Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
We can be reached by phone at 416-585-2333 or by email via info@imagineNATIVE.org.
You can also reach us via the form on our contact page.
We’re able to accept both online donations and donations made by cheque and mail it to:
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Attn. David Morrison
Suite 446
401 Richmond Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8
Relaxed Screenings are screenings where the environment is adjusted to accommodate people who would appreciate a sensory-friendly space, such as a relaxed attitude towards noise and movement, slightly lowered volume and lights at a dim level. People also are more than welcome to leave their seats to roam around.
IN-PERSON FESTIVAL QUESTIONS
The TIFF Bell Lightbox can be reached from the accessible St. Andrew subway station, and from the following TTC streetcar lines servicing King Street West: Route 503 and Route 504.
Nearby parking lots include:
- Underground parking at 350 King Street West
- Simcoe Place – Lot #436 (Simcoe Place, Front Street West)
- GoPark (9 Widmer Street)
- BestParking GO PARK Parking (120 Peter Street)
We recommend checking your route in case there are any TTC closures that could affect your travel time.
The first floor at the TIFF Bell Lightbox has two push-button swinging-door washrooms with two grab bars. The doorway measures 34″ wide and includes a lever handle, as well as a sensory sink that is 33″ high from the ground.
The second floor has one push-button swinging-door washroom with two grab bars. The doorway measures 34″ wide and includes a lever handle, as well as a sensory sink 33″ that is high from the ground.
The second floor also has one push-button accessible swinging-door washroom with sufficient rotating space for a wheelchair. The doorway measures 36″ wide and includes a lever handle, two grab bars, and a sensory sink that is 33″ high from the ground.
You can find all-gender washrooms in the theatre lobby and on each cinema floor. Visitors are encouraged to use the bathroom they are most comfortable with. Harassment of any kind, including harassment based on gender, is in violation of our Code of Conduct.
The TIFF Bell Lightbox’s main entrance is 52″ wide with automatic balanced sliding doors. The TIFF Bell Lightbox’s side entrance is 40″ wide with a push-button swinging door. The building elevators measure 41″ wide, and there is a wheelchair-accessible ramp that measures 111″ wide leading up to the cinemas on the second floor.
We will be using Cinemas 1, 3, and 4, all of which have wheelchair seating as well as step-free accessible seating. The doors are propped open during film load in and closed during the films, however there are ushers positioned near the exits who will open the doors for those who may need to leave during any screening. Please contact boxoffice@imagineNATIVE.org and/or accessibility@imagineNATIVE.org if you have questions or concerns about which seats to book.
Service animals are allowed on the premises at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Every film we present has English text on the screen for every word spoken. They are presented as one of the following:
Subtitles are a translation to English or transcription in English of all the video’s spoken dialogue.
Captions are a translation to English or transcription in English of all of the video’s spoken dialogue & key sound cues to give context for Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing audience members
NOTE: Most of our short programs are a mix of Subtitles and Captioning depending on what was available from the filmmaker.
To find out what is offered, please refer to 2023 Accessibility List . We will continue to update this document as more details are confirmed.
Check your internet connection to make sure you can access your account.
If you still can’t see your ticket, you can visit our in-person Box Office and request a print version of your ticket. The in-person imagineNATIVE Box Office is located on the first floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and will be open from October 17 to October 22, 2023. Please check our Box Office page for up-to-date hours of operation.
Tickets to most film screenings have assigned seating, so guests are able to book the seat that is most comfortable for them without worrying about arriving early and waiting in line. The type of seating will be evident at the point of booking.Our Awards Presentation will have general seating with accessible seating held until the show begins.
If you need assistance or have any questions, please reach out to boxoffice@imaginenative.org
A film’s availability is dependent on many factors beyond imagineNATIVE’s control. Please take a look at the PDF to see which films are available in your region: 2023 Online Festival GEOBLOCKING Reference sheet
ONLINE FESTIVAL QUESTIONS
You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7+, and Intel-based Macs running OSX 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome, and on iPhones and iPads using Safari.
You can watch imagineNATIVE Festival screenings from your computer, phone or tablet provided you have the correct system requirements and internet access.
Use the password reset option on the login page to reset your password. You will need access to the e-mail address you use to log in.
As a result of colonial violence, many Indigenous people have experienced trauma. imagineNATIVE greatly values the importance of healing and cultural safety. We understand that some content presented by imagineNATIVE may be upsetting or triggering for direct or intergenerational survivors of trauma. For this reason, Elders and support workers from Ontario Indian Residential School Support Services (OIRSSS) will be available throughout the Festival.
