Submission Instructions

Please read our Eligibility Guidelines before filling out this form.

• Submission fees are non-refundable.

• Payments are accepted by credit card and charged once we receive a copy of your film. The form must be submitted, and the fee paid, before the final deadline (March 31, 2026) to be considered.

If you prefer sending an e-transfer, or have any questions, please reach out to hello@sortofastudio.com before filling out the form.

Why Submit?

• Share your film in a safe and supportive environment

• Connect with fellow filmmakers, film enthusiasts, artists, and industry professionals

• Participate in panel discussions and community conversations

• Be part of building something new: a festival rooted in community, representation, creativity, and cultural exchange

Eligibility Guidelines

Tiny Hours Film Festival is about sharing stories in a safe, inclusive space. Whether it’s a personal project you’ve been sitting on or a short you’ve been perfecting, we welcome all filmmakers to submit. Rough cuts, experiments, and passion projects included.

We welcome films from:

• Emerging and established filmmakers across genres, including: Narrative Shorts, Documentaries, Experimental Films, and Animation

• Filmmakers who own full rights to their submitted film

• Projects highlighting underrepresented perspectives and cultures

We especially encourage submissions from:

• Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC)

• 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers

• Disabled creators

• Storytellers whose perspectives are often overlooked

Key Dates

• Early Bird Deadline: January 31, 2026 — $50

• Regular Deadline: February 28, 2026 — $75

• Final submissions accepted by March 31, 2026 — $100

• Notification of Selection: April 15, 2026

• Festival Date: May 29-31, 2026 at Westside Studio (70 Ward Street) in Toronto, Ontario

Submission Requirements

• Maximum film length: 20 minutes

• Non-English films must include English subtitles

• Accepted formats: Online screener (Vimeo/YouTube with password) for review. If selected, filmmakers will be asked to provide a high-resolution file (ProRes .mov or .mp4).

Awards & Recognition

Tiny Hours is about celebration, not competition. Each selected film is honoured as part of a collective of storytellers shaping our world. We spotlight films through:

• Community Choice – recognizing a film that sparks conversation and connection among viewers

• Programmer’s Picks – highlighting works that moved us in unexpected ways

• Emerging Filmmaker Recognition – shining a light on new voices stepping into their craft