Calling all female and non-binary Canadian filmmakers!

Do you need a passionate push to get your comedy stories on screen? Canadian Film Fest and Firecracker Department are partnering to present THE CANADIAN COMEDY FILM IGNITER. 

WHAT: A comedy film challenge starting with a prompt and ending with a produced film. Over one-month, female and non-binary Canadian filmmakers will be challenged to conceive, develop, and produce a comedy short film, with the support of the Canadian Film Fest and Firecracker Department. Throughout the four-week program, filmmakers will engage in a series of development, networking, and mentoring activities, shaping their vision, and refining their comedy chops and storytelling skills.

• Open nationwide to Canadian female & non-binary filmmakers 18+.

• Four-week timeline to write, shoot, and deliver your film - it’s accountability at its finest!

• Team building opportunities

• Mentorship sessions with notable industry professionals including Naomi Snieckus (Mr. D, Disney’s Zombies), Carolyn Taylor (I Have Nothing, Baroness Von Sketch), Vanessa Matsui (How to Fail as a Pop Star, Ghost BFF), Allana Harkin (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Nesting) Wendy Litner (Popularity Papers, How to Buy a Baby) 

• Official selections screening at an exclusive event during the festival

• Live juried feedback from industry professionals

• A free festival pass good for all screenings and industry series events

• Festival laurels and in-kind prizes for the top films

• Writing support through the Firecracker Writing Department with Liesl Lafferty

• Screening during the monthly Firecracker Dept Comedy Brunch plus VIP invitation to the yearly Firecracker Dept Brunch during TIFF.

WHERE: Presentations will take place at the Canadian Film Fest in Toronto, from March 18 - 23, 2024. Screening dates are to be announced.

WHY: We want to encourage women and non-binary comedians and filmmakers to have their voices heard and stories seen. 

HOW MUCH: There is a $100 fee to sign up, this admission will also provide you with a CFF Festival Pass (worth $180.00).