2025 AIFF Filmmaker Lab - Submissions Now Open!
Cultivate Your Unique Cinematic Voice!
The third year of 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.
The 2025 AIFF Filmmaker Lab Cohort
What Awaits You
TOOLS: Translate your abstract ideas into tangible cinematic experiences.
MENTORSHIP: Championing your individual perspective and creative process.
NETWORK: Kindred spirits who share your passion for the art of film.
CONFIDENCE: Boldly navigate the landscape of independent filmmaking.
Each cohort consists of 10 participants who 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, attending industry events including panels, receptions and screenings, and one on one meetings with a film festival strategist. The Lab culminates in a private screening of participants’ work in cinema, inviting their families, friends, crew and other stakeholders to attend, with the opportunity to practice their Q & A skills.
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.