FILMMAKER LAB

What is the Filmmaker Lab?

The AIFF Filmmaker Lab (supported by RBC Foundation) is designed to welcome emerging filmmakers from Atlantic Canada into the world of film festivals. Our goals are to inspire, educate and connect filmmakers, as they advance their artistic journeys.

Each cohort consists of 10 participants who will take part in 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. Lab members will then attend the Atlantic International Film Festival, in Halifax, September 10- 17. Our mission is to demystify the film festival experience, by welcoming filmmakers in, facilitating a private screening of their work in cinema with the opportunity for practicing their Q & A skills, and inviting their families, friends, crew and other stakeholders to attend. They will have the opportunity to attend industry events including: panels, receptions and screenings and engage in a 1-2-1 meeting with a film festival strategist.

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 5 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.

How Do I Apply?

Submissions Re-open April 24

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.

What will I receive as a Lab Member?

• A festival pass, giving you full access to all the incredible industry programming, networking, galas and receptions on offer at this year’s festival.

• A ‘Welcome Breakfast’, and an invite to the AIFF Filmmaker Luncheon where you can network with other filmmakers in attendance at this year’s festival

• 1-2-1 session with a Film festival Strategist

• 3 skill building workshops

• Opportunities to make connections with fellow emerging artists in Atlantic Canada

• A dedicated Lab Coordinator available to help you have the best experience possible

• A cash honorarium to assist with the costs associated with attending the festival

• A spot in our special AIFF Filmmaker Lab private screening , at Park Lane Cinema

2025 AIFF Filmmaker Lab Program Timeline

APRIL 24: Applications for the AIFF Filmmaker Lab OPEN

MAY 22: Applications CLOSE

JUNE 19: AIFF Filmmaker Lab 3.0 Cohort Announced

JULY 9: Workshop #1

JULY 30: Workshop #2

AUG 27: Workshop #3

SEP 10-17: Atlantic International Film Festival, Halifax, Nova Scotia *detailed lab schedule to be provided, attendance required Sept. 10-14 only*