These services are for anyone, including non-Indigenous people, requiring emotional support or access to traditional medicines.
At imagineNATIVE we support uncensored Indigenous expression. Verbal disclaimers will be given during introductions for any programs containing scenes of graphic physical or sexual violence, or that deal with issues of Indian Residential Schools. Support workers available to talk by phone.
All films screening as part of the imagineNATIVE Festival 2022 will be equipped with Closed Captioning or Full English Subtitles. Our website has an accessible viewing and described audio widget to provide better access to our content.
Please refer to our website to find detailed information about which films will be captioned or fully subtitled.
You must be within the available streaming zones to play certain films. There are films that will not play outside of Ontario, Canada or North America.
You can find out if the film is available for your location by checking the Film Geoblocking Info.
We use adaptive bit-rate streaming which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback. If you’re on wifi, try moving closer to your router.
If you are having issues viewing content within the Festival Film website or if there appears to be a film missing from the homepage don’t forget to scroll down the page as there are additional titles throughout. As well, some film titles may be part of a short film program and may be included in the collection of films titled under a different program name.
After you have logged into our Festival Films Streaming website you will see the available films images and titles displayed on the homepage. From there you can click on one of the images to open the video for you to watch and enjoy.
All selected films will be available to watch online from October 24 at 10:00 am EST to October 30 at 11:59 PM EST.
No, unfortunately, our films have different geographical restrictions depending on their distribution rights.
You can find out if the film is available for your location by checking the Film Geoblocking Info.
You must purchase a package or single ticket from our online box office. You will be sent a link and an access code which will direct you toward our digital screening platform where you can watch films from the comfort of your own home.
Some Chromecast versions cannot support transitions from one video to another. If this happens, turn off casting and re-start it once the film starts playing.
You likely have “Screen Mirroring” turned on in your device settings. Please turn off the screen mirroring setting and start AirPlay by selecting the AirPlay button in the bottom right-hand side of the player.
You can directly connect your laptop or computer using an HDMI cable, by following these steps:
- Make sure your computer is close enough to your TV for the HDMI cable to reach.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable into your computer.
- Plug the other end of the cable into an available HDMI port on the TV. Take note of the HDMI input number.
- Using the TV’s remote control, set the TV to the HDMI input that matches the port you connected the cable to.
- If your computer’s display does not automatically appear on your television screen, you may need to have the computer manually detect the display:
- Windows: Right-click on the desktop and select “Display Settings” > “Detect” > “Multiple displays”, and select “Duplicate these displays”), and click Apply.
- Mac: Go to the Apple Menu and choose “System Preferences”. Choose “Displays”, and hold down the “Option” key to show the “Detect Displays” button. Click on “Detect Displays” while holding down the Option key.
Maybe. Unfortunately many built-in Smart TVs’ web browsers don’t support protected content playback. If you get a black screen or error message, it’s likely that your TV is not compatible. Try another method to get the video onto your TV.
You can cast to a 3rd generation or newer Chromecast stick.
To Chromecast from an Android phone or tablet:
- Make sure your Chromecast devices is on the same Wi-fi network as your mobile device
- After the video is playing, tap the “Cast” icon in the bottom right corner of the video player. If the icon doesn’t appear, unfortunately casting is not supported on your device.
To Chromecast from your computer:
- Make sure you’re using Google Chrome as your browser.
- After the video is playing, tap the “Cast” icon in the bottom right corner of the video player. If the icon doesn’t appear, unfortunately casting is not supported on your device.
BOX OFFICE QUESTIONS
From October 17 to October 22 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
| DATE | HOURS | |
| October 17 | 4:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| October 18 | 2:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| October 19 | 3:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| October 20 | 4:30 PM | 12:30 AM |
| October 21 | 1:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| October 22 | 12:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
We offer various single tickets, packages, and passes. Visit our online Box Office for ticket information. Please note that all sales are final.
Thanks to TD Bank, all screenings on Friday, October 20, 2023 will be free as part of TD Free Friday. These tickets are exclusively available on the day of the event at the in-person imagineNATIVE Box Office located at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Online redemption is not possible.
Yes. Please email boxoffice@imagineNATIVE.org prior to making your purchase if you wish to use your Status card to purchase tickets, packages, or passes online. Alternatively, you can visit the in-person imagineNATIVE Box Office located at the TIFF Bell Lightbox from October 17 to October 22, 2023 and remember to present your Status card in advance of making your purchase.
