Now Accepting submissions for 2017
The 2017 COMMFFEST will celebrate 12 years from October 10-16 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.
COMMFFEST is a film and arts festival that 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.
COMMFFEST mission statement:
To advance education by raising the cultural, artistic and aesthetic expression of communities and to advance the public’s appreciation of the arts through related artistic workshops and panel discussions, while promoting the works of filmmakers and artists alike.
COMMFFEST harmonizes the disciplines of film, music, art, theatre connecting the human experience to public exhibits with forums for dialogue about social issues and cultural exchanges. This year promises to be a more dynamic event.
The programming: The films are chosen by a jury of professionals from a globally solicited call for submissions. Once chosen, the programming is created to generate discussion around specific world events and themes, provoking dialogue and acceptance of others and their concerns.
AWARDS
The COMMFFEST AWARDS: Best Film and Honourable Mention are the two categories for the MADA (Making a Difference) Awards. The MADA goes to filmmakers whose work champions’ social good and community enrichment. Whether young or old, seasoned or just beginning, cinematic storytellers are welcomed into COMMFFEST with opportunities to engage and inspire audiences.
Testimonials:
Behzad Sedghi
Filmmaker
For me, COMMFFEST has been where my films have finally reached their maturity by connecting through the big screen with their audience. It is this connection that is essential for any artistic endeavour. As this may be the case with most other festivals, however, in my direct experience with COMMFFEST I clearly felt that each artist was given special attention, a chance to have a dialogue about their creation and ultimately was embraced in a celebration of their achievement. COMMFFEST founders and organizers are filled with the love of films and arts and clearly possess the vision and generosity to make this celebration happen every year. I look forward to being part of the next celebration either as an artist or a member of its community.
Filmmaker Leslye Abbey writes;Buffalo Nation: The Children Are Crying
It was a thrill of a lifetime to come to the beautiful city of Toronto and be a part of the Commfest Film Festival.
Having Buffalo Nation: The Children Are Crying being awarded the MADA (Making A Difference Award) attests to the importance in acknowledging the suffering of America's indigenous people and the lack of knowledge thereof.
Your kindness to me and making me feel welcome was outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and to top it off the Sunday Brunch was delicious.
Filmmaker Claudia Adams
"DRY-CLEAN ONLY"
As a filmmaker, I have learned that all the effort, money, suffering, long hours, dedication and commitment in the world won't lead to success. There is one more very essential piece of the puzzle. The film festival. A film, especially an independent film, isn't complete until it has found a festival that understands it and is passionate enough to include it as an Official Selection.
I am so grateful and honored that a festival as impressive as COMMFFEST understood what my documentary, DRY-CLEAN ONLY, was trying to say.
More about COMMFFEST
COMMFFEST attracts educators, artists, politicians, business leaders, socially conscious organizations and trendsetters.
Local Educational engagement:
Children from local schools Nelson Mandela Public School, Market Lane Public School, St Michael’s Catholic School, The Downtown Alternative School and afar now include the COMMFFEST festival experience as part of their annual curriculum.
COMMFFEST’S unique diversity invites the world to one local community event over 8 days in Toronto. FILMS OF ANY GENRES (global and local) CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY ISSUES ACCEPTED combined with independently produced films. Included in that mix are childrens' issues, poverty, human rights LGBTQ, women's rights, third world struggles, environmental issues affecting communities, e.t.c
A rebroadcast of Celebrity Chat with Host Vladimir Bondarenko talking with Legendary Filmmaker Haskell Wexler.
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