The ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto is thrilled to announce these new initiatives for Deaf and/or disabled Canadian creatives in 2023.

 

Applications are now closed. Thank you to all those who applied!

 

Short Film Pitch Competition

Deadline for applications: April 24, 2023.  Applicants will be notified during the week of May 1st.*

Are you a disabled filmmaker in Ontario looking to make your next short film? The ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto is launching its inaugural short film pitch competition for emerging Deaf and/or disabled Ontario filmmakers. 5 applicants will be chosen to participate in a live, juried online pitch which will take place during the last day of the festival – May 19, 2023. The winner will be announced on the evening of May 19th at the closing night event.

Pitching participants will attend a private pitch coaching session on May 15 to help them prepare and polish their pitches. Pitch will be done webinar-style to a jury of three people, and be open to the public.

The winner of the pitch competition will receive the following to make their next film:

  • $5000 cash
  • In-kind grip and lighting package from William F. White
  • In-kind camera support from Grandé Camera
  • In-kind post-production support
  • Mentorship from industry experts

Please note, the services provided as part of the winnings must be used within one year. Films can be a maximum of 15 minutes long.

Screenwriting Mentorship Program

Deadline for applications: April 24, 2023. Applicants will be notified during the week of May 1st.*

The ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto is launching its inaugural Mentorship Program, for emerging Deaf and/or disabled Canadian creatives in the film and TV industry in Canada.

Description: The mentorship is for emerging Deaf and/or disabled screenwriters, and will be tailored to the needs of the mentee. Mentorship support can take the form of: story editing a short, feature, or TV show; writing funding or program applications; making industry connections, etc. Mentorship activities will take place online. We welcome applications from eligible applicants across Canada.

Mentors: Three (3) selected participants will be paired with an Industry and Community mentor, who will provide up to six (6) hours of mentorship per participant.

Mentorship Period: May – August 2023

Participant Honorarium: $250

Acting & Performance Mentorship Program

Deadline for applications: April 24, 2023. Applicants will be notified during the week of May 1st.*

The ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto is launching its inaugural Mentorship Program, for emerging Deaf and/or disabled Canadian creatives in the film and TV industry in Canada.

Description: The mentorship is for emerging Deaf and/or disabled film actors or performers, and will be tailored to the needs of the mentee. Mentorship support can take the form of: how to prepare a self-tape; how to break down scripts; how to work with casting agents; how to disclose your accessibility needs in the industry, and more. Mentorship activities will take place online. We welcome applications from eligible applicants across Canada.

Mentors: Three (3) selected participants will be paired with an Industry and Community mentor, who will provide up to six (6) hours of mentorship per participant.

Mentorship Period: May – August 2023

Participant Honorarium: $250

Please let us know how we can make this submission process more accessible for you. If you would like to submit in an alternate format or if you have any questions, please email us at raffhelp@mnjcc.org.