caribbean)
• Best Feature Film (Canada)
• Best LGBT Feature Film
• Best LGBT Short Film
• Best Short Film
• Best Music Video
• Best Trailer
• Best Actor / Actress
• Best Supporting Actor / Actress
• Best Director
• Best Producer
• Best Web Series
• Best Horror
• Best Thriller/Action
• Best Comedy
• Best Animated Film
• Best Sci-Fi
• Best Student Film
• Best Documentary
• Best Editing
• Best Cinematography
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Original Music Score
• Best in Show
• Best Costume
• Best Art Director
• Best Music – Non-Visual (Audio Category)
• Best Reality Show
• Best vBlog
• Best Gospel Video
• Best Female Filmmaker (Producer/Director)

New & Special Categories

• Audience Choice Award (Online Voting)
• Jury Award
• Best of Show
• Awards of Excellence
• Awards of Merit
• Awards of Recognition
• TINFF Nollywood Special Jury Awards
• TINFF Bollywood Special Jury Awards
• The True-Sail Award for Outstanding Black Film/Filmmaker
• The True-Sail Award for Outstanding Minority Film/Filmmaker

Screenplay Categories

• Best Screenplay (Under 30 pages)
• Best Screenplay (30–60 pages)
• Best Screenplay (Over 60 pages)

Rules & Regulations

Eligibility

• Open to films from Canada, Nollywood, Bollywood, Hollywood-USA, and all international regions.

• Submit your project to the most appropriate category based on length, genre, and format.


Festival Entry Pass

• TINFF is a not-for-profit corporation and depends on festival revenue to sustain programs.

• All attendees, including filmmakers and guests, must purchase a festival entry pass — no exceptions.

• Entry passes provide access to screenings, programs, workshops, red carpet, and gala activities.

• Award winners receive the official TINFF Trophy at no additional cost, regardless of the number of trophies won.


Hybrid Screening Policy

TINFF operates a hybrid festival with both online and in-person events.

• Online Screenings: All official selections are presented online.

• In-Person Screenings: We screen as many films as possible; however, in-person screening is not guaranteed.

• Selection into the festival or competition does not automatically guarantee an in-person screening slot.

• Screenings are scheduled based on venue capacity, time availability, and first-come, first-served considerations.

• TINFF may adjust its delivery format in accordance with government or venue regulations.


Film Length Categories

• Feature Films: 75 minutes or more
• Medium-Length Films: 45–74 minutes
• Short Films: 45 minutes or less


Submission Guidelines

• Entries with or without distribution agreements are welcome.

• Selected entries must participate in TINFF’s hybrid model (online + in-person activities when applicable).

• Previously submitted films may re-enter one additional year.

• Submissions must be uploaded through our online submission platform with secure, working screening links.

• Works-in-progress are accepted, but re-edited versions may not be re-reviewed; near-final cuts are strongly recommended.

• Multiple submissions are allowed; each requires a separate entry fee.


Submission Requirements

• Films must be submitted in MP4 format for pre-screening and online presentation.

• DCP may be requested for in-person theatrical screenings.

• Non-English films must include English subtitles.

• Required labeling on the submission platform:

o Project title
o Production company name, phone, and address
o Director’s name
o Running time
o Submission platform tracking number
o Updated password for secure screening links


Licensing & Promotional Use

By submitting, entrants grant TINFF a limited exhibition license to screen selected films at festival events within the yearly calendar.

• TINFF may use film stills, posters, and short clips for promotional purposes with proper credit.

• All copyright remains with the original filmmaker or rights holder.


Content Restrictions

• Films containing nudity or sexual content must maintain strong narrative purpose.

• Films involving pornography or animal cruelty are strictly prohibited.


Shipping Instructions (If Applicable)

While TINFF primarily uses digital delivery:

• Any requested physical materials (e.g., DCP on hard drive) must be shipped prepaid.

• TINFF does not accept COD shipments and will not cover duties, taxes, or customs fees.

• Any unexpected charges incurred by TINFF will be billed back to the applicant.

For questions or assistance, contact the TINFF team via our official website: www.tinff.net