Are you working on a great short film idea? Apply to pitch it live at the 30th annual Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival as part of this year’s Pitch! competition.

We’re seeking short film proposals in development by emerging filmmakers. All genres are welcome—including dramatic, comedic, documentary, animation, musical, or experimental.

A shortlist of 4-5 finalists will be invited to pitch their project in front of a live jury and audience at the Pitch Competition Finale, hosted during the 30th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. The winning applicant or team will walk away with our amazing prize package to kick-start and/or finish their short film, including a cash award, a comprehensive in-kind industry support package, and the opportunity to screen the completed film at the 2027 Reel Asian Festival.

Eligibility 

1. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status
2. Applicants outside of Toronto are eligible to apply but will be responsible for accommodating their own travel needs during the time of production and festival season
3. Applicants must be present in Ontario during the time of production to access the in-kind prize package
4. This competition is open to emerging filmmakers. An emerging filmmaker is defined in this competition as someone who has not directed more than five short films, or been in an ‘above-the-line’ position (e.g., Director, Writer, Producer) on a feature-length film.
5. Film projects must either be in development or production stage (post-production only projects will not be eligible)
6. Finished films cannot exceed 20 minutes
7. Films can be any genre, including live action, documentary or animation, etc.
8. Films can be in any language
9. Projects originating on film are acceptable, but the filmmaker is responsible for bearing transfer costs to digital (for the post-production phase)

Pitch Winner Prize Package
The winning applicant/team will receive:

• $5,000 cash prize to kick-start and/or finish a short film
• Comprehensive in-kind package to support the pitch winner which includes the following;
• Two-hour studio rental ($210 value) at Armstrong Acting Studios for casting (if applicable)
• A production workflow consultation with Charles Street Video, which includes
  • $3,000 in edit suite access and/or production-equipment rentals
  • One-year membership
  • $500 cash award/artist fee for third-party equipment rental

• $5,000 credit from Streamland Media (under the Picture Shop and Formosa Group brands) to be used toward picture and sound post services at their Toronto locations (excluding VFX, sound editorial, foley, and fixed costs; subject to availability)
• Opportunity to screen the completed short at the 2026 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (subject to review), with full festival accreditation. More details to follow
• One (1) year subscription to ShotDeck
• Studio use and/or consultation with Archipelago Productions
• Additional prize packages and in-kind services to be announced.

Pitch Finalist Package
Each finalist team will receive:

• $500 cash for participation (Note: the winning team will not receive this additional $500)
• All-Access Pass to the 30th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
• $350 equipment rental credit plus one-year membership to Charles Street Video

Schedule
All finalist teams will be required to:

1. Attend the 1-day Pitch clinic in mid-October, where Pitch mentors will coach and offer their insights, strategies and feedback on navigating the film pitch.
2. Participate in a 2-day pre-festival Bootcamp in late October, an industry program stream for the Reel Asian community
3. Pitch in front of a live jury and a live audience (November 15) to win our prize package!

*Exact dates to be confirmed. Schedule subject to change. Additional consultations may be arranged as needed.

Deadline
Applications must be received by Tues, Aug 18, 11:59PM ET
Please submit your application here.

1. A completed ‘Reel Asian’s Emerging Filmmaker Pitch Competition’ Google Application Form.
2. A description of who you are as an artist, max 300 words.
3. A detailed description of the project, max 500 words. Include a logline (1 or 2 sentences).
4. Script or treatment: This is your chance to pitch your project in more detail (i.e., character development, story arc, visual style and inspiration, etc.)
5. A brief production schedule outlining generally which facilities will be used with approximate dates of when they will be needed. Your production must be complete by August 1st, 2027.
6. A detailed budget that includes all sources of funding, confirmed and pending. The expense and revenues of your budget must balance along with copies of any contracts/letters of agreement from confirmed revenue sources (if any).
7. Key creatives– Letters of agreement from key personnel (if applicable), including rights to an adapted work (i.e. short story), or music, if integral to the film.
8. A video/filmography and/or curriculum vitae. If the project is a collaboration, CV’s for both artists must be included
9. Two (2) references and their emails who can attest to your professional abilities and work experiences.

Work alongside other creatives on your application and chat with our industry and education programming team about any questions you may have regarding the program.

SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

Deadline: Tues, Aug 18 at 11:59PM

For questions or additional support please contact industry@reelasian.com