Toronto International Film and Video Awards

Toronto Indie Film Awards – Celebrating Authentic Indie Voices in Toronto

The Toronto Indie Film Awards (formerly known as TIFVA) are a Toronto-based, not-for-profit awards initiative rooted in the independent film community. Founded by local indie creators, this festival addresses a glaring gap: outlets that genuinely champion diversified, independent artistry in Canadian filmmaking.

What sets the Toronto Indie Film Awards apart is its unwavering commitment to accessibility, equity, and diversity. Whether you're working on a shoestring short, an experimental animation, a web series, or a full-length feature, this platform ensures you're not overshadowed by big budgets or commercial trends. Let's be real—exploration and boundary-pushing deserve spotlight too.

Why Filmmakers Should Care

Level playing field: With categories segmented by budget, indie filmmakers don’t have to go head-to-head with big-budget productions. Every story stands a chance.

Genre bravery: From music videos and animations to experimental and children’s films, creativity in all forms gets its moment. No idea too niche.

Global reach with local roots: Submissions come from around the globe—but grounded in Toronto’s indie DNA, this festival is for ON film, BY film, and about film.

What You Get

If your work gets picked, you don’t just get a showreel screening—you earn a TIFA “Best of” trophy and laurels that signal prestige. These accolades hold weight whether you’re pitching to collaborators or entering bigger fests.

The Mission—Plain and Powerfully Put

Toronto filmmakers created this because they were sick of feeling invisible to mainstream gatekeepers. The mission: to support and promote filmmakers who push limits, tell diverse stories, and work with indie budgets. Simple. Necessary. Radical.