commffest global community film festival

The 2015 COMMFFEST (Community Film Festival) celebrates its 10th anniversary from September 23 to 30, screening in movie theatres and exhibition spaces, presented yearly by a group of dedicated volunteers. COMMFFEST a non-profit charitable corporation makes its home in one of Toronto’s most fast growing, economically diverse neighbourhood, Old Town Toronto, where many languages are spoken and where memorable films like Robcob; Cinderella Man, Chicago, X-Men, The Hurricane, and Against the Ropes were created.

COMMFFEST is dedicated to presenting a wide variety of local, national, and international works that can transform and shape our views of the world.

COMMFFEST mission statement:

To advance education by raising the cultural, artistic and aesthetic expression of the community. And to advance the public’s appreciation of the arts through related artistic workshops and panel discussions, while promoting the works of filmmakers and artists alike.

In 2014 COMMFFEST expanded to cover the International art scene regrouping renowned painters, photographers, mixed media artists to display their art during the period of the event as collateral activities.

The 2015 COMMFFEST will harmonize the disciplines of film, music, art, theatre connecting the human experience to public exhibits with forums for dialogue about social issues and cultural exchanges.

The films: COMMFFEST presents films of all genres from the quirky independent short to commercially distributed full-length films.

The programming: The films are chosen by a jury of professionals from a globally solicited call for submissions. Once chosen, the programming is created to generate discussion around specific world events and themes, provoking dialogue and acceptance of others and their concerns.

The Filmgoers: COMMFFEST audience members hail from all over the world! The largest cohort is young, diverse and sophisticated followed by knowledgeable and vital seniors.

The Filmmakers: Brandy Yanchyk writes “Having a film debut at the festival has been such a high and this year the house was packed! Thank you for caring about the diverse stories that I want to make and for encouraging us filmmakers and audience members to follow our dreams.”

David Hovan writes “The award from COMMFFEST has propelled the film into many other festivals. Thank you to COMMFFEST enormously for your support that has made the success of Born In Adana possible.”

Kate Mayer writes” We particularly enjoyed the brunch where we could interact with other filmmakers and exchange the ideas we live by. What an amazing group of people from the six poised young women from London to David the Armenian still carrying his people's pain and transforming it into a wonderful work of art to the Chinese group from "The Glimmering Light" with the magical little girl. We made friends, and we hope to stay connected.

More about COMMFFEST

COMMFFEST attracts educators, artists, politicians, business leaders, socially conscious organizations and trendsetters.

Local Educational engagement:

Over 350 school children from local schools Nelson Mandela Public School, Market Lane Public School, St Michael’s Catholic School, The Downtown Alternative School and afar now include the COMMFFEST festival experience as part of their annual curriculum.

COMMFFEST engages seniors with unique programming and is open to local community groups such as The Performing Artist’s Lodge, the senior’s Women’s building Fred Victor Mission and Woodgreen Community Centre among other community centres.

COMMFFEST’S unique diversity invites the world to one local community event over 8 days in Toronto

Awards & Prizes

The COMMFFEST AWARDS: Best Film and Honourable Mention are the two categories for the MADA (Making a Difference) Awards. The MADA goes to filmmakers whose work champions’ social good and community enrichment. Whether young or old, seasoned or just beginning, cinematic storytellers are welcomed into COMMFFEST with opportunities to engage and inspire audiences

$700.00 editing suite package

Editone video would like to offer top winning filmmaker an editing package. 1 (one)day of editing in our editing suites with an operator (a $700 value)for your next film project.

Rules & Terms

FILMS OF ANY GENRES (global and local) CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES ACCEPTED combined with independently produced films. Included in that mix are childrens issues, poverty, human rights LGBTQ, women's rights, third world struggles, environmental issues affecting communities, e.t.c

All submissions are required to release the information of previous screenings.

For Local Filmmakers:

Are expected to promote their films and attend their screenings

To be eligible for awards:

All local filmmakers are expected to promote their films and attend their screenings.

all other filmmakers are required to promote through social media.

Films can not be screened during the same time frame as another festival within that area.

ALL FILMMAKERS SHOULD PROMOTE THEIR FILM TO FRIENDS, SPECIAL CONTACTS LISTS OR EMAILS TO ENSURE A HIGHER TURN OUT.

Festival submissions DVDs or online screeners

DVDs must be formatted in MPEG-2 video for Region 1/North America or Region 0/ “no region, i.e., that the DVD is authored as a video DVD and is not burned as a data disk containing Quicktime or other similar file formats. DVDs must be labeled with the following:

o Title

o Production Company

o Company Address

o Telephone Number

o Director’s Name

o Length in Minutes

o FilmFreeway Tracking Number

Please test your DVDs thoroughly before sending. Please avoid excessive packaging and the inclusion of any materials other than what are specified.

ONLY ONLINE CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED! ALL OTHER METHODS OF PAYMENT MAY DELAY THE PROCESSING OF YOUR SUBMISSION!