International Film Submissions
2025 International Film Submissions Open
October 1, 2025
International category open to independent
filmmakers from all countries and regions.
Festival Requirements
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & GENERAL RULES:
• Films must not exceed 20 minutes runtime.
• Films must be produced after January 1, 2025.
• Entries must be submitted on FilmFreeway.com with a password-protected or private link that remains available until the notification date. Films submitted via public links will not be considered.
• Films can contain any language from any part of the world. Foreign-language films must include English subtitles for accessibility purposes.
• VFF considers films that have already premiered at other festivals. Applicants must include the status of the film’s premiere upon submission. Premiere status (World/North American/Canadian) must be updated no later than May 1, 2026.
• By submitting your film to VFF, you agree that the film will not be made publicly available online (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, streaming platforms, or social media) prior to its official VFF screening date. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
• Films must be wholly original and must not infringe on any copyright or intellectual property unless appropriate permissions or licenses have been secured.
• Filmmakers must disclose if any generative AI technology (e.g., for visuals, dialogue, voice, or music) was used in the creation of the film. VFF reserves the right to assess and potentially disqualify submissions that rely heavily on generative AI, especially when such use is not clearly disclosed or impacts artistic integrity.
• By submitting a film to VFF, the submitter confirms they have obtained all rights and permissions required for exhibition and accepts all festival rules and requirements.
• Submissions are open to all filmmakers from all countries and regions.
SUBMISSION AGREEMENT:
• Processing fees are non-refundable and payable via FilmFreeway.
• VFF reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not meet eligibility requirements.
• By submitting, the applicant grants VFF the rights to: Use all or parts of the film, stills, and filmmaker information for promotional purposes (e.g., website, program, social media).
• Provide screeners to press and media for review purposes.
• Screen the film for educational, press, and official Festival purposes.
• Exhibit the film before, during, or after the Festival at VFF’s discretion.
• These rights are granted without further compensation.
• Applicants must include marketing assets (Trailer, Stills, Press Kit, Cast/Crew info) at time of submission.
• VFF will make every effort to accurately list credits but is not liable for errors or omissions.
• Festival programming decisions, including award selections, are final.
• Screening dates and times may be adjusted with at least two weeks' notice; VFF is not liable for delays or cancellations due to technical or logistical issues.
IF SELECTED:
• Accepted filmmakers will be notified by email and must confirm participation by the stated deadline or risk removal from the lineup.
• VFF does not provide screening fees or financial compensation for selected films.
• Travel expenses are the responsibility of the filmmaker.
• Final delivery must include a high-resolution version of the film (ProRes, .MOV, or high-quality H.264 MP4), trailer(s), stills, and press kit by the given deadline.
• Attendance to the festival is highly encouraged.
LEGAL AGREEMENT:
By submitting your film to the Vaughan International Film Festival:
• You confirm that you hold all necessary rights for submission and exhibition.
• You release and discharge VFF and all related parties from any liability related to your participation.
• You agree to indemnify VFF against any claims related to copyright, trademark, publicity, and content issues.
These rules are subject to change.
For more detailed eligibility requirements head over to Film Freeway.
Filmmaker Testimontals
"Having Dusty premiere in Canada at Vaughan International Film Festival was something really special! You could feel straight away how much heart the team puts into every aspect of the festival, from start to finish - it’s not just a film festival, it’s a community. They care deeply about supporting filmmakers from all over the world and creating a space where stories really matter. Every part of the experience was handled so well - communication was clear and warm, the hospitality was incredible, and the team went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The screenings were beautifully run, and there was a real focus on connecting people, which meant a lot.We left feeling proud, inspired, and truly supported. A massive thank you to the entire VFF team for giving Dusty such a meaningful place to be seen. I highly recommend submitting for VFF, we definitely will again soon!" - Travis Jeffery (Writer & Actor, Dusty)
"The Vaughan International Film Festival is truly a special festival. I can't say enough good things. The programming is outstanding, the events are amazing, and the preparedness and hospitality of the VFF team is truly some of the best I've ever seen on the festival circuit. Looking forward to coming back to this wonderful festival in the near future." - Kevin A Courtney (Director, Goodridge: The Price of Glory)
"This festival needs to be on the top of everyones submission list. Incredible lineup of shorts, in a nearly packed theater on a MASSIVE screen. To be in a theater that huge, (Cineplex Ultra AVX?) packed for every program tells you how much Vaughan and its community supports this festival and filmmakers. The afterparties after every screening were excellent- connecting with fellow filmmakers, sponsor, patrons- a true networking event without feeling like it was "networking". Everyone I met was so generous and fun. This is a festival that loves filmmakers, and they roll out the red carpet in every capacity. Antonio, Alex and the entire staff did such a great job, it was such an honor to show here. It surpassed my expectations in every way, and I would go every year if I could. Such a fantastic time!" - Sara Oliva (Writer & Actress, Lioness)
"I can't say enough positive things about my experience with this festival. It was incredibly well organized and promoted. The VFF staff were so amazing to deal with and the awards ceremony absolutely blew me away! The city of Vaughan has a built in community of film lovers that really comes out to support the event - as filmmakers we felt so supported and celebrated. It was a top notch affair from beginning to end - I would highly recommend this festival!!" - Beth Evans (Director, Going Away Party)
" This is a MUST do if you're looking to submit your film to festivals. The treatment and hospitality the short filmmakers received from the festival staff were some of the most charismatic and heartwarming interactions I've had within a festival setting. I met so many amazing filmmakers during my screening block and was able to networking with many faces afterwards during the afterparty. I was so grateful that this festival was the world premiere of my film! I will definitely be submitting everything I create in the coming years to this one!" - Jared Marino (Director, Benevolent)
"It's a great honor and a source of tremendous pride for my film "Traces" to have won the Best Cinematography Award at the prestigious "Vaughan Int'l Film Festival"! If you have a precious film to share, don't hesitate to submit it to this amazing festival! PS: Their trophies are absolutely magnificent!" - Sébastien Pins (Director, Traces)
"What a top notch affair! I was only able to fly out one day for the awards ceremony, but it was SO worth it! The event quite seriously rivaled the Oscars! An incredibly well-attended black tie affair including tons of local press, where the filmmakers are treated like royalty. Such an appreciation for filmmaking, celebrated in the best way. I'm raving about this festival to everyone I know!" - Foster Wilson (Director, Made Public)
"The programmers and staff at Vaughan do a terrific job of running a top notch festival. I was fortunate to have my short screened in the 2018 program and I can tell you firsthand, they treat their filmmakers very well. It's a wonderfully friendly film loving community. I certainly will be submitting any future shorts to Vaughan for consideration. Thank you VFF!" - Josh Zuckerman (Director & Actor, A Real Adventure/Actor, MadePublic)
With so many festival options available it’s hard to find the right one to help promote your film. Every film is different and requires different things, but I will say this - VFF is an all round AMAZING festival. They have awesome (and big multiplex venues!), sold out crowds, and best of all they support indie films. The thing I liked most is that the fest is run by real people. Real people who want your indie film to succeed. Highly recommend. Worth the price. They are on my permanent list of festivals to submit to and they should be on yours. Great fest!!!" - Ravi Steve (Director, This Is Not A Drill)