Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Yes! This year, volunteers will support the in-person and online festival. For more information about online volunteer opportunities, please email volunteer@imagineNATIVE.org or call 416-585-2333 x 105.
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.
- Participate in the world’s largest Indigenous film and media arts festival
- Contribute to breaking barriers and connecting communities
- Learn more about Indigenous perspectives through innovative storytelling, film and media arts
- Special access vouchers to imagineNATIVE screenings
- Attend imagineNATIVE’s Volunteer Appreciation Party
There are many opportunities and roles for everyone! For example: Leadership Roles (ex. Volunteer Captains), Industry Event Assistants, Social Media Content Capture, Digital & Interactive Support, Help Chat Support and Website Trial Testing.
There will be in-person and online volunteer opportunities. If any of these roles caught your attention, sign up to be a volunteer with imagineNATIVE through the volunteer application form.
For inquiries email volunteer@imagineNATIVE.org or call 416-585-2333 x 105.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with imagineNATIVE! Please fill out the volunteer application form and our team will contact you.
Please note, any application submitted after September 25th 2022 will be for the 2023 season.
For assistance in completing the application form regarding any accessibility requirements, email volunteer@imagineNATIVE.org or call 416-585-2333 x 105.
BOX OFFICE QUESTIONS
Ticket Packages are available to purchase now. Single tickets will be available for purchase on October 1, 2022.
You can purchase single tickets and packages through our online box office.
You must have a credit card to purchase tickets or packages through our online box office. You can use VISA, MasterCard, or Amex to complete your purchase.
Please note that all sales are final.
In the top right corner of our ticketing web page, you can find the login/register button. When you click on that, it will take you to the sign-in page where you can enter your email and password. Under the line where it asks for your password, there is a small blue button on the right side of the form that reads “forgot password”. When you click on this, you will be brought to a new page where you will enter the email address you signed up for your ticketing account with. Then our ticketing program will send you a new password for you to reset your password and access your account.
We have a variety of packages available to purchase. All sales are final.
Single Package ($150 CAD). This package gets you a ticket to all in-person film screenings and special events plus an Online Package.
Festival Supporter ($225 CAD). This package gets you a ticket to all in-person film screenings and special events plus an Online Package, plus get a tax receipt for $75!
Dual Package ($250 CAD). This package gets you 2 tickets to all in-person film screenings and special events plus 2 Online Packages.
You can find out more details on our online box office.
Single Tickets – $10 CAD
Student (with ID)/Senior/Low-Income – $6
You can find out more details on our online box office.
imagineNATIVE is also pleased to announce the return of TD Free Friday at the 2022 Festival. Thanks to TD Bank’s generous contribution, tickets to all screenings on Friday, October 21, 2022, will be free. TD Free Friday is intended to provide a greater opportunity for a larger number of individuals to experience imagineNATIVE’s programming. Please note, tickets will be available the day of in our in-person Box Office at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
To redeem tickets, please visit our website and follow the steps listed below to secure your tickets to our in-person festival.
Ticket Redemption Steps
Step 1: Visit the imagineNATIVE website and sign in on the top right corner with the email that you claimed your package with.
Step 2: Hover over your name and click “Account”
Step 3: A popup will appear. Click on “Fulfill Package” under your Package type.
Step 4: Browse our Event Schedule. Click BUY NOW under the event you’d like to book.
Step 5: Add the ticket/s to the cart We recommend fulfilling 5 tickets at a time to avoid overloading the ticketing system. So, add the tickets to 5 events and then “check out” in your shopping card.
Note: Your ticket package includes an online pass. This will give you access to our virtual Screening Platform from October 24 – 30.
Please visit our Online Box Office to find more information about the packages available to purchase and select the one you wish to buy. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket package or single tickets in our In-person Box Office. The imagineNATIVE In-person Box Office is on the first floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and will be open from October 18 – 30. Hours of operation are 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Once you have registered for an account by purchasing tickets on our website you will be sent a receipt, access code, and additional information to that email address registered with that account. To change information in your account, you will need to log in to your Elevent account.