Yes. We offer discounted tickets for seniors, youth, and for attendees who self-identify as having low incomes. Discounted tickets can only be purchased at the in-person imagineNATIVE Box Office located at the TIFF Lightbox from October 17 to October 22, 2023. Please note that all sales are final and we cannot offer refunds.
Tickets, packages, and passes for screenings and events can be purchased via our online Box Office until October 29, 2023. Tickets for in-person screenings and events can also be purchased in-person at the TIFF Bell Lightbox from October 17 to October 22, 2023. Our in-person Festival runs from October 17 to October 22, 2023, and our online Festival runs from October 23 to October 29, 2023.
You need a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or Amex) for online purchases. Keep in mind that all sales are final.
The films in the festival have not been rated. Under the Film Content Information Act, 2020, there is no longer a requirement to provide movie ratings for films shown in Ontario. Viewing content with younger family members is up to your discretion.
We have posted content warnings on our website and within our screening platform next to films that contain sensitive and graphic content to help you navigate the screenings. Health support workers are available throughout the Festival in case of any audience member needing support with the content being displayed.
Health support workers are available throughout the Festival in case of any audience member needing support with the content being displayed.
Yes, there are no restrictions on the number of tickets or packages you can buy. Please note that all sales are final.
Click the “Sign In” button on the top right of our website or on the Elevent website. On the sign-in page, click the “Forgot Password” button, enter your registered email address, and follow the instructions to reset your password.
Absolutely! Choose the gift option during checkout. Remember that all sales are final.
Please note that all sales are final.
Sign in to your account on the Elevent website and access your profile by hovering over your name in the top right-hand corner and then clicking “Account.” Click “Edit Profile” on the left-hand side to update your account details, including your email and password. If you forget your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the sign-in page
No, all sales are final. If you need assistance or encounter account errors, email boxoffice@imagineNATIVE.org, and our team will provide any assistance that we can.
To redeem tickets, follow these steps on our website:
- Sign in with the email used to buy or claim your package.
- Browse the Event Schedule and on your chosen event, click “Buy Now.”
- Add tickets to your cart and check out (we recommend only fulfilling a maximum of 5 tickets at a time).
ACCESSIBILITY QUESTIONS
Yes. Selected introductions and post-screening Q&As will be presented with ASL interpretation. Please check out our website for the most up-to-date offerings.
If accessible seating is required, please email accessibility@imaginenative.org as early as possible, and we will ensure to reserve seating for you to be near the ASL interpreters.
we’re creating a list with information about captioning and ASL
We understand that some content presented by imagineNATIVE may be upsetting or triggering. Because of this, we will have support workers available on-site at the TIFF Bell Lightbox from October 18-23, 2022. Phone support will be available throughout our online festival from October 24-30, 2022 by calling 1-888-631- 6964 between the hours of 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
These services are for everyone, including non-Indigenous people, who may require access to emotional support or traditional medicines.
We are happy to announce that all of our venues are wheelchair accessible and barrier free. If you or someone else wants to inquire more about the Festival venues, we’re more than happy to provide you with further information upon the request, please email accessibility@imaginenative.org.
Accessible seating is reserved for disabled guests and their companions only. If you or someone else require accessible seating at a venue, please email accessibility@imaginenative.org as early as possible to reserve your seating.
Press through each of the buttons that appear on the Accessibility Beacon menu to choose the option that works best for you.
It offers options for screen contrast adjustment, link highlighting, bigger texts, bigger text spacing, pause animations, dyslexia-friendly font, cursor changes, tooltips, bigger line height, and uniform text alignment.
It appears as a circular button with the figure of a person in it on the upper-left corner. You can also access it by pressing CTRL+U on the keyboard.
While we strive to have all films shown with Open Captions, this isn’t always possible, so some films will be shown with Full English subtitles. Please refer to our online film listings for the most up-to-date information about what films offer what kind of readable text.
Go to the bottom right corner of the screen and click the button that looks like a screen with closed captioning as highlighted below.
GIVEAWAY QUESTIONS
No, Festival attendees are each eligible to win up to one gift card.
No, participation is on a purely opt-in basis.
No, unfortunately we can only accept entrants who reside in Canada, excluding Quebec residents (due to strict regulations and laws in Quebec). We apologize for any inconvenience.
No, the gift cards do not expire.
An imagineNATIVE representative will contact each winner and confirm their mailing information. The gift card will then be mailed to each winner.
