TINFF | tinff

Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF)

WELCOME TO THE
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL NOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL (TINFF)

Celebrating Diversity Through Film

Welcome to the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), a globally recognized platform that celebrates and promotes diverse cinema, with a special focus on Nollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world. Each year, TINFF brings together filmmakers, artists, and storytellers from across the globe to showcase diverse stories that reflect the vibrant cultures and rich traditions of various communities around the world. TINFF is proud to be listed on IMDb, affirming its growing international reputation as a key player in the global film industry.

As both a Telefilm Canada Qualifying Festival and a Canadian Screen Award (CSA) Qualifying Festival, TINFF is committed to recognizing and elevating outstanding talent in film. Our festival provides an essential platform for filmmakers to gain recognition, connect with industry professionals, and reach a wider audience. Beyond film screenings, TINFF offers networking events, workshops, and discussions that foster a community dedicated to advancing the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a filmmaker, actor, or film enthusiast, TINFF is where culture, creativity, and cinema intersect to create lasting impact.

The International Comedy and Art Film Festival (TICAFF)

About: The International Comedy and Art Film Festival (TICAFF) is an innovative platform dedicated to celebrating the best in comedy and artistic films worldwide. Founded by Owen Gee Entertainment and co-founded by TINFF and BINFF as coventurers, TICAFF is designed to be a premier festival that merges humour, storytelling, and artistic creativity. TICAFF aims to create a dedicated comedic space where African and international comedians, creatives, and storytellers come together annually to showcase diverse cultures through comedy. As part of the TINFF lineup of programs, TICAFF contributes to growing the industry landscape and bridging the gap between the African and international entertainment sectors. TICAFF’s Partnership with BINFF-TINFF TICAFF benefits from its affiliation with BINFF-TINFF, a well-established Telefilm Canada and Canadian Screen Award qualifying festival. This partnership enhances selected filmmakers and performers' credibility, exposure, and career opportunities. (https://www.tinff.net/ticaff)

Accreditation & Recognition

•Canadian Screen Award (CSA) Qualifying Festival – Winners of TINFF awards may qualify for consideration in the prestigious CSA. •Endorsed by Industry Leaders – TINFF receives support from Telefilm Canada, the City of Brampton, and other notable organizations, further solidifying its impact in the film industry. •IMDb-Approved Festival – TINFF is officially recognized by IMDb, ensuring credibility and global exposure for filmmakers.

BUDGET

Friendly

TINFF 2024 Winner "Ray of Hope" Qualifies for 97th Academy Awards - Toronto, Canada — November 24, 2024.

The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) proudly announces that its 2024 Best Documentary winner, Ray of Hope, is officially in contention for the 97th Academy Awards. The multiple award-winning documentary has been included in the Academy’s list of eligible films for the Documentary Feature category, marking a significant milestone in its journey.

"Ray of Hope," directed by renowned Canadian filmmakers Ryan Singh and Nikila Cole, is one of two films from the eighth edition of the 2024 TINFF chosen as an official Oscars contender. Both selections further cement the TINFF festival's reputation as a global standard of cinematic excellence.

It is honoured to play a role in amplifying the voices and visions of outstanding filmmakers like those behind Ray of Hope.

TINFF 2023 GALA AWARDS OFFICIAL FLYER .png

Festival Dates:
TINFF 2025 Festival: September 6 – 13, 2025
Closing Gala & Awards Ceremony: September 13, 2025

Submissions Now Open!
We are currently accepting film submissions through all major submission platforms, including FilmFreeway, Withoutabox, and Festhome. If you’re a filmmaker with a unique story to share, don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your work to an international audience.

Get Involved:
Whether you’re a filmmaker submitting your work, an attendee eager to experience world-class cinema, or a brand looking to support the festival, there are many ways to participate in TINFF 2025. Don’t miss out on being part of this incredible celebration of creativity and culture!

Are you a filmmaker, actor, or storyteller looking for a platform to showcase your work? Submit your film today! Join our community and be part of a movement that celebrates culture and storytelling.

What We Offer

Annual Film Festival

TINFF showcases a variety of films, from Nollywood to Hollywood and beyond. Our festival includes feature films, short films, documentaries, animations, and experimental projects that highlight cultural diversity and powerful storytelling.

Canada Black & Diversity Film Market (CBDFM) Summit

This exclusive event connects filmmakers, distributors, producers, and investors, offering a marketplace for film acquisitions, funding opportunities, and industry networking.

