FILMMAKER LAB
Cultivate Your Unique Cinematic Voice!
Our talent development program for emerging Atlantic Canadian filmmakers provides 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.
Meet Festival Formula
Our Festival Strategist
Festival Formula wants to nurture your film through an efficient system that is approachable, informative, and showcases your film to the right audience. Their detailed, bespoke strategies and hands on submission management means you can pursue your filmmaking career with more projects and more networking opportunities. Learn more
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.
Submissions Open April 15, 2026 and close May 20, 2026
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.
2026 AIFF Filmmaker Lab
Program
Timeline
APRIL 15: Applications OPEN
MAY 20: Applications CLOSE
MAY 28: Cohort Announced to Public
JUNE 17: Workshop #1
JULY 22: Workshop #2
AUGUST 13: Workshop #3
SEPTEMBER 10: Meet Up Q&A
SEPTEMBER 16 - 23: 46th Atlantic International Film Festival
SEPTEMBER 17-20: 1-2-1s with Festival Formula
SEPTEMBER 20: Filmmaker Lab Screening
Lab Partners
The AIFF Filmmaker Lab is supported by RBC Foundation. Thank you for your generous support!
