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 supported by Every Story, 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.

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Launched at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, the Series Accelerator programme, presented by Canada Media Fund, is a two-day mentorship intensive that will offer tailored training for eight Canadian series creator teams from underrepresented communities to refine their pitches and develop a business plan for their projects, with guidance from a pitch coach and industry professionals.

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A new initiative putting science in the spotlight at TIFF and equipping filmmakers with creative support and industry connections to strengthen and highlight their feature-length or episodic projects about science and technology.

Funding for this programme, which includes a pitch event, writer fellowship, and film showcase, provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Public Understanding of Science and Technology program.

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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.

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A cash award is provided to the Canadian writer of an outstanding feature-film screenplay. Presented in partnership with CBC Films.

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A programme for women who are outstanding Canadian screenwriters has been established to elevate and support talent. The Residency is being generously supported by Toronto-based broadcaster, journalist, and actor Micki Moore.

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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.

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TIFF Rising Stars is part of our ongoing commitment to promoting Canadian and international cinema and talent on the world stage. This programme showcases new talent from all over the world, putting an emphasis on the next generation of actors poised for international success.

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