You will be notified through email by an imagineNATIVE representative approximately two weeks after the online Festival concludes with information on how to redeem your gift card!
For the fourth consecutive year, imagineNATIVE is partnering with Sobeys to give our Festival attendees a chance to win 1 of 40 Sobeys gift cards, each worth $500 CAD! The Giveaway is an opportunity for us to reflect on all the support we receive throughout the year and to offer gifts of reciprocity to our community.
There are no additional fees for entrance to the Giveaway. Please enter the Giveaway using the QR code set up in pre-roll screenings during the Festival in cinemas, the iNdigital Space, select Industry Days events, and select Special Events.
INDUSTRY DAYS QUESTIONS
Micro Meetings scheduling and online participation will be managed through Eventtia. Leaders and participants will receive detailed instructions on how to access the platform through email.
To check in:
- Go to the link provided in the email
- Enter your email address to log in
- It’s very important that you verify the compatibility of your browser with our platform’s video and networking technology. To do so, click on Verify on the pop-up banner at the top
- Allow virtual-stage.eventtia.com to use your microphone and camera
- Click on Done at the bottom of the test video screen
- You are now ready for the micro meetings!
To access your agenda:
- Click on Program icon on the left (under the Home icon)
- Click on Meetings
To enter a meeting:
- Click on the meeting on your agenda
- Click Join
Yes. Micro Meetings are taking place in person at TIFF Bell Lightbox, but will also have a virtual option if you are unable to attend. This networking event is only open to Indigenous creators. Registration info will be sent via email to all Industry Package holders.
Industry Package holders will be notified when the registration opens and requires prior approval to be able to attend. Micro meetings leaders can register through the application form on the imagineNATIVE Website, under Institute opportunities.
The 2022 Micro Meetings are held during imagineNATIVE Industry Days, this full-day event of micro-meetings is the only market event of its kind in the world dedicated to Indigenous screen and digital content, giving Indigenous creatives valuable face-to-face time with industry leaders in various sections of the industry.
Industry Package holders will receive information about how and where to watch the recordings of in-person panels and conversations during our online festival (October 24th – 30th, 2022). These recordings will be available to the public later this year.
For more information, please check our website.
Yes, your industry package will provide access to the in-person festival’s program from October 18th – October 23th, 2022. Industry Package holders will also have access to our online festival from October 24th – October 30th, 2022.
Yes, you will need to book a ticket to any screenings and events. This package gets you a ticket to all in-person film screenings and special events plus an Online Package but you’re still required to reserve a seat.
This year, due to limited capacity, all Industry Days Package holders must RSVP to each individual Industry Days event, parties, and film screening they wish to attend. Industry Days Package holders are not guaranteed access to all events and must RSVP. We encourage Industry Days Package holders to RSVP for events they wish to attend during the festival.
Industry Days Package holders will receive 10 tickets to RSVP for events of their choosing during the early bird window starting September 23, 2022. Package holders can RSVP for additional events starting Oct 1, 2022.
Industry Packages are not available to purchase without prior approval or invitation. You can fill out the industry accreditation form on the imagineNATIVE website to apply for the chance to get an industry package.
The annual imagineNATIVE Industry Days will be presented from October 19 – 22, 2022 in Toronto, Ont, at Artscape Sandbox and TIFF Bell Lightbox and from October 24 – 30 online.
INDIGITAL DAYS AND SPACES QUESTIONS
Access to the iNdigital Space is completely free! The space will be open to the public from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM from October 18 to October 22, 2023.
The iNdigital Space is open to all ages, however, the recommended age for viewing VR experiences with equipment is 13+. We will also flag any content that is intended for older audiences. Viewing content with your young family members is up to your discretion.
The iNdigital Space will be open to the public from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM from October 18 to October 22, 2023.
Access to the iNdigital Space is FREE. The space will be open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm from October 18 to October 23, 2022.
We invite you to see, listen, and play with our diverse Official Selection, which includes VR, 360, AR, video games, interactive web, and digital media works.
We invite you to see, listen, and play with our diverse Official Selection, which includes VR, 360, AR, video games, interactive web, and digital media.
For more information about the official selection, please check our festival website.
All iNdigital Days events are open and FREE to the public on a first come, first served basis.
All iNdigital Days events will be held at our iNdigital Space located on the TIFF Bell Lightbox Gallery. Volunteers will direct you to the iNdigital Space.
