Large logo for Comedy Igniter Film Competition at center, smaller logos for Canadian Film Fest and Firecracker Department on either side

Calling all female and non-binary Canadian filmmakers!

Do you need a passionate push to get your comedy stories on screen?

Do you need deadlines and accountability?

Do you love making comedic content?

 Canadian Film Fest and Firecracker Department are partnering again to present….

THE COMEDY IGNITER

WHAT: A comedy film challenge starting with a one of a kind  prompt from a favorite comedic artist in our community  and ending with your own produced film. Over one-month, female and non-binary Canadian filmmakers will be challenged to conceive, develop, and produce a comedic short film, with the support of the Canadian Film Fest and Firecracker Department. Throughout the four-week program, filmmakers will engage in a series of development, networking, and mentoring activities, shaping their vision, and refining their comedy chops, storytelling, and teambuilding skills.

Open nationwide to Canadian female & non-binary filmmakers 18+.

  • Four-week timeline to write, shoot, and deliver your film - it’s accountability at its finest!

  • Team building opportunities - we start with a meet and greet to find your creative collaborators.

  • Mentorship sessions with notable industry professionals, previous mentors have included Naomi Snieckus (Mr. D, Disney’s Zombies), Wendy Litner (Popularity Papers, How to Buy a Baby), Cazhhmere Downey (Murdoch Mysteries, Shelved), Lauren MacKinlay (MacKinlay Media, Bell Media). 

  • Official selections screening at an exclusive event during the festival

  • Live juried feedback from industry professionals. Past jury included Carolyn Taylor (I Have Nothing, Baroness Von Sketch), Vanessa Matsui (How to Fail as a Pop Star, Ghost BFF), Allana Harkin (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Nesting), Winnie Jong (Tokens, Law and Order), Julie Bristow (Catalyst), and Winnie Wong (Wonder PR). 

  • Up to three free festival passes good for all screenings and industry series events

  • Festival laurels and in-kind prizes for the top films

  • Workshops with community leaders to support your writing, producing, directing, and team building skills. 

  • Screening during the monthly Firecracker Dept Comedy Brunch TBD  plus VIP invitation to the yearly Firecracker Dept Brunch during TIFF.

WHERE: Presentations will take place at the Canadian Film Fest in Toronto, from March 24-29, 2025. Screening dates are to be announced.

WHY: We want to encourage female and non-binary comedians and filmmakers to have their voices heard and stories seen. Joining this challenge will give talent of all levels the boost they need to develop their skills in key-above-the-line positions and propel their careers forward in a community-driven environment, while exploring the art of comedy filmmaking.


2025 PARTICIPANT KEY DATES & DETAILS COMING SOON!

SUBMISSION OPEN FRIDAY DECEMBER 13


If you have any questions please contact Director of Industry, Jen Pogue, jen@canfilmfest.ca