FILMMAKER LAB

What is the Filmmaker Lab?

The 2nd AIFF Filmmaker Lab, supported by RBC Foundation, is designed to welcome emerging filmmakers from Atlantic Canada to the world of festivals and film distribution. Our goals are to inspire, educate and connect filmmakers, as they advance their artistic journeys.

In our second year 8-10 participants will take part in workshops led by industry professionals, on topics including: Film Festival Strategy, A Programmer’s Perspective and Marketing Film. During the festival, our mission is to demystify the film festival experience, welcoming filmmakers in by facilitating a private showcase of their work in cinema with the opportunity for answering Q & A, and inviting their families, friends and stakeholders. They will also attend industry panels, industry weekend events, including; receptions and screenings and engage in 1-2-1 meetings 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 applying to the lab with 1-2 new film(s) that will be completed in 2024. Acceptable roles in these films include: director, writer, producer or some combination. *Please note filmmaking teams will be considered as individual artists and will not be admitted to the program “as a team” but may be accepted individually.

• Must demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in film, television, or other screen arts.

• Must be available to participate in all the workshops and meet-ups virtually on the dates described in the application process.

• Must be available to attend the Atlantic International Film Festival Sept. 11th - 18th in person in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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 Spring 2025

*Please note that these submissions are not associated with general submissions to the Atlantic International Film Festival, nor are they reviewed by the same team, you are however, welcome to apply to both the Filmmaker Lab and Atlantic International Film Festival separately. Please include any passwords needed to screen your work in the application

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. *Please note- there is no access with this pass to the AIFF Partners Conference*

• A special Filmmaker Lab Welcome Breakfast, and an invite to the AIFF Filmmaker Luncheon 

• 1-2-1 personal coaching on a film release strategy

• Relevant. skill building workshops

• Opportunities to make connections with your 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 traveling and attending the festival

• A spot in a showcase where your film will be played in the cinema for a private audience with the opportunity to practice your Q & A skills for future screenings! *Please note that this is not in the AIFF Official Selection Programming but a private screening*