Industry Day
Wednesday, May 28 | 10:30AM to 6:00 PM | The Gallery at TIFF Lightbox
FREE TICKETED EVENT
Inside Out’s Industry Day is a free, full day of panels, talks, and events designed to spark inspiring, informative conversations that support 2SLGBTQ+ filmmakers and screen industry professionals at every stage of their careers. Please note: Each Industry Day event requires a separate ticket for entry. All Industry Day ticket holders are welcome to attend the Industry Mixer.
Welcome: Coffee and Pastries
10:30AM-11:00AM – The Gallery at TIFF Lightbox
Industry Panel: Beyond the Festival Circuit
11:00AM-12:00PM – The Gallery at TIFF Lightbox
You’ve made the festival cut—now what? Join us for Beyond the Festival Circuit, a powerhouse industry panel exploring how filmmakers can extend the life of their films long after the festival run is over.
Whether you’re looking to dive into self-distribution, understand the evolving landscape of independent sales, or learn how to craft a marketing strategy that connects with real audiences, this panel will arm you with the tools and insider insights to take your film further. Hear directly from experienced producers, distributors, and marketers who are reshaping how indie films find their audiences.
Industry Talk: Directors on Directors
Presented with support from DGC Ontario
12:15PM-1:00PM – The Gallery at TIFF Lightbox
Join us for an intimate and inspiring conversation between two visionary filmmakers, as they explore the art and craft of directing from their unique perspectives. In this candid dialogue, filmmakers will discuss their creative processes, how they approach storytelling, collaboration, identity, and the evolving role of the director in today’s industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting your journey, this talk promises insight, honesty, and a few behind-the-scenes stories. Trust us – you’ll want to be in the room for this.
Pitch, Please!
Inside Out’s Signature Short Film Pitch Competition
2:00PM-2:45PM – The Gallery at TIFF Lightbox
Since 2018, Inside Out has proudly presented Pitch, Please!, an exhilarating live short film pitch competition at the Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival—and this year, we’re back and bolder than ever.
Watch as filmmakers take the mic to deliver two-minute power pitches in front of a live audience and an industry jury. With just their voice, vision, and passion, they’ll compete for a $5,000 cash prize to bring their short film project to life.
Industry Panel: Accessibility from Script to Screen
3:00PM-4:00PM – The Gallery at TIFF Lightbox
Accessibility from Script to Screen is a dynamic industry panel designed to equip filmmakers with the tools and insights to make their productions more inclusive—on set and on screen. From writing authentic disabled characters and incorporating accessibility in pre-production, to creating adaptive sets and ensuring equitable viewing experiences, our panel of trailblazing filmmakers, consultants, and accessibility advocates will share real-world strategies for inclusive storytelling.
Whether you’re a director, writer, producer, or crew member, this session will provide practical advice, lived experiences, and creative approaches to ensure your next project captures the diverse realities of the world we live in.
Industry Mixer
4:00PM-6:00PM – The Gallery at TIFF Lightbox
Wrap up a day of insights and inspiration at our Industry Mixer — an evening designed for connection, collaboration, and conversation. Join fellow creators, innovators, and industry leaders for a drink and some meaningful networking in a relaxed, social setting.
Awards Ceremony
Saturday, May 31 | 10:30AM to 12:00PM | The Gallery at TIFF Lightbox
FREE TICKETED EVENT
Start your morning at the Inside Out Awards Ceremony, where we celebrate the best in 2SLGBTQ+ cinema! Join us for the exciting presentation of the Canadian and International Jury Awards – plus the always-exciting Pitch, Please! Prize announcement. Coffee, kudos, and a few surprises await!