For complete iNdigital Days schedule information, please refer to the imagineNATIVE website.
iNdigital Days are happening from October 19 to October 20, 2022 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
For complete iNdigital Days schedule information, please refer to the imagineNATIVE website.
Formerly Indigenous Digital Development Day (iDDD), iNdigital Days is an extended two-day event packed with opportunities to grow your practice and connect with other digital creatives! Join us at the TIFF Bell Lightbox Gallery from October 19 to October 20, 2022.
For complete iNdigital Days schedule information, please refer to the imagineNATIVE website.
COVID QUESTIONS
imagineNATIVE staff members will remain masked in indoor spaces. Patrons and volunteers are encouraged to wear masks, but this will not be enforced in any of our venues.
imagineNATIVE staff members will remain masked in indoor spaces. Patrons and volunteers are encouraged to wear masks, but this will not be enforced in any of our venues.
SUBMISSION QUESTIONS
Unfortunately, no. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to provide feedback or notes for unsuccessful applicants. The process of accepting and declining works is an emotional yet necessary experience for all involved. As artists ourselves, we understand how difficult it can be to receive such news. We appreciate feedback on our processes, and in return, are pleased to suggest alternative exhibition strategies for your work beyond our festival. We hope you continue to share your work and we look forward to meeting you at the festival!
If your submission status is “Disqualified,” this means your submission was not completed by the final day of the deadline window. Projects that are not received within the selected deadline window will be disqualified for the festival. If this happens, the main application contact will receive a notification from FilmFreeway. If you believe that your project was disqualified in error, please contact submissions@imagineNATIVE.org. If your project is not eligible for any of our festival programs for any reason, we will contact you directly.
Check your submission status by logging into your FilmFreeway account and navigating to the “Submissions” tab at the top of the page. From there, ensure the submission status column next to “imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival” shows a circular green icon next to the words “In Consideration.” If your submission status is listed as “Incomplete,” please review your submission to ensure all requirements and qualifications have been met and your video upload or link is in place.
Log in to your FilmFreeway account at any time to update or revise information on your project page. You can also upload a new version of your film or change your video link under the “Project File” tab. We will use the contact information from the “Submitter Information” section of your project page to contact you regarding the status of your submission, including whether or not you were accepted into the festival. Please ensure this information is kept up to date. imagineNATIVE will not be held responsible for incorrect or outdated contact information in your submission.
The annual imagineNATIVE Awards are adjudicated by an independent jury and each award is determined by jury consensus, with the exception of our Audience Choice Award.
Along with the award, winners receive a sponsored cash prize.
Please email us at submissions@imagineNATIVE.org and we will work with you to ensure you can submit to the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival.
To ensure we are accessible, imagineNATIVE requires a closed captioning file. However, if a version of your film exists with open captions embedded, then you can submit that version. During the festival we embed the submitted closed caption files, forcing them to become open captions. All our publicly screened films with in-person screenings will have open captions. Any films posted online will have closed captions, giving the viewer control.
We have included some additional context on captioning:
- Captions are intended to provide an equivalent viewing experience for individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing
- There are two types of captions: open and closed. Open captions are embedded into the video file and cannot be turned off, while closed captions (CC) can be turned on or off by the user
- Captions must include all audio sounds including sound effects, speaker IDs, background noises and other relevant elements translated from sound to text
- Captions improve user engagement and contribute to a better watching experience
imagineNATIVE considers an emerging filmmaker as someone of any age who has less than three years of practice and has completed or is completing at least one independent film or video work.
Yes. imagineNATIVE supports all Indigenous artists’ work, including those who give their time, insight and talent as board members, staff, contractors and volunteers.
No problem, we are accepting submissions in all languages. However, the festival audience is primarily English-speaking and Non-English language works with dialogue must include English closed captioning to be eligible. As an exception, closed captioning is not required if the artist intends to present the film or piece in the original language without English subtitles for artistic or cultural reasons. If applicable, please specify in the submission form.
We are accepting film + video works (e.g. cinematic films, music videos, web series), digital + interactive works (e.g. non-interactive digital works, interactive works such as VR, video games, choose-your-own-adventure), and audio works (e.g. soundscapes, sound art, radio plays, audiobooks, narrative podcasts, documentary podcasts).
Joint creative works may be considered with requests for additional clarification.
Yes. However, in some cases an Indigenous person may not know their nation or community. To gain a better understanding of these realities, we welcome all Indigenous people to share their story.
No. There is no cost to submit to the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival.