Now Accepting submissions for 2019
The 2019 COMMFFEST will celebrate 14 years from October 3-6 screening in movie theatres and exhibition spaces, presented yearly by a group of dedicated volunteers. COMMFFEST a charitable corporation makes its home in one of Toronto’s most fast growing, economically diverse neighbourhood, Old Town Toronto, where many languages are spoken and where memorable films like Robcob; Cinderella Man, Chicago, X-Men, The Hurricane, and Against the Ropes were created. (Our Art exhibition runs from Oct. 1-10)
COMMFFEST gives voice to the marginalized and disenfranchised through global connective stories, championing our differences and similarities while strengthening the awareness that we are more alike than not.
COMMFFEST presents a broad range of local and international films representing current affairs and relevant issues that affect our society. COMMFFEST provides opportunities for emerging filmmakers, artists, musicians and global community stakeholders to express themselves freely and to connect with audiences on a more personal level. This unique blend of film, filmmakers and audiences creates a dynamic atmosphere to provoke thought and stimulate further understanding and exploration of ideas, attitudes, and emotions that can foster change – starting with the communities in which we live.
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The last 14 years Commffest has built a valuable platform for introducing new and emerging filmmakers as well as bring together communities and not for profit organizations with government officials in panel discussions to tackle pertinent issues often resulting in more funding and support for these groups.
Commffest strives to educate and create a hospitality environment where filmmakers and attendees can mix and mingle over food drink and entertainment.
Since showcasing her films with Commffest, Eleanor Mc Grath’s films have not only received world wide recognition but acquisitions in the broadcast market.
TESTIMONY , Eleanor Mc Grath’s
As an independent film-maker, you work often for a year or possibly years to direct, edit, produce a film and then comes the waiting game to be selected by a film festival. COMMFFEST is more than a community film festival in Toronto; it is an art festival with a world perspective and I am most fortunate to have been part of the 2015 film festival programming with my documentary, "Forgotten ". COMMFFEST's vision is to share stories that demonstrate the strength, struggles and beauty of humankind while providing a strong platform for independent film makers to showcase their perspective and vision of our world today and into the future. We need festivals like COMMFFEST who step away from the mainstream and champion works where the viewpoint is critical, enlightened or visionary in their approach to conflicts or issues that prevail throughout Toronto, Canada, North American and worldwide.
Behzad Sedghi
COMMFFEST mission statement:
