• In tune with the 10th anniversary of Christie Pits Film Festival (for which original short films are being created in 2020), next summer's programme will explore themes of celebration -- weddings, graduations, birthdays, and other occasions worthy of highlight. All film genres and styles will be considered.
Feel free to interpret the theme broadly, but please be advised that only films related to the above themes will be considered in 2020.
• Submissions MUST BE CANADIAN FILMS by independent filmmakers. Films from other countries will not be considered.
• Both Canadian short films and feature length films will be considered. The festival does not screen mid-length films.
• Short films must be no longer than 20 minutes.
• Feature films must be at least 60 minutes, and should not exceed 120 minutes.
• Films may be fictional, documentary, animated, live-action or experimental in style or nature.
• Films will be selected on the basis of overall quality, fit to annual themes, fit to series audience, and representation of a broad set of filmmaking voices.
• Films are screened outdoors to audiences of all ages, and therefore should be rated PG or G. In lieu of an official rating, all films must nonetheless feature content suitable for a general audience. Please do not submit films that are excessively mature or violent, as they will not be considered.
• Films need not be recent. They may have already been screened theatrically or online. If screened previously at other festivals, please indicate that in your submission.
• Rough cuts are acceptable provided that the final version will be ready no later than May 31, 2020.
• Once invited, filmmakers will be required to submit their films as a high-resolution digital file for the purpose of exhibition.
The filmmakers of all selected works will be financially compensated by the festival for the right to screen their films, and will be invited to speak to the audience before the screening.
TOPS welcomes submissions from all filmmakers and is dedicated to showcasing stories deriving from all experiences. TOPS encourages submissions from women, recent graduates and members of minority groups, including but not limited to, filmmakers self-identifying as LGBTQ, Indigenous, POC, and persons with disabilities. If you feel you have a barrier to entry, please be in touch so that we may do our best to accommodate you.