International Finance Forum

Inside Out’s International Finance Forum is the first and only 2SLGBTQ+ finance forum of its kind in the world. 
A panel of five people sits on stage discussing in front of an audience. Behind them, a screen displays the text, “Keep It Short: Unpacking Queer Films.” The room is dimly lit with a casual, attentive atmosphere.
Photo by Yi Shi

 

Submissions are now open for Inside Out’s 2026 International Finance Forum applications! 

Inside Out’s International Financing Forum (IFF) is the first and only 2SLGBTQ+ Finance Forum of its kind in the world. Now entering its 10th edition, the Forum provides 2SLGBTQ+-identified producers, writers and directors creating 2SLGBTQ+ content an opportunity to move their feature projects forward through professional development, mentorship, and the platform to pitch their projects directly to top international industry executives and decision-makers. 

 

 

Participating companies and executives in 2025

Barden/Schnee Casting (US), Bleecker Street (US), Big Couch Entertainment (US), CBC Films (CAN), Elevation Pictures (CAN), Feigco Entertainment (US), GLAAD (US), IFC Films (US), Killer Films (US), Kindred Spirit (US), Lionsgate Motion Picture Group (US), Mr. Smith Entertainment (UK), mk2 Films (France), Momo Film Co. (Singapore), Neon (US), Netflix (CAN), Pageboy Productions (US), Photon Films (CAN), Pinky Promise (US), Protagonist Pictures (UK), Symbolic Exchange (US), Unapologetic Projects (US)

In 2025, projects were selected from Canada, USA and UK.

Finance Forum success stories

Blue Jean
Director: Georgia Oakley
World Premiere Venice Film Festival

Breaking Fast
Director: Mike Mosallam
World Premiere Cinequest

Disclosure
Director: Sam Feder
World Premiere Sundance Film Festival

Jump, Darling
Director: Phil Connell
World Premiere Inside Out

Mutt
Director: Vuk Lungulov-Klotz
World Premiere Sundance Film Festival

Sirens
Director: Rita Baghdadi
World Premiere Sundance Film Festival

Something You Said Last Night
Director: Luis De Filippis
World Premiere Toronto International Film Festival

Wildhood
Director: Bretten Hannam
World Premiere Toronto International Film Festival

Quotes from previous participants

“IOFF was instrumental in honing our pitch, especially being in the early stages of the process. Having the support of the Inside out team as well as the other filmmakers was unbelievably helpful. We had multiple meetings with potential business partners that were immediately excited and understood our project for exactly what it is. We continue to build on those relationships today.”
—Isabel Marden, Kim Bailey, and Tulica Singh, Corporate Witchcraft
Project: Curses! (USA)

“The Inside Out IFF is a wonderful experience where not only do you connect with financiers and sales agents, but also other queer filmmakers from all over the world and get to experience a sense of community – filmmaking can be lonely work before you’re on set. Being able to troubleshoot with other queer director/producers allows you to see you’re often dealing with the same issues. We’re happy to say that we are going into production in 2023!”
—James Watson and Mikko Makela, Betes Sauvages
Project: Sebastian (UK/Finland)

“Participating in the Inside Out finance forum has been instrumental in moving several of my feature films forward and helped them get made. From the caliber of the industry guests to the opportunity to build relationships with international teams, the forum does not disappoint. It’s a queer oasis in an industry that often feels very straight.”
—Alyson Richards, Outside Line Studios
Project: Midlife (Canada)

Key Dates

Submissions Open: November 17, 2025

Submissions Close: January 5, 2026

Notification Date: April 24, 2026

 

Submit Now

Eligibility Criteria

  • We are seeking queer, market-ready projects with both a producer and director attached, looking for financing opportunities.
  • This year, we’re accepting Canadian and international narrative feature film projects with budgets of CAD $3M or higher.
  • Priority will be given to projects with 2SLGBTQ+ identified key creatives (e.g., writer and/or director) and teams. Co-productions with Canada are encouraged to apply, including those seeking a Canadian producer.
  • Applicants submitting projects that support, reflect, and strengthen diversity are expected to demonstrate a tangible, sustained commitment to equity-seeking communities. Inside Out’s International Finance Forum (IFF) encourages applications from BIPOC-led companies, as well as from people with disabilities and those who experience barriers to accessing technology.

Submission Requirements and Guidelines

Please refer to the Submission Requirements and Guidelines document for detailed information about the required materials. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. To apply, you must complete the application form and provide the following documentation.

  • Full Script (Market Ready!)
  • 1-Page Synopsis
    • THREE act structure which tells the story of the script
  • Pitch Deck including:
    • Logline
    • Synopsis
    • Characters
    • Tone & Style
    • Cast – list comparables, cast attachments
    • Creative Team
  • Budget and Financing Plan
    • Budget (Top Sheet ONLY)
    • Proposed Financing Plan

Please note all submissions must be completed through Eventival. You can save your progress, but projects left in draft form and not officially submitted will not be reviewed.

For any questions, please contact forum@insideout.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit an application?

All applications must be submitted through Eventival. Please click the “Submit with Eventival” button at the top right corner of this page. You will need to create an Eventival account to complete your application.

Can I resubmit a project?

Yes. Projects submitted to a previous edition (excluding 2025) are eligible to participate in 2026 if significant changes to the creative and/or packaging of the project can be demonstrated. Producers and creators who have participated in previous editions are also welcome to submit new projects.

Can I submit a non-English language project?

Yes, but you must provide translated scripts and materials as part of the submission package. These projects must be pre-approved by the IFF team prior to submission.

Do I need to attend the International Finance Forum in person?

Yes. Selected participants must be available to attend in person for the International Finance Forum on May 28–29, 2026, in Toronto. The detailed schedule will be confirmed closer to the event.

Can I request an alternative process or format for submitting my application?

Yes. If you require an alternative process or format to submit your application, please contact us at forum@insideout.ca as soon as possible. Requests must be submitted before December 7, 2025.

Submit Now