FOFS holds in-person screenings at the Paradise Theatre located at 1006c Bloor St W, and industry events at Startwell Studios (230 Niagara St). Virtual screenings of select films in the FOFS Collection stream exclusively on CBC Gem, for a national audience across Canada.

Submissions for FOFS generally open in the Fall of each year, and close the following Spring.

The majority of FOFS events are general admission with tickets and/or require registrations. Doors for in-person events will open 30 minutes before the start time. Rush tickets will not be available.

All tickets for events at any FOFS venues will be made available on our website.

It is the filmmaker's responsibility to read and understand the submission guidelines before making their submission. Submission fees for ineligible films will not be refunded, except in extenuating circumstances. Our submission guidelines can be found on our FilmFreeway page. If you need clarification on any of the guidelines, or have specific questions, please reach out to submissions@fofs.ca.

FOFS fosters the future of emerging Canadian filmmakers by providing platforms that allow filmmakers to network, cultivate and share their talents through an annual film festival and professional development events throughout the year.

Each year, FOFS screens an eclectic group of films ranging from narrative pieces to documentary and experimental films. Aside from film programming, FOFS executes a robust Industry programme that includes panels and workshops for topics relating to: funding, post-production, marketing and distribution. New in 2024, FOFS presents a keynote conversation with the recipient(s) of the rising star award.

Yes. The Paradise Theatre has an accessible front entrance, as well as larger seats available at the back of the theatre. Paradise Theatre is a single auditorium venue.

FOFS has implemented measures to ensure that our event is accessible to an even wider audience. ASL interpreters will be present at in-person events during the Festival, including Film Screenings, Industry Panels and After Parties.

All in-person film and video content played on screen during in-person events will have open captions in English, so that no additional caption machines are necessary. Select digital programming on FOFS' digital channels will include ASL Interpretation and closed captioning, including digital Industry Panels and Filmmaker Q&A's. If you have a concern about our accessibility strategy or would like to suggest other accommodations, please email equity@fofs.ca.

Festival Screenings are general admission, with viewer discretion advised as there may content screened that is not suitable for those under the age of 14.

Those under the age of 19 will not be permitted to the FOFS After Party, as alcoholic beverages will be served. Special consideration will be given to filmmakers whose work is appearing at the festival, although they will not be allowed to consume alcohol of any kind at the event.

All tickets purchased are non-refundable. Once a ticket has been purchased, it cannot be cancelled, refunded or exchanged.