Submissions

All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway. We do not accept submissions by email. A separate entry form is required for each film being submitted.

Works-in-progress and rough cuts are accepted but a completed exhibition copy should be available for final approval by the deadline (January 11, 2026). We encourage you to submit your film as close to completion as possible.

Captions are not required when submitting your film for consideration. However, all films selected to screen at Inside Out must include captions or subtitles in English. While we cannot offer caption creation services, we’re happy to provide recommendations.

We are seeking films that are inclusive of—and of interest to—the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This includes narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films, both feature-length and shorts. Films with a completion date no more than 18 months before the festival dates are eligible. Films completed after the previous year’s festival will be given preference.

Yes. Submission fees help us provide filmmaker support during the festival so every dollar goes back into creating the best festival experience for you and our community. We aim to eliminate as many barriers as possible, so if you need assistance with fees, please reach out to us at programming@insideout.ca.

1. Only secure online screeners will be accepted for preview. If you wish to submit in any other format, please email programming@insideout.ca for approval.

2. All films selected to screen at Inside Out must include either captions or subtitles in English.

3. Works-in-progress and rough cuts can be submitted only if a completed exhibition copy will be available for final approval by February 6, 2026.

4. Inside Out reserves the right to excerpt programmed works (up to 3 minutes) along with photographic stills for promotional and marketing purposes.

5. All submissions must be received by January 11, 2026 (If you need an extension you must contact programming@insideout.ca)

6. Acceptable screening formats at the Festival are DCP, Quicktime.

7. Films with a completion date no more than 18 months before the festival dates will be accepted, films with a completion date later than the previous year’s festival dates will be given preference.

The Festival will make every effort to ensure the safe keeping of all productions submitted for competition which are in its care or control. However, the Applicant in applying to the Festival agrees to release the Festival, its Officers, Directors and other representatives, from any and all claims arising in any way from the submission of materials by or on behalf of the Applicant, whether on film, video or otherwise to the Festival.