The 2024 COMMFFEST will celebrate 19 years from September, screening online 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, and where many languages are spoken.
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 and professional 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.
Our Story
Commffest was founded on the principal of empowering communities by identifying their struggles and similarities using film as a global connectivity.
Since 2005 Commffest has enlightened and showcased amazing heartwarming stories that educated inspired while entertained. We have witnessed organizations come together from different parts of the world as one cause. Filmmakers have travelled from as Far as South Africa, the Caribbean the US England and Ireland to present their work and dialogue with our audiences.
Our audiences in turn have expressed their joy and their appreciation championing our filmmakers for the dedication and courage to make their film. But the one thing we did not anticipate was the impact Commffest stories has had on schools and the youth. By giving them free access to Commffest programming these young minds were able to see a world not always available through the traditional education system become empowered at the thought that they too can change the world and make a difference. So we continue with our work as along as even one person is enlightened, because at the end of the day people matter and they want their voices to be heard.
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.
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.
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.
More about COMMFFEST
COMMFFEST attracts educators, artists, politicians, business leaders, socially conscious organizations and trendsetters.
Local Educational engagement:
Cast of when Hope breaks Through Above
Kristyn Wong Tam MADA Award recipient(below)