National, International or Indigenous: Choosing the Right Program
Getting the program right affects how your film is evaluated.
Choosing a program is not a formality. It decides which pathway your film follows and what it is measured against.
The Canadian National Competition is for Canadian productions and is the core national competition of the festival, with its progression from provincial and territorial recognition to national nominees. International Official Selection is for productions from outside Canada and from around the world. Indigenous Voices is a dedicated program for Indigenous children's storytelling and youth participation, developed with appropriate Indigenous participation and leadership.
If you are unsure where your film belongs, read the program descriptions and the official regulations before you submit, and use the notes field on the submission form to explain your situation. Starting in the right place saves a correction step for everyone.
More news
What Academy Membership Involves
Academy members are professionals who help recognize the best in children's media.
Sep 30, 2026What Happens to a Film Once Its Festival Year Ends
Nothing about a film's page disappears when the festival moves on.
Sep 30, 2026Why Every Credited Name Gets a Profile Automatically
Recognition should not depend on being the one name people remember from a poster.
Sep 30, 2026