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{RE}DEFINED: NFB launch initiative with TIFF for next-generation Canadian and Indigenous filmmakers. To celebrate TIFF’s 50th edition, the NFB and the estival are seeking visionary creators for five innovative short docs.

PRESS RELEASE
20/08/2025

August 20, 2025 – Toronto – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

As the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) celebrates its milestone 50th edition, the National Film Board of Canada is launching {RE}DEFINED—a new initiative inviting next-generation creators (aged 30 and under) to explore Canadian and Indigenous identity through innovative short documentary films.

With Canada at a pivotal time in its history, two of its leading film institutions are seeking bold, original perspectives that challenge assumptions and offer new ways of seeing who we are—and who we’re becoming. The NFB and TIFF are on the lookout for distinctive English and French-language projects that reflect Canada’s diverse identities and push the boundaries of non-fiction storytelling.

The initiative will select five filmmakers to make five short documentaries (10 minutes or less) to be produced by the NFB during a year-long process. Creators will benefit from a production team, a fully financed budget, marketing and publicity teams, distribution and mentorship from the NFB.

The completed films will screen as part of TIFF 2026, followed by a worldwide release on NFB platforms. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2025.

“The NFB is thrilled to join creative forces with TIFF and amplify new voices to redefine what it means to be Canadian and Indigenous, now and for the future. It’s a landmark year for TIFF and a moment of transformation for our country. This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering next-generation filmmakers to redefine our diverse and evolving identities, through bold works of short cinema,” said Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson

“Documentary film has the power to illuminate the realities of others and deepen our understanding of the world around us,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “Through {RE}DEFINED, we’re inviting emerging creators to tell urgent, personal and unexpected stories that reflect the richness and complexity of life in Canada today.”

More about {RE}DEFINED

We’re looking for projects from storytellers who are listening deeply to the current moment, challenging assumptions and offering new ways of seeing who we are and who we are becoming.

What truths are rising now? What narratives will shape our future? This is an invitation to redefine Canada through your lens. To capture our moment. To share your story.

  • 5 short films
  • from filmmakers 30 and under
  • exploring new forms, formats and approaches to what is traditionally called documentary
  • celebrating 50 years of Canadian cinema at TIFF
  • from idea to world premiere in under a year

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Associated Links

{RE}DEFINED – nfb.ca/redefined

Version française ici.

Media Relations

  • About the NFB

    For more than 80 years, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) has produced, distributed and preserved those stories, which now form a vast audiovisual collection—an important part of our cultural heritage that represents all Canadians.

    To tell these stories, the NFB works with filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds, from across the country. It harnesses their creativity to produce relevant and groundbreaking content for curious, engaged and diverse audiences. The NFB also collaborates with industry experts to foster innovation in every aspect of storytelling, from formats to distribution models.

    Every year, another 50 or so powerful new animated and documentary films are added to the NFB’s extensive collection of more than 14,000 titles, half of which are available to watch for free on nfb.ca.

    Through its mandate, its stature and its productions, the NFB contributes to Canada’s cultural identity and is helping to build the Canada of tomorrow.