FILMMAKER LAB
Submissions Now Open!
Cultivate Your Unique Cinematic Voice!
In the third year of our talent development program for emerging Atlantic Canadian filmmakers, we provide the fertile ground and critical engagement necessary to cultivate your artistic identity. Immerse yourself in a community that values experimentation, challenges conventions, and celebrates the power of independent vision.
What is the Filmmaker Lab?
The AIFF Filmmaker Lab, supported by the RBC Foundation, welcomes 10 emerging filmmakers from Atlantic Canada into the world of film festivals through workshops, a one-on-one consultation with a festival strategist, a coordinated industry experience at AIFF, and a private screening of their work.
OUR GOAL: Inspire, educate and connect filmmakers, as they advance their artistic journeys.
OUR MISSION: Demystify the world of film festivals through a welcoming cohort based experience.
What Awaits You
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AIFF Festival Pass
Full access to all the incredible industry programming, networking opportunities, screenings & galas, and receptions on offer at the 2025 Atlantic International Film Festival.
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Filmmaker Luncheon
An invite to the AIFF Filmmaker Luncheon where you can network with other filmmakers in attendance at this year’s festival.
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Skill-building workshops
Three workshops led by industry professionals, on topics such as: marketing & public relations, distribution, film festival strategy, industry associations, and moving from short films to features.
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Private Screening
A private screening of their work in cinema with their families, friends, crew and other stakeholders invited to attend, with an opportunity to practice their Q & A skills.
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Festival Strategy Support
Engage in a one on one session with a Film Festival Strategist
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Networking Opportunities
Opportunities to make connections with fellow emerging artists in Atlantic Canada.
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Lab Coordinator
A dedicated Lab Coordinator available to help you have the best experience possible.
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Travel Support
A cash honorarium to assist with the costs associated with attending the festival.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Must be a resident of Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland.
Must have completed at least one film in the past five years as well as have completed a film to submit to the lab that has not been screened at a festival or broadcasted. Acceptable roles in these films include: director, writer, producer or some combination.
Must demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in film, television, or other screen arts.
Must be available to participate in all the virtual workshops during the summer (July 9th, July 30th, August 27th, 2025).
Must be available to attend the Atlantic International Film Festival from Sept. 10th - 14th in person in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A travel stipend is offered to accepted applicants.
50% of the seats will be held for those who self-identify as QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous and people of color), Deaf, Disabled/differently abled, neurodiverse or coming from another equity-deserving community.
DEADLINE: MAY 22, 2025
Submissions to the Filmmaker Lab are not associated with general submissions to the Atlantic International Film Festival, you are however, welcome to apply to both the Filmmaker Lab and Atlantic International Film Festival separately.
2025 AIFF Filmmaker Lab
APRIL 24: Applications OPEN
MAY 22: Applications CLOSE
JUNE 19: AIFF Filmmaker Lab 3.0 Cohort Announced
JULY 9: Workshop #1
JULY 30: Workshop #2
AUGUST 27: Workshop #3
SEPTEMBER 10-17: Atlantic International Film Festival (Halifax, Nova Scotia) *detailed lab schedule to be provided, attendance required Sept. 10-14 only*
Program
Timeline
Lab Partners
The AIFF Filmmaker Lab is supported by RBC Foundation. Thank you for your generous support!
