OPEN CALL: Join Toronto International Film Festival 2025 in September

Published: 30.06.2025

OPEN CALL:
Apply Now for Toronto International Film Festival 2025

The International Sámi Film Institute (ISFI) is pleased to announce a continued partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)—one of the world’s largest and most prestigious film festivals. We are now looking for three Sámi filmmakers who would like to participate in TIFF 2025!

When: 4.- 14. September, 2025

If you are eager to grow and get a deeper insight into the global film industry, this opportunity is for you. Selected participants will gain full industry accreditation and support, with the chance to attend press and industry screenings, access events, and watch as many films as they like in the festival program. This will inspire you and keep you updated on the international film landscape! Sounds fun? Apply now!

TIFF will give you the newest films premiering, a strong Indigenous presence in the program, and a major opportunity for international networking and collaborations.

The application deadline is Sunday, August 3th, 2025.

WHAT YOU WILL GET

A TIFF Industry Pass, and granting access to:

  • Festival, Industry, and press screenings.
  • TIFF Industry program.
  • Networking events with international filmmakers, producers, distributors, and funders.
  • Pitching and co-production opportunities.
  • One CAD 5,000 Industry Stipend, awarded to one of the three selected participants, provided by TIFF upon arrival in Toronto.
  • Or travel grants through the ISFI grant portal.

 

About the Stipend

One selected filmmaker will receive a CAD 5,000 industry stipend as additional support for their participation. Please note: This participant cannot apply for ISFI’s travel grant, as the stipend will cover those costs. The other two participants will get the travel support (up to 20,000 NOK) through ISFI’s grants portal.

About the travels

Participants are expected to arrange their travel and accommodation themselves. Travel support of up to NOK 20,000 for international journeys will be granted through ISFI’s application portal, in line with our current funding guidelines. If you are awarded a TIFF Industry Pass, please submit your travel grant application as soon as possible after receiving confirmation.

WHO CAN APPLY

  • Sámi filmmakers who are eligible according to ISFI’s grant system regulations.
  • Working in any film genre (fiction, documentary, animation)
  • Actively developing a project or professionally engaged in the Sámi film and media industry.

WHAT YOU WILL GET

You will gain insight into the latest trends and developments in the international film industry, attend screenings of major new films, and have the opportunity to connect directly with producers, co-financiers, and festival representatives. As a participant, you will also be invited to key Indigenous filmmaker events at TIFF, including the annual Indigenous Screen Office Breakfast—a central networking gathering that brings together Indigenous filmmakers featured in the TIFF festival program from around the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Your application must include, amongst other things:

  • A short CV and a motivational letter.
  • If you are currently developing a project, please provide a brief description along with its current stage.
  • A short bio and your picture

DEADLINE

August 3, 2025 at 23:59 (CET)

We expect to get back to you by week 32 if you are granted the Industry Pass.

For any questions, please contact:

Eva Måsø, Communications Consultant, eva@isfi.no, or +47 975 60 589

In 2024, Biru Unjárga / My Fathers Daughter premiered in Toronto. Here with TIFF Programmer Jason Ryle, Director Egil Pedersen, Main Actor Sarah Olaussen Eira, and Producers Aleksander Olai Korsnes and Pål Røed.

Main photo by TIFF. All other photos by ISFI/Eva Måsø.