Join Us for TINFF 2025
The Next Chapter of TINFF – Coming Soon!
We are thrilled to announce that TINFF 2025 will take place from September 6 – 13, 2025, in the vibrant cities of Toronto and Brampton, Canada. This year, we’re continuing our commitment to showcasing diverse cinema from around the world. The festival will feature film screenings, thought-provoking industry panels, hands-on workshops, and exciting networking opportunities. The Closing Gala & Awards Ceremony will be held on September 13, 2025, where we’ll celebrate outstanding achievements in filmmaking.

TINFF - Viewers' Choice Award

In addition to the usual competition awards, the festival also features audience-based awards such as the Viewers' Choice Award, where festival-goers can vote for their favorite films. This dynamic and culturally rich event has become an important fixture in both the Canadian and global film landscape, strengthening the ties between Canadian cinema and Nollywood.

Film Submissions

TINFF Subsidiary Festivals And Organizations

The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) has expanded its reach through several subsidiary festivals and organizations, each contributing uniquely to the celebration and promotion of diverse cinematic voices. These subsidiary festivals and organizations collectively enhance TINFF's mission to promote diverse voices in cinema, providing platforms for underrepresented communities and fostering cultural exchange through the art of filmmaking. Below are brief updates on these initiatives:

Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (BINFF)

Launched as an extension of TINFF, the Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (BINFF) is an annual event in Brampton, Canada, that unites filmmakers, artists, and industry experts from around the globe. The festival features live screenings, screenwriting competitions, and awards ceremonies, aiming to promote cinematic experiences and connect local communities. BINFF also serves as a creative hub, offering workshops, masterclasses, mentorships, and development programs to support local talent. The upcoming BINFF is scheduled for September 11–14, 2024. (binff.net)

International Black & Diversity Film Festival (IBDFF)

Affiliated with BAFGC, the International Black & Diversity Film Festival (IBDFF) is an independent festival established to provide a platform for Black filmmakers while celebrating cultural diversity through inclusion. Held annually in Toronto, Canada, IBDFF brings together independent filmmakers from around the world, featuring films that highlight Black history and educate audiences about significant Black figures and contemporary role models. The festival includes workshops, panels, and screenings aimed at promoting and celebrating excellent films by Black filmmakers. (bafgcanada.com)

Black Actor and Film Guild Canada (BAFGC)

Established in 2020, the Black Actor and Film Guild Canada (BAFGC) is a unique artist-run, Canadian-registered non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Black creatives, including actors, filmmakers, artists, curators, and exhibitors. BAFGC offers mentorship, workshops, festival screenings, Q&A sessions, and collaborative opportunities. The guild's mission is to prepare its members for successful careers in acting and filmmaking by providing essential training, career guidance, and exposure to real opportunities across various entertainment sectors. (bafgcanada.com)

Canadian Black Screen Awards (CBS Awards)

As part of its commitment to recognizing Black excellence in the creative arts, BAFGC organizes the Canadian Black Screen Awards (CBSA). This prestigious event honours individuals and projects that have significantly impacted their respective fields, spotlighting talent, innovation, and contributions to the industry. The next CBSA ceremony is slated for February 15, 2025, in Brampton, offering a platform to celebrate outstanding achievements and foster growth and visibility for Black artists in the entertainment world. (bafgcanada.com)

The International Comedy and Art Film Festival (TICAFF)

TICAFF, The International Comedy and Art Film Festival, is a newly introduced festival dedicated to celebrating humour, creativity, and artistic expression in cinema. As part of TINFF’s week-long programs, TICAFF is scheduled for September 12, 2024. This event will showcase comedic films, stand-up performances, and visual arts, providing a unique platform for creatives to explore storytelling through humor and artistic vision. (https://www.tinff.net/ticaff)

1/23

TINFF Film Academy (TFA)

Empowering the Next Generation of Filmmakers. The TINFF Film Academy (TFA) is designed to nurture emerging talent by providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in filmmaking. Whether you're an aspiring director, actor, screenwriter, or editor, TFA offers courses that will help you build the skills needed to thrive in the film industry. Our academy offers mentorship, training, and hands-on workshops in filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, and editing. This program helps aspiring filmmakers develop the skills needed to excel in the industry.

Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities

Support the Future of Filmmaking Partnering with the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) provides a unique opportunity to align your brand with a global platform celebrating diversity, creativity, and cinematic excellence. Your sponsorship helps support emerging filmmakers, industry development, and cultural exchange while gaining brand visibility among filmmakers, industry leaders, and a diverse audience. Why Sponsor TINFF? •Brand Exposure – Gain visibility across TINFF’s extensive media coverage, website, and social platforms. •Global Reach – Connect with filmmakers, actors, producers, and audiences from around the world. •Community Impact – Support diversity in filmmaking and help foster the next generation of creative talent. •Exclusive Access – Receive VIP invitations to film screenings, networking events, and the prestigious awards gala.

TINFF AWARDS 2024