Once you are logged in to your account, you can access your profile account by clicking on your name in the top right-hand corner, and then “account” on the dropdown. Then there is an option on the left-hand side of the profile labelled “Edit Profile” which will allow you to update your email, password, and more.
If you have forgotten your password, you can click on “forgot password” under the sign-in option.
Yes. When you are on our ticketing web page, you can select the type of package or ticket you wish to purchase and you can toggle to select how many of each you would like to purchase. Please note that the digital link and code will be sent to the email address that you enter when you register for a login at the time of your purchase.
Please note that all sales are final.
Yes! Select the gift option on the checkout page.
Please note 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 trigger 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.
All Sales Are Final.
If you require further assistance with ticketing or there has been an error on your account, please email support@imagineNATIVE.org, and our team will follow up with you within 24hrs to resolve this issue.
IN-PERSON FESTIVAL QUESTIONS
Selected films will screen during our online festival from October 24 – 30.
The screenings at the TIFF Bell Lightbox and the Ted Rogers Hot Doc Cinema will be assigned seating.
You can purchase single tickets and packages through our online box office.
TIFF Bell Lightbox
The first floor 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.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
The main floor has an accessible washroom with two grab bars and space for a wheelchair surrounding the toilet. The doorway measures 36” wide and includes a lever handle as well as a lowered hook behind the door to hang items.
Ticket Packages are available to purchase now. Single tickets will be available for purchase on October 1, 2022.
You can purchase single tickets and packages through our online box office.
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.
TIFF Bell Lightbox
TIFF Bell Lightbox’s main entrance is 52″ wide with automatic balanced sliding doors. 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.
THE CINEMAS
We will be using Cinema’s 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 what seats to book
Service animals are allowed on the premises.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
The main entrance has large wide doors (36”) with an automatic door opener. Service animals are welcome in all areas of the cinema that are open to the public.
THE CINEMA
The main floor of the auditorium has designated wheelchair locations within the auditorium and is equipped with transfer seats available for usage by patrons wishing to move from wheelchairs or other assistance devices. Please contact boxoffice@imaginenative.org and/or accessibility@imaginenative.org if you have questions or concerns about what seats to book.
Check your internet connection to make sure you can access your account. If you still can’t see your ticket, you can go to our in-person Box Office and request a print version of your ticket.
The imagineNATIVE In-person Box Office is on the first floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and will be open from October 18 – 30. Hours of operation are 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
For more information, please contact our online support team through our Help Chat.
Look out for one of our friendly volunteers – they’re here to answer all your questions and point you in the right direction!
TIFF Bell Lightbox
TIFF Bell Lightbox can be reached from the accessible St. Andrew subway station, and by the following streetcar lines servicing King Street West: Route 504 & Route 503
Nearby parking spots 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.
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
The Hot Docs Cinema is located near the accessible Bathurst Subway Station, approximately a 4-min walk to the theatre. You can take the 511 streetcar/bus and get off at the Bathurst St at Lennox St. stop.
Nearby parking spots include:
Green P Parking 085 – 622-644 Markham St.
Parking Lot (near PAT) – 610-654 Manning Ave Parking
Green P Parking 093 – 696 Euclid Ave
We recommend checking your route in case there are any TTC closures that could affect your travel time.
ONLINE FESTIVAL QUESTIONS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are two Audience Choice Awards for the short and feature films that get the most votes during the festival period. Each winning film gets a $1,000 cash prize.
You can watch imagineNATIVE Festival screenings from your computer, phone or tablet provided you have the correct system requirements and internet access.
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.
Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 and you will require the Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported.
Mac OSX 10.12 or later and you will require the Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.
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.
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.
During our in-person screenings, patrons will be able to scan a QR code that will redirect you to our voting platform. For our online screenings, there will be a widget in our screening platform (Cinesend) that will redirect you to our voting platform.
Only votes from guests who have viewed the films they vote for are eligible.
To access the festival on our app you can download the Cinesend App On Roku or AppleTV (Gen4 and above). Then you are able to Cast from a computer or Android phone/tablet using the Chrome browser to a Chromecast device or Airplay from a computer, iPhone, or iPad to an AppleTV (Gen 2 and above) or to any Smart TV bearing the “AirPlay” badge
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.
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.
Yes, you can watch content using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later. Please note that you must have “Screen Mirroring” turned off for content to play.
Yes, you can watch content using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later.
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 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.
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.
You can Chromecast from a Chrome web browser on PC and Mac computers as well as Android devices by selecting the cast button in the bottom right-hand side of the player.
You can AirPlay from most browsers if you have Apple TV by selecting the cast button in the bottom right-hand side of the player.
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.
Under Bill C-59, it is illegal to make a recording of the films screened at imagineNATIVE Film and Media Festival. Section 432. (1) A person who, without the consent of the theatre manager [imagineNATIVE], records in a movie theatre [Cinesend platform] a performance of a cinematographic work within the meaning of section 2 of the Copyright Act or its soundtrack (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction. (2) A person who, without the consent of the theatre manager [imagineNATIVE], records in a movie theatre a performance of a cinematographic work within the meaning of section 2 of the Copyright Act or its soundtrack for the purpose of the sale, rental or other commercial distribution of a copy of the cinematographic work (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction. (3) In addition to any punishment that is imposed on a person who is convicted of an offence under this section, the court may order that anything that is used in the commission of the offence be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province in which the proceedings are taken. Anything that is forfeited may be disposed of as the Attorney General directs.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Press through each of the buttons that appear on the Accessibility Beacon menu to choose the option that works best for you.
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
Unfortunately, due to strict regulations and laws in Quebec for events like our giveaway, we cannot include Quebec residents.
For the third year in a row, imagineNATIVE will be conducting a giveaway! 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.
The prizes are Gift Cards from the following companies! Gift Cards range from $50 to $500.
In-Person Giveaways:
Sobeys, Tuscarora Woodworks, Sky-Eagle Collection, Good Minds Books, Massy Books, Nativelovenotes, UasaU Soaps, Melancholy Queers Club, Beam Paints, Blue Banana Market, The Pilot and Spirit Bear Coffee.
Online Exclusive Giveaways:
Sobeys, Kokom Scrunchies, Medicine Garden Society, Yukon Soaps and Iron Dog Books.
The prize will be emailed to the winner after being contacted by an imagineNATIVE representative.
You will be notified by an imagineNATIVE representative during the event and receive an email within 5 days of winning a gift card.
Terms of the gift card will be given in acceptance of the prize.
There are no additional fees for entrance to the giveaway. You can simply show up to an event where a giveaway is occurring and participate.
Participation is on a purely opt-in basis.
You are eligible to win up to one (1) gift card for each event where a giveaway prize is offered.
INDUSTRY DAYS QUESTIONS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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, 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.
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.
INDIGITAL DAYS AND SPACES QUESTIONS
The iNdigital Space is located inside the TIFF Bell Lightbox Gallery. The entire iNdigital Space is free to visit and explore, and we’ve worked hard to make it accessible and inclusive for all–trained volunteers and staff are on hand to support your enjoyment of these unique works.
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.
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.
The iNdigital Space will be open to the public from 11 am to 8 pm from October 18 to October 23, 2022.
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.
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.
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.
All iNdigital Days events are open and FREE to the public on a first come, first served basis.
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
Joint creative works may be considered with requests for additional clarification.
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.
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.
Along with the award, winners receive a sponsored cash prize.
No. There is no cost to submit to the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival.
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!
Yes. imagineNATIVE supports all Indigenous artists’ work, including those who give their time, insight and talent as board members, staff, contractors and volunteers.
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.
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.
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. 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.