CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
TPFF FILM RESIDENCY 2027

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 10, 2026

THERE IS NO SUBMISSION FEE

The TPFF Film Residency invites applications from Palestinian artists / filmmakers to create new 10-20 minute film / video projects with support from TPFF, culminating in projects screening at the 20th annual Toronto Palestine Film Festival to be held in September 2027, followed by a live on-stage Q&A.

Projects can be any genre, style, form, or relate to any topic.
We appreciate all forms of video storytelling, be it fiction, documentary, experimental, or hybrid works.

The Residency is multi-faceted, supporting Residents through:

One-on-one mentorship and feedback from established filmmakers or artists selected by the residents (availability of chosen mentors permitting)
Specialized workshops that target stages of the filmmaking/video-making process (development, writing, pre-production, production, editing, colouring, sound editing, distribution, etc). Workshop topics will be defined by the needs of the residents.
$5,000 in financial support to assist with project creation.
Technical and filmmaking support from the TPFF Residency Coordinator at any time.

The residency is fluid and as time-intensive as the resident’s projects demand and prioritizes resident autonomy.
The residency runs between January 20 - August 15th, 2027, with films completed by the end date.

Participants will have full access to TPFF 2027 including all screenings, special programs, and events.

Submission requirements

Project Summary (one-page maximum)
what is the genre? what is the story / plot? what themes are being explored? describe the tone, mood, sound, or anything you feel is relevant to understand the vision you have for the project
Mood Board (one-page maximum)
share a collection of images (found or created) that express the visual language / form / tone / feel of the project
Director’s Statement (one-page maximum)
why do you want to make this project? how does it relate to you and your past work? how will this help you develop as an artist?
Project Stage
are you researching / developing the idea, writing, in pre-production, currently shooting, editing?
Rough Project Schedule (point-form)
keep in mind that the residency takes place between January 20th to August 15th, 2027
Estimated Budget and Expenditures
if budget exceeds $5,000, please explain how you plan to cover the rest (fundraising, grants, out-of-pocket, etc.)
all selected residents will receive the full $5,000 even if their budget falls short — a lower estimated budget ≠ less support
Current CV
this typically includes a short bio, alongside a list of artistic works, education / training, experience, accolades, etc.
include a link to your artist website (if you have one)
Active links to past films / video works that you have written/directed (one minimum)
include password if one is needed to access links
please share non-video works if they are directly relevant to the project proposed

Send all above within a single PDF to TPFFResidency@gmail.com
with email subject line as “Call for Submission 2027: TPFF Film Residency”

Eligibility

Projects can be single-person efforts, co-directed, or created alongside a team or collective.
The TPFF Residency is open to Palestinian filmmakers and artists based across Canada and currently residing in Canada.
if co-directed, only one director needs to meet this requirement
Residents must have previously produced, directed and/or written at least one short video or film.
if co-directed, only one director needs to meet this requirement
Former TPFF Film Residency participants may apply to the residency one year after completing their previous TPFF project.

If you have any questions please email: TPFFResidency@gmail.com

Selection Process

Submissions are evaluated on:
- Concept — how conceptually interesting / fresh / novel is it?
- Feasibility — can this film realistically be completed by the residency end date?
- Previous Work — is there an artistic evolution / exploration between past work and the proposed project?

Note that we accept all experience levels.