Our Impact › Filmmaker Development

Filmmaker Development

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, TIFF is able to dedicate its year-round efforts to nurturing and building the careers of emerging filmmakers and artists. By providing these creators with opportunities to network, learn from industry professionals, and, most importantly, tell their stories, we are building the next generation of storytellers. Participants will receive industry accreditation to the Toronto International Film Festival, access to year-round TIFF Industry programming, and a TIFF Membership.

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Talent Development Programmes

Filmmaker Lab

Each year, 20 Canadian and international directors receive an exceptional professional development experience at the Toronto International Film Festival, and an introduction to the global community of filmmaking. Over a five-day period, participants have the opportunity to interact with and learn from internationally acclaimed filmmakers and guests.

Fellowships generously sponsored by Share Her Journey and For the Love of Film donors ensure that programme participants are given additional financial support to help them fulfill their creative vision.

See 2022 Participants

Talent Accelerator

Talent Accelerator provides six Canadian women creators with mentorship, support, and access to TIFF Industry programming year-round. Two directors are fast-tracked into spots at TIFF Filmmaker Lab, two writers are fast-tracked into spots at TIFF Writers’ Studio, and two producers are provided a travel stipend and industry accreditation to either the Sundance or Berlin Film Festivals.

Talent Accelerator participants are supported by Share Her Journey donors, including ongoing support from the RBC Women Creators’ Initiative.

See 2022 Participants

Writers’ Studio

Writers’ Studio selects eight Canadian and international screenwriters to consolidate skills, exchange ideas, and develop scripts, all within a collaborative five-day intensive lab at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Participants take part in workshops, artist talks, table reads, peer-to-peer mentorship, and one-on-one project development with story consultants.

Alumni are invited to participate in the CHANEL Women Writers’ Network, which provides women and non-binary participants with ongoing script development support after the programme ends.

See 2022 Participants

Pay It Forward Passes

TIFF’s annual Industry Conference is an international gathering of writers, directors, creators, producers, and film-industry professionals. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn and to network, and we are always striving to make it more accessible. Through Pay It Forward Passes, we are able to offer complimentary access to filmmakers who require that extra support.

Next Wave

The TIFF Next Wave Film Festival is a unique youth film festival funded by TIFF. This festival is an opportunity for young programmers and curators to design a festival that represents youth and youth interests.

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