After submission, films are:
1. Screened to ensure they meet our criteria
2. Judged by an arms length panel of volunteer judges with a variety of experiences in the film industry
3. Put before our selection committee and chosen based on specific criteria and judging scores.

To submit your film to CAFF, you will have to complete the submission on FilmFreeway and pay the applicable submission fee. Please review the Rules and Regulations carefully prior to completing the process.

No. We are only accepting submissions through FilmFreeway.

Yes. You can edit your information through FilmFreeway.

Yes. If you send a work-in-progress (WIP) short or feature length film, you may update your film through FilmFreeway. In order to be elegible to be selected you must have your final work updated BEFORE the Late Deadline date for our festival.

You may submit if you meet the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Rules and Regulations.

You may submit more than one film as long as each film meets the eligibility requirements. Each film must be submitted separately with the applicable fee.

Yes. FilmFreeway sends confirmation emails for each step of the process: submitting and status changes (selected, winner, etc.).

All submission deadlines and fees are listed on FilmFreeway.

The payment will be sent through FilmFreeway when you submit your film.

Yes.

No. All submissions are processed and viewed in the same manner. The only difference is the higher submission fees. We encourage you to submit as early as possible.

Yes, you may use the Late Deadline for your short film as well.

films are works under 40 minutes (this includes credits) and feature films are works 40 minutes or longer.

Please refer to our rules and regulations on FilmFreeway for complete eligibility rules.

Yes, BUT: When you submit your film, you indicate which category you suggest your submission falls into: Short Documentary, Short Narrative, Feature Documentary, Feature Narrative and Music Videos/Videos Integrating Song. But if your film is selected to screen at the Festival, CAFF programmers will determine which film category best suits your film, according to their criteria.

We accept experimental films along with all other submissions, and program experimental films within our established sections. If you would like to flag your submission as experimental, please note that your film is experimental on your submission form.

We notify ALL submissions designated as “selected” via email of their status by the “Notification Date” of the current festival. Please make sure your contact information is up to date on FilmFreeway. Email submissions@cafilmfestival.ca with any questions.

No. Due to the large volume of submissions our programmers cannot offer individual critiques.