The Market will be home to a number of new and reimagined programmes designed for creators and professionals to develop their projects further, find partnerships, and secure the creative and financial support that transforms ideas into impact. Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the initiatives 2026 attendees can expect:
Questions?
Review our Frequently Asked Questions for common inquiries. To inquire further, reach out to themarketsubmissions@tiff.net.
See our FAQ (pdf)open_in_new
Emerging Canadian and International directors engage in an intensive 5-day professional development experience, receiving tailored creative mentorship and project guidance from internationally acclaimed filmmakers and industry professionals. Applications open in February 2026 for programme attendance and business meetings in September 2026.
A collaborative 5-day programme for Canadian and International emerging screenwriters, followed by a script polish period with a development executive. Combining workshops, table reads, peer mentorship, and one-on-one consultations, participants develop enhanced script packages to further participate in Market business networking. Applications open in February 2026 for programme attendance in April 2026, a polish period over Summer 2026, and business meetings in September 2026.
An elite 4-day programme for Canadian series creator teams, focused on elevating premium episodic IP toward production and global markets. The programme offers pitch coaching, project refinement, packaging, and export strategies - ultimately preparing series creators for production, financing, and distribution meetings at the wider Market. Applications open in February 2026 for programme attendance and business meetings in September 2026.
Producers' Lab
A high-impact programme for mid-career Canadian producers looking to build globally competitive feature slates. Through intensive mentorship, strategic project guidance, curated meetings, and elite networking, participants strengthen their understanding of producing within the Canadian context while expanding toward international markets.
Coming 2027
Story Innovators Lab
A storytelling development programme for experienced IP holders seeking to expand their film or television IP to engage with audiences in new ways - from immersive and interactive XR to headset-free, IP-based content that is co-created with audiences and AI in real-time. Participants are expected to have prior industry experience and a commercially viable IP.
Coming 2027
Modelled on the highly successful existing formats for partner mentorships and fellowships, including Academy Nicholl Fellowships, CBC/Radio Canada, CHANEL, CJ Cultural Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Universal Filmmaker Initiative. TIFF: The Market’s Awards, Mentorships, & Fellowships allows for seamless integration with the Market initiatives to provide access, upskilling, and business networking for the selected beneficiaries.
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The Sloan Science on Screen Programme
An initiative putting science in the spotlight at TIFF and equipping filmmakers with creative support and industry connections to strengthen and highlight their feature-length or episodic projects about science and technology.
Funding for this programme, which includes a pitch event, writer fellowship, and film showcase, provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Public Understanding of Science and Technology program.
The CJ & TIFF K-Story Fund, presented by CJ Cultural Foundation and TIFF and in collaboration with KOFIC, is a new programme that aims to foster, support, and champion Korean-Canadian and Korean-American filmmakers looking to develop their first or second feature film.
The Charles Officer Legacy Award
The annual prize will be awarded to a nominee whose body of work exemplifies the artistic excellence, vision, and community-mindedness of our dear friend and colleague, the late filmmaker Charles Officer.
TIFF–CBC Films Screenwriter Award
A cash award is provided to the Canadian writer of an outstanding feature-film screenplay. Presented in partnership with CBC Films.
The five-day online event featured inspiring speakers and provocative discussions, along with innovative business and creative strategies.
See the full lineupUnearth our extensive archive of talks and discussions over the many years of Conference programming. Free on our YouTube